THE CAROLINA INDIAN VOICE
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? i2c ? iblished each Thursday by First American Publications, Pembroke, NC
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VOLUME23 ~ g THURSDAY FEBRUARY 8, 1996
Sr ? ;
Rose /s51 Lowry-Townsend,
Pres id * - f NCAE,enters fray for
7th Cc ? ssional District seat
by Bruce Barton
Raleigh?It's official! Rose Marie
Lowry-Townsend has entered the fray
for the 7th Congressional seat vacated
by Rep. Charlie Rose, who earlier
decided not to fun for re-election.
Rose Marie Lowry-T ownsend is one
of seven Democrats vying for the
nomination in the Democratic
primary.
The crowded field infers that there
is no clear cut leader, and LowryTownsend
presents some interesting
possibilities, especially when one
considers that she is the only woman
in the field of candidates, and is a
Native American from Robeson
County and the Pembroke area.
Political pundits remember that Rep,
Charlie Rose staved off seeming defeat
in the last congressional election by
carrying Robeson County, and polling
overwhelming numbers in the Indian
camp.
Rose Marie Lowry-Townsend is
presently serving her third term as
president of the North Carolina
Association of Educators (NCAE). 42
years old, Lowry-Townsend i s on leave
from Robeson County w here she was
serving as principal of Union
Elementary School when she won her
post at NCAE.
The 7th District covers parts of
eight counties, including Cumberland.
Bladen. Columbus and Robeson. The
primary election is May 7. with the
general election set for November 5.
Lowry-Townsend touts her
background as an educator, and her
tics to agriculture, remembering her
days in the tobacco fields of Robeson
County. Both her parents were
educators, and maintained a small
farming interest on the side to make
ends meet because the meager income
from teaching was not enough to keep
up a family. Her father is the popular
and peripatetic Rev. Wclton Lowry.
now retired from the classroom and
the pulpit
Lowiy-Townsend lists education,
agriculture and " economic
development as her top priorities. She
notes, "lam one of those people who
believes that education opens the door
to everything."
Lowry-Townsend joins a crowded
field of Democratic candidates,
including Marcus Williams of
Wilmington. Tim Dunn. George
Brcccc. and Glenn Jernigan of
Fayclteville. Mike Mclntyre of
Lumbcrton. and Howard Grcenbaum
of Kure Beach Republicans in the
race include Bill Caster of
Wilmington, and Fayettevillians
Robert Anderson. Jim Cooper and
Robert Wilkic.
Paul Brooks announces bid for reelection
to board of education of
Public Schools of Robeson County
Paul Brooks of Pembroke'recently
announced his bid to seek reelection
to the Robeson County Board of
Education to represent District 5. This
District encompasses all of North
Pembroke precinct, and portions of
South Pembroke, Union, Alfordsville.
and Maxton. Brooks was elected to
represent District 5 in 1992, and has
served as Chairman of the Board since
the beginning of the 1995 school year.
The Board has made many positive
accomplishments for the schools of
Robeson since Brooks' term as the
representative for District5. Education
of the children of Robeson County has
been improved considerably.
According to Brooks, this is evident
from the fact there arc more schools in
the county receiving state accreditation
and several others becoming
candidates for state accreditation such
as Prospect Elementary, Magnolia
Elementary, and Fairgrove
Elementary. Brooks feels this
accomplishment can be attributed (0
the successful working relationship of
the Board, as well as the hard work
and dedication of the many principals,
teachers, students, and parents of the
community schools. Further, since
Brooks' election to the Board, Robeson
County schools have continued to meet
the necessary seventy-five criteria
required by the state tooperatea school.
Upon taking the seat in 1992, the level
held by Robeson County schools was
thirty-three percent. Currently, this
level has risen to sixty-eight percent.
;--v ' ' ..1 .. * . . '
Here again, this achievement,
according to Brooks can be attributed
to the solid working relationship of
the Board, and all citizens of Robeson
Count}'.
In continuing his commitment to
the betterment of education for all
children of Robeson County. Brooks
played a significant role in the filing
of a law suit against the state in 1993
asking the state to provide equal
funding for all schools in NC.
According to Brooks, monies arc
appropriated to schools based on the
average per capita income of the
county. Because Robeson's average
per capita income is quite lower than
that of other counties, the educational
funds received by our county arc
significantly less than those counties
with a higher average per capita
income. He feels this process allows
the state to neglect children, and the
process for appropriating educational
funds should be equalized. The case
is pending, and Brooks feels a more
fair process to benefit the children of
Robeson County will be the outcome.
In asking Brooks w hat he envisions
for the future of Robeson County
schools, he replied. "I vtould like to
sec Robeson County focus not only on
the traditional educational curriculum,
but also take a. look at providing
opportunities for children to
participate in the Arts. Participation
in such programs instills discipline ,
within children, and discipline in turn
makes for better students. The county
has a mass or talented chi ldrcn who do
not have the opportunity or a way to
perfect those talents. 1 would like to
see additional funds appropriated to
Robeson to allow the Board to
incorporate these programs into the
academic curriculum
Another goal Brooks has is the
incorporation of a program into the
curriculum designed for those students
who do not plan to attend a college or
a university. All of our students do not
wish to attend college, we need a
comprehensive curriculum that offers
technical courses to prepare those
students w ho do not have college as a
goal, to be successful in their chosen
field. In this manner, we address the
needs of all students.
There arc many obstacles hi ndering
the educational process for our
children, and if reelected to represent
District 5. { will continue to fight
earnestly to remove all obstacles
hindering the educational process for
our children. "
Brooks is running unopposed for
the District 5 scat. However, he says
he is not taking voters for granted and
w ill campaign in his usual aggressive
manner "
Brooks currentIv serves as the
Director of Professional Providers,
Inc.. a companv,established to serve
the health care needs of individuals of
Robeson and Scotland counties In
addition, he serv es as the Chairman of
the NC Commission of Indian Affairs
a position he has held since 1992.
Brooks and his wife Pauline, have
four children.
News from Purnell
Swett High School
Emily Love, a senior, received a
student of Excellence Award presented
by the Pembroke Chamber of
Commerce. She was also
acknowledged at the board of
education for this outstanding award
January 16.
Hypnotist, Dr. Jim Wand.'visitcd
the school Wednesday, January 24. as
he allowed students to participate and
experience adventures such as riding
on a roller coaster, flying as ducks,
and performing as famous musicians.
The Living History Club under the
direction of John Hodges, Social
Studiesteacher, performed the musical
play, "Remembering the 60s" at the
Carolina Civic Theater January 2518.
Some historical events included
the Civil Rights Act with Martin L.
King and the Vietnam War. Some of
the musicians that were imitated were
the Shcrrcl Is, the Supreme, the Beatles
* and the Temptations
The 9th grade basketball team and
Coach David Cummings have had an
outstandingycar. OnTuesday. January
30. 1996 the Rams played Scotland.
This game was the final game of the
regular season. The Rams of the
Eastern Division (6-1, 11-1) led the
game with a 2-point lead during fourth
quarter. Jordan Sampson had 18 points
while Issac Dial added 10 points. The
final score of the game was 51 -49 with
(he Rams defeating Scotland
Several students were nominated
for the Governor's School. Thc\
included Brooke Locklcar and Dnncllc
Dial in academics, and Damicn
Locklcar. Andrea Locklcar. Ariel
Lowry. and Dawn Marie Oxcndinc in
Performing arts.
The Indian Education Program
along with the American Indian
Scicnceand Engineering Society held
their 4th annual American Indian
> Science.and Engineering Fair at the
Indian Education Resource Ccntci
January 8. Rachel T. Blue, a freshman
won second place in the ninth grade
division; and in the eleventh grade
division. Brooke Locklcar and
Shannon Nutting won third place.
The Purncll Swett Booster Clut
sponsored an appreciation dinnci
Saturday, January 28 for coaches ane
supporters of the school's distrio
athletics, varsity football coach Billy
Byrd, Purncll Swett Booster Clut
president John Lowry. Public School:
ofRobeson County Supervisor, Ronnii
Chavis, and Pembroke Middle Schoo
Principal Noah Woods emphasize!
community support and workinj
together. Rep. Ronnie Sutton presentee
a trophy to ninth grade football coacl
Johnny Hincs. his staff and team fo
winning the Eastern Division with i
record 54) and Finishing runner up in
Ihc Rockingham District for the
Southeastern 4-A Conference title
The trophy Was provided Locklear.
Jacobs. Suiton and Hunt. Attorneys at
Law. Pembroke
Marcus Andrew Hunt, a junior at
Purncll Swell High, participated in
the University of North Carolina t
Greensboro's Quarter Fest on
December 2. 1995.
It was an all day even which
included Delphic String Trip recital
coachingclasscs. rehearsal classes and
a student chamber recital
Marcus' group performed
Beethoven's String Trip in E-Flat
major Op 3. Ihc Allegro con brio
> movement?.*-..
The staff coaches for Ihc Quarter
i Fest were Elizabeth Anderson-ocllisl.
Scott Rawls- violist. and Katie
; Lansdalc-violinist
I Marcus is the student of Charlza
Babcock who teaches stringed
i instruments.
! See PSHS photos page 2
t ag^aag=ii
I Open House
| at Swett High
l Open House will be held at Purncl
J Swett High School on February L
D frpm 6:30-8:30 p.m. Parents an
r encouraged to attend and talk with tin
a teachers
A senior at Purnell Swett High School, Emily Love, received the Robeson
County Student of Excellence A ward by Ken i .eeman from the Pembroke
Chamber of Commerce. , 1
Sh e has been involved in th e National Honor Society (I I-12 grade), Wh o 's
Who Among High School Students (grades 9-12), Native American High
School Intern- Project '95 and Public Schools of Robeson County Honor
Roll (grades 9-12).
Emily is also involved in extra curricular activities such as Varsity Tennis
(9-12), AISES Club (11-12), Student Government Association (grades 1912),
Save Our Students Tutor (11-12), ar.d Purnell Swett Ram Singers
(grades 11-12).
She is a member of the First United Methodist Church of Pembroke and
a Youth Leader.
Applications
being accepted
for Head Start
Head Start is in the process of
recruiting children agfcs 3 and 4 years
old by school entry date- October 16.
1996. Head Start is a federally funded
program designed to help break the
cycle of poverty by providing pre
school children of low income families
with acomprchensive program to meet
the children's emotional, social,
health, nutritional and psychological
needs. Parents of special needs
children are encouraged to apply.
Applications are being accepted daily
from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For further
information or assistance, please cal:
Pembroke Head Start Center, at 910521-9230.
Prospect Head Start Center
at 910-521-9200. The Head Start
Centers are a part of the Four County
Community Services. Inc..
Local schools
Accredited
Three schools in the Public Schools
of Robeson County have been accepted
as candidates for accreditation for
1996 by the Commission on
Elementary and Middle Schools of
the Southern Association of Colleges
and Schools: Fairgrove. Magnolia.
andProspcct Elementary Schools were
accepted during celebration of the
Regional Accrediting Association's
100-year anniversary.
Activities at Pembroke
Housing Authority
Pembroke Housing Authority has
started a Bowling League for its youth.
The League consists of six teams, with
five youths on each team. Strickland
Heights has two teams and the other
four sites has one team each. The
youth participating in this league are
ages 12-17 years old. They will be
playing each Thursday night at
Pembroke State University 's Student
Center. Cultural Program Coordinator
La-Meccha Swett willbe coordinating
the league. .
Local schools
recognized by
Southern
Association
Three schools in the Public Schools
of Robeson County, were recently
recognized by the Commission of
Elementary and Middle Schools of
the Southern Association of Colleges
antl Schools for maintaining
Accreditation and membership in the
Association for ten years. The
Commission honored the milestone
membership for East Robeson. Long
Branch, and Pembroke Elementary
Schools during celebration of the
Regional Accrediting Association's
100 year anniversary.
Accreditation is a proccssof helpi ng
institutions improve through
systematic program of evaluation.. It
assures not only that an institution
meets minimum standards, but also
that it demonstrates a commitment to
providing quality education programs
The association is a non governmental
agency and membership is voluntary
Founded in 1895. and
headquartered in Decatur. GA. the
Southern Association is one of six
regional accrediting bodies in the
United States and covers eleven
southern states from Virginia through
Texas, as well as U.S.-typc schools in
Latin America Its membership
includes more than 12.000 accredited
public and private schools and
colleges, universities, militaiy schools,
high schools, junior high schools,
middle schools: elementary schools,
and early childhood centers and
kindergartens in the region.
t ^a^Traditionalist
& Pow
(Please note the differences from past years)
March I4-16-Nativc American New Year Ceremonial
Festival. Thursday . March 14- Elder;s Council meeting; prayer
circle; talk circle and social time. Sunrise-Noon-EveningSundow'n
Ceremonies. And other times as needed by guests and
attendees. In between will be social, education, talk and prayer
groups meeting. All are invited. .
May 10-12- Lumbcc Spring Dance Festival. Lumberton
Fairgrounds. *
April 12-13-PecDcelndianAssociation Pow-Wow. Lindsay
Park. Benneltsville. SC.
June 13-16-Traditional Spiritual gathering.
No fees. No admission. No vendors. No competition. Pray,
sing, dance, drum, learn, teach, enjoy Free admission. Free
camping. Bartering only. 24-hour security. Meet Native
Americans from all over Indian country.
June 30-July 7- Lumbcc Homecoming
September 20-22- Lumbcc Fall Ceremonial. Picnic style
meals. No admission. No vendors. Barter only. No competition.
Celebrate the creator s Harvest Gifts."
October.11-13- Lumbcc Fall Pow Wow
Note: means that food at this event w ill be pot luck, picnicstyle.
There w ill be a cooking committee that will cook donated
food or you can grill or picnic on your own. There will be no
admission fee. no vendors, no compcition. A donation box w ill
be available for support of other Elders Council programs
November 21-22- Indian Cultural Center Fall Festival.
Fire circle ceremonials, sunrise, noon, evening, sundown
Come learn, socialize, support theEldcrs and thcNorth Carolina
Indian Cultural Center j
TBA- Tree lighting and fire ceremonies. Sunrise, noon, s
evening
December 21- Winter Solstice. Sunrise and Noon
Looking for Indian roots
in Robeson County
$50 reward for information:
Can you help me find my family?
My name is Teresa Huff. 1 was adopted
in Lumbcrton in 1972 and am now
trying to locate my birth parents and
older brothers.
Hcrc'sjhc background information
my adoptive parents were given.
I was born prematurely on 8 April
1969. weighing 5 pounds. 11 ounces
I had so many health problems that
my birth iriotlicr couldn't keep me so
I was put into foster care about June.
1969. My birth parcntsor foster family
night have been named Brown. 1 was
adopted by Bill and Sandy Huff at the
age of 2 1/2.
My birth mother, a Lumbce Indian,
was born in 1944 in NC. which would
make her about 51 now. In 1972 she
worked in a bar. She was 5'2" tall, and
completed 9th grade, fjcr mother died
about 1957. and her fatiifcr did fariii
work. She had one older brother
My birth father was born about
I 1946, which w ould make him 49 now
I He completed the 8th grade, and drove
c a truck in 1972. He was5'10" tall and
c weighed 145 pounds. Hewasthc fourth
,of 11 children. His father was born
about 1914. and in 1972 had a heart
condition and diabetes His mother
was a high school graduate. He was
also full or part Lumbcc.
I have two older full brothers, born
in 1964and 1965. One was kept b> my
paternal grandmother and the other
by a paternal aunt One grandfather
was killed in a traffic accident while
walking down a highway
1 am now 26 years old and interested
in finding my medical history, and
meeting my brothers My adoptive
parents arc very supportive of my
search and arc offering a $50 reward
. IS.. I lie first person giving me
information that leads to my finding
my binh family
Ifyou have any information, please
write, or call me collect. I am also
asking that you pass this letter on to
whoever you think might be able to
help in my search
Sincerely.
Teresa Ann Huff
3520 Falrview Street
Safety Harbor, Ft. 3-1605
Ph/f ax (HI3) 725-1015.
Parkton School
plans Valentine's
Day Program
On Wednesday. February 14.19%.
Parkton School will hold its third
annual "For the Love of Children"
nuni conference. The conference is
intended for all family members and
interested friends The opening session
will begin at 4 p.m. in the Parkton
School Performing Arts.,Center
(Auditorium) Each concurrent
session will last approximately 35
minutes and will beheld in the
administrative building and the
elementary building
speak at
Parkton School
t
Rev Franklin D. Bowden Jr
President of the Unified Robeson
C ounty Branch oftheNAACP will be
the main speaker at the Black History
Program at Fairmont Middle School
The program is scheduled for Friday
February 9th at I p.m The theme of
the program this year is "Tribute to
Black Americans "