as i see ifT|
1 : Bruce BartonJ I
I like Dave Chappelle
1 like Dave Chappelle, the popular comic who appeared as part of the
UNC-P Homecoming fare Saturday night. I had seen him previously on
hisHBO specials on Cable TV. He is frank, but very funny. He has some
interesting twists and turns and insights about life in general. His
honesty is a welcome respite from the lies we face every day in the work
place and the political arena. Even when he strayed into areas that made
me squeamish. 1 took a deep breath and laughed uproarously. Chappelle,
an HBO regular, and movie star, played to a full house as the Temptations
did Friday night. I just hate I missed the Temptations.
1 ocngratulate UNC-P for providing entertainment that is both entertaining
and fun. I might have been the oldest and greyest headed person
in Givens Performing Arts Center. It didn't bother me in the least. 1
had a great time.
Patrick Bullard was big in his vote Monday night
Being a politician in Robeson County demands tough votes from time
to time. But Race is ever present, and most times politicians just vote
their racial concerns. They tuck their racial tails and run for the safety of
their own kind. But ever once in a while someone will restore our faith in
politicians. Such was the case Monday night when Patrick Bullard voted
with themajority to negotiate a new contract for the superintendent. Dr.
Barry Harding.
Harding had previously fired Bullard when he worked as finance of- .
ficer for the Public Schools of Robeson County. It takes a big man to
vote unselfishly, and also to put personal and racial concerns aside. Not
too many people in Robeson County are big enough to do it. It happens
so infrequently in Robeson County that we wanted to take this moment
and thank Mr. Bullard for a vote that I am sure he wrestled with before he
cast it in the affirmative Monday night. I truly believe Patrick Bullard
gave Supt. Harding the benefit of the doubt, and did what he felt was
best for the children of Robeson County. There is a mean spirit in
Robeson County and on the board of education. It is always hopeful
and helpful when someone is big enough to turn from the evil one.
Bullard has taken a step away from the rank, racial table.His vote was, as
I see it, both prudent and wise. I commend Mr. Bullard for a bigness of
spirit and grace that is seldom seen in of Robeson.
I,
I
1 '
EDITORIALLY SPEAKING
Recent events and votes
mark a new day, hopefully
PEMBROKE- THE TRIBAL COUNCIL Oh THELVMBEENATION
mel Saturday (Feb. 10) at the Public Library in Pembroke and continued
to lay out its agenda for the future The council, under the leadership of
Chairman Milton R. Hunt, was workmanlike in its approach. The steady
hand is encouraging, and portends a good omen for what lies ahead on
the political horizon.
The council finalized the make up of seven committees that w ill consider
needs of the tribe encompassing every thing from housing to the
drafting of a constitution. The council decided that the number of people
serv ing on a committee can vary as long as it does not include more than
13. which would be a majority and quorum of the council.
The committees are housing, public relations, constitution, federal
recognition, health and human resources, personnel'transition and finance.
The council's next meeting will be February 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Burnt
Swamp Baptist Building in Pembroke. The March meeting will beheld on
March 24 at 10 a.m. at the same place. After the next two meetings, the
council's regular meetings will be the third Saturday morning of each
month. Time and place to be at the Burnt Swamp Building unless otherwise
posted.
The council also is advertising for legal counsel and voted to name
Lumbce Guaranty Bank as its bank of record.
The professional and businesslike demeanor at the council table suggests
that the tribe's business is in good hands and is encouraging to
those of us who have engaged in internecine feuds for most of our tribal
lives.
Supt. Harding to receive new contract on 6 - 5 vote
It was nerve racking to the overflow audience at Monday night's
meeting of the Public Schools of Robeson County's board of education,
most of whom had come to cheer on deliberations in Supt. Barry Harding's
favor. And. finally, after an agenda filled meeting, it was time to vote on
the contract of Dr. Barry Harding's. Should it be renewed, or should we
look for another to lead us out of the educational wilderness? On a razorthin
6-5 affirmative vote, the board decided to offer Dr. Barry Harding a
new contract. Voting "yes" were Gloria Lowry. Mitchell "Bosco" Locklear.
Robert Deese, Mike Smith and Patrick Bullard. Voting "no" were
Terry Smith. James DeFreece, Steve Martin, Millicent Nealy and Brenda
Fairly. Chairman John Campbell broke the tie in Harding's favor with a
simple declaration that "I am in favor of extending Dr. Harding's contract."
In racially crazy Robeson County, it was three Indians, a White
and a Black voting "Yes" and two Blacks, and three Whites voting no. It
was hard to figure our the philosophical rhymn and reason of the vote
without factoring in race as the over riding reason why most people
voted as they did. The most interesting vote was the 'yes" vote of
Indian Patrick Bullard. It was a big vote in many ways because Harding
had fired Bullard when he was fiscal officer for the school system early
on in his administration. Harding became superintendent in 1998. His
present contract would have expired in 2002. A committee will b- ap
pointed by Chairman Campbell to begin negotiations with Harding over
a new contract.
The vote came after two presentations: one in favor of Harding's
performance as superintendent; the other against. Speaking in favor of
Harding was Rev. Jimmy Hunt. Lumberton High teacher Kitty Britt spoke
forcefully against Harding, citing various graphics to buttress her position.
Hunt noted that the system is on the right track. Hunt, and other
Harding supporters, believe opposition to Harding is led by a few disgruntled
teachers who. according to Hunt, "want to run the system."
It was Robeson County at its best and worst, all at the self-same time.
In this case, the best side won ... barely.
/. Murchison not retained as RCC attorney
Another meeting was going on at the same time the county school
board was in session. Robeson Community College trustees met and
voted to delay action on President Fred William's contract until its Feb- ,
ruary 20 meeting. The board agreed to meet with Williams at 5:30 p.m.on
that date and then discuss plans to address a Southern Association of
Colleges and Schools one year probation against the school at its regular
meeting time at 7 p.m..
The trustees did decide to not retain the services of long time attorney,
I. Murchison Biggs. The trustees plan to form a committee to look
for another attorney.
It was action that was needed because the trustees do not seem to
have been receiving very good legal advice, considering the hot seat
they find themselves in over the SACS probation and their dispute with
Williams over hiring practices at the community college.
All these meetings and votes are hopeful. Robeson County is surviving.
in spite of our racial feuds. We're gettine better... barelv.
Around 01' Robeson
PROPOSED ANNEXATIONS HERALDS
CONTINUED GROWTH IN PEMBROKE
PEMBROKE-The Pembroke Town Council met last Monday night (Feb.
5) and approved a request from Bill and Rachel Deese to annex their
restaurant. Papa Bills, on N.C. 711.
At the same meeting, the council set two public hearings for Match 5
to consider annexation requests from businessman Greg Bryant to bring
his proposed 350 acre project into the town limits. The upscale project
about a mile east of town on N.C. 71.1 will be called University Park and
includes a medical arts building, retail complex, condominiums, apartment
building and homes that begin at S125,000. Bryant also proposes,
in conjunction with the town, to set aside 10 to 12 acres for a sports park
that is expected to include a ball field, walking trail, cookout area and **
playground equipment. The proposed park would be next to Candy Park
Road. .
The second hearing will respond to a request from developer Archie
Lowery to annex a site about three miles west of town on Deep Branch
Road. The proposed development includes a subdivision, convenience
store, washerette and a car wash. About 70 acres is proposed for the
subdivision. Lowery proposes that lots will cost between SI 5,00 -$35,000 .
and homes will have a minimum requirement of 1,800 square feet.
Rolls Remain Open
The Board of Directors of Lumbee Regional Development Association
approved an extension of the application deadline for tribal
membership. The Tribal rolls will remain open 90 days to allow those
individuals who missed the first deadline another opportunity to apply
for Lumbee enrollment.
The deadline date for Lumbee enrollment application is April 12,2001.
If anyone needs enrollment information, please contact the Lumbee Tribal
Enrollment Office at (910) 521-2462.
I
You Are Invited
to attend a reception
in celebration of
' 'The Spirit Moves''
an exhibit by
Lumbee Artist Alceon Jones
7:00 PM
Thursday, 22 February 2001
Native American Resource Center
Old Main Building, UNC Pembroke
ForjnoreJnfonnation callJi9]J))J)21jJ>2tl2.
\
PARENTS &
GRANDPARENTS!
Coming soon in this newspaper an
insert telling how you can bless your
sun, uaugiiux, grandson
or granddaughter
who has made you r
proud with a clean
lifestyle or by doing /
well in school or '
sports. Award him or L'l
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she gets a monthly
check years after
you're gone. Only
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Get ahead of the
crowd. Call and get a .
brochure on this program. Not governmental.
Call 910-521-7314 or write:
WTCPress, Box 3187, Pembroke, NC
28372.
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Kendron Brannagan Locklear
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He willalways be Grandma Theresa's Special Boy.
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