' ROBESON COUNTY, N.C.
ACQUISITIONS DEPARTMENT
UNO
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THE CAROLINA INDIAN VOICE
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VOLUME 5 NUMDER 20 PEMBROKE. N.C. THURSDAY. MAY 10. 1077 ^^p^ f
PEMBROKE. N.C. THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1077
PubllcoUrtn No. 070080
INDIAN NAMED TO REPLACE Y.H. ALLEN
AS SUPERINTENDENT
Pumell Swett Named New Superintendent
Dr. Hardin
1.7*
Purnell Swett
The Robeson County Board of Education
met in a special meeting on Tuesday. May
17, 1977 at 10:00 p.m. On motion by Mrs.
Shirley Britt the board accepted the
resignation of Y. H. Allen, Superintendent
of Robeson County Schools. After the
resignation was accepted (letter of
resignation is reprinted below), the board
recessed for fift^n minuetes, reconvened
and went into executive session. The board
deliberated in executive session for
approximately two hours. Following the
; executive session, Laymon P. Locklear
moved that the board hire Mr. Pumell Swett
as superintendent for four years, pending
a Icgi question from the Attorney
’ General’s Office. And if not four years,
then for two years. The motion was
seconded by Harbert Moore and carried
unanimously. The Chairman of the Board.
Ralph Hunt, went on record supporting the
employment of Swett.
Immediately following the hiring of the
frrst Indian Superintendent in the Robeson
County School System, Swett was allowed
to comment. Obviously overwhelmed, he
began: “I was not presumptions enough to
prepare an acceptance speech. I can assure
you that I will ^ways keep the interests of
the children foremost in my mind...I am
overwhelmed, honored, and emotional.”
At ^ which point he paused. “I hope you
will allow me to become emotional this one
time....” The meeting adjourned with
tears, smiles, embraces and handshakes.
The 43-year-old Pumell Swett comes to
the position of Superintendent of Robeson
H- County Schools having served time in
ft nearly all phases of the educational system
in Robeson County. He received his early
training at Pembroke Elementary School.
T Allen’s
Letter Of
people
and places
and things
I
I “ ” * “ MP
James Benford Hordln
James Benford Hardin of Pembroke
graduated Sunday, May 15, 1977 from the
University of North Carolina School of
Medicine, Chapel Hill. After his freshman
year, he was awarded the King Edward VII
Hospital Fund-Duke Endowment Foreign
Fellowship and spent the summer studying
in England. He was the recipient of the
Frank Lee Dameron Award his junior year.
The following summer was spent working
in the Indian Health Hospital on the Sioux
Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.
Dr. Hardin graduated from Pembroke
State University in 1965, with a B. S. in
Chemistry. He is a 1961 graudate of
Pembroke Senior High School. From
1966-70 he served in the U. S. Navy and
was discharged with the rank of Lieutenant.
Specializing in Family Medicine, he will
begin his residency training in July at
Duke’s Area Health Education Center,
Cape Fear Valley Hospital, Fayetteville,
NC.
Supf. Y. H. Allen Is shown shaking hands
with Rev. Dob Mongum, member of the
boord, offer giving, hb reslgnolion on
Graduated from Pembroke High School
and holds a B. S. Degree in Science and
History from Pembroke State University.
He received his M. A. Degree in School
Administration from Western Carolina
University, Cullowhee, NC, and has done
additional graduate work in School Law at
the University of North Carolina. Chapel
Hill and at UPl, Reston, Virginia in
Supervision and Administration.
After earning his B. S. Degree from
Pembroke State University, Swett taught
science and mathematics at Pembroke High
School for approximately five years. He
served as principal of Rex-Rennert School
for six years. He was teacher-director of
Safety and Driver Education for the
Robeson County School system for three
years. From October 1, 1967 until January
16, 1971 Swett served as Assistant
Superintendent of Robeson County
Schools. He has worked for several years at
the Office of Indian Education in
Washington, DC as Program Manager and
Acting Program Manager for the Division
ofDiscretionatory Programs. He has served
as Acting Deputy Commissioner for Indian
Education, HEW and returned from that
position in Washington in 1975 to accept
the position as Associate Superintendent of
Tuesday, effective June 30. Tommy D.
Swett, board member, owoHs his turn to
shake hands with the outgoing
Robeson County School where he will
continue until July 1, 1977 when he
assumes the duties of superintendent.
Swett now serves as Chairman of the
Board of Trustees of Pembroke State
University is past vice- chairman of the
same organization. He is past president of
the Robeson County NCAE, a member of
the Board of Trustees of the Baptist
Children’s Homes of North Carolina, a
member of the Board of Directors of the
Robeson County Speech and Hearing
Satellite Clinic. Swett holds numerous
other chairmanships and serves on various
boards. He also belongs to several
professional organizations which include
the American Association of School
Administrators, the National Indian
Education Association, the Association for
Curriculum Development.
Swett is married to the former Annette
Locklear of Maxton. They and their two
children, Anthony W. age 22, and Valeria,
age 13, reside in thePembrokeCommunity
and are members of Harpers Ferry Baptist
Church where Mr. Swett is a member of the
Board of Deacons.
Dr. Hardin is the son of Mr. and Mrs.
Superintendent of the Robeson County Bazie Hardin, Sr. of Pembroke. He is
School System. (Bruce Barton photo) mairied to the former Gloria Shook of
Brevard, NC. They have two daughters;
Alicia Joy and Christie Joy.
New Indian Recommendations
Washington, D.C.*Sen. James Abourezk
(D.-S.D.), chairman of the American
Indian Policy Review Commission
(AIPRC), formerly presented to Congress
the Commission's final report on Tuesday
afternoon. May 17, in the Statuary Hall of
the U. S. Capitol. The presentation was set
for 3 p.m.
Pembroke ro De Feorured
On 'Carolina Ar Noon'
Resignation
Mr. Ralph Hunt, Chairman
Robeson County Board of Education
Lumberton, NC
TV personality Jim Bums was in the
Pembroke community Tuesday filming a
special show that he plans to do on the
Pembroke community. The special feature
will be shown June 7 on WECT-TV
Channel 6 on ‘‘Carolina At Noon.” Jim
Bums is the popular host of the show.
Bums, and a fllm crew did features on
Pembroke State University, Lumbee
Regional Development Assoication, Inc.
and ‘‘Strike at the Wind,” the outdoor
drama that features the exploits of Henry
Berry Lowrie and the Lumbee Indians.
Abourezk, who is also chairman of the
new Senate Committee on Indian Affairs,
presented the report to Speaker of the
House Tip O’Neill and Senate President
Pro-lempore James Eastland.
In addition to the five other Congressional
members and the five Indian
commissioners, all members of Congress
were invited to the ceremony, as well as
Secretary of the Interior Cecil Andrus.
Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs
Ray Butler and Indian leaders from
throughout the country.
Following the ceremony there was a
reception in Dirksen !! !4 from 3:30 to 5
p.m. in honor of the Commissioners. All
members of the press were invited.
Warrior
Athletes Feted
Created by Congress in 1975, the
Commission’s goal was to conductthefirst
comprehensive Congressional review of
the historical and legal developments
underlying the American Indian’s unique
relationship with the Federal government in
order to determine the nature and scope of
necessary revisions; in the formulation of
federal policies and programs.
The Commission’s final report, which
contains more than !00 separate but
integrated recommendations for changes in
federal laws, government policies and
practices, is the culmination of two years of
work, which included numerous task force
hearings and site visits throughout the
country, questionnaire mailings and
significant reports from several tribes and
Indian organizations.
“While the implementation of several
recommendations in the final report will
require legislative action, many of the
recommendations can be accomplished
through federal administrative and
regulatory initiatives,” Abourezk said.
“The over riding purpose of the American
Indian Policy Review Commission is to
chart a long-term direction for federal
Indian policy. The report addresses not
only governmental neglect, but also seeks
to shape the future of the unique
federal-tribal-state relationship.”
COAWUNITY CONCERT SERIES
Membership drive for the Robeson
County Community Concert Series is now
underway. The three concerts scheduled
include the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra,
the Glenn Miller Orchestra, and a third
concert to be announced. All concerts will
be presented at the Lumberton High School
Auditorium and will begin at 8 p.m.
Membership dues are $ 12 for adults and
$6 for students grades '-college. The
family rate is $30.
Any person interested in supporting the
community conceits through membership
or donation should contact Peggy
Brewington at 521-2392 (evening) or Vera
Malcolm at 52!-4i!2 (evening) before
Saturday noon, May 21.
IN THE ARMED FORCES
Army Specialist Four Roben L. Moore,
20, son of Mrs. Estella Moore, Route 7,
Lumberton, recently was assigned to the
!26th Transportation Company at Fort
Bragg, NC.
Spec. Moore, a driver in the company,
entered the Army in August, 1974. He is a
1974 graudate of Littlefield High School in
Lumberton.
Army Staff Sergeant Samuel L, Brewer,
son of Mrs. Allie B. Rogers, of Route 3,
Fairmont, recently re-enlisted for three
years in the Amry, while serving with
Headquarters Company. Special Troops at
Ft. Richardson, Alaska.
Sgt. Brewer, a personnel staff
noncommissioned officer in the company,
entered the Army in April 1970. He is a
1968 graduate of Fairgrove High School,
Fairmont. His father, Henry W. Rogers,
lives on Route 3. Fairmont. His wife,
Jeanette, is with him at the fort.
DELL VISITS THE ONE ARTS
Bobby Ray Bell of North Miami Beach,
Florida attended the theater of the
performing arts on Miami Beach, Florida.
Bell, formerly of Pembroke, is the son of
Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Bell of Pembroke.
Zeu Bufman presented six Broadway
plays. First there was “Gypsy” with
special guest star Miss Angela Lansbury.
The origin of this musical is, of course, the
real lifeexperienceofGypsyRoseLee.The
second play was “The Bed Before
Yesterday” with special guest star Miss
Carol Charming and Elliott Reid. Third was
“The Rose Tattoo” with Miss Maureen
Stapleton and Cliff Gorman. Fourth was
“Me and Bessie”' with Miss Linda
Hopkins. Fifth was “Bubbling Brown
Sugar” starring Miss Patti Jo. Sixth play
was “A Chorus Line.”
Dear Mr. Hunt:
^ I hereby submit my resignation as
If Superintendent of Robeson County
Schools effective June 30, 1977 in order to
accept the superintendency of the Lenoir
County Schools. Kinston, NC.
I My twenty-six years in Robeson County
have been most challenging and rewarding.
We have seen many changes in Robeson
County and I am proud to have been a part
■ of these changes.
I wish to take this opportunity to expreJs
niy deepest appreciation to the Board of
Education members with whom I have been
privileged to serve. The fine central staff,
the principals, the teachers and support
personnel with whom we have worked will
always be close to our hearts. My family
and I shall always love and appreciate the
Robeson County people.
Please be assured that I will continue to
fully carry out the duties of the
, auperintendency until my departure and
will aid you in any way you may request
while you carry- out your duties in the
y transition period.
I Respectfully submitted.
Young H. Allen, Superintendent
^ Robeson County Schools
LOCAL LUMBEE INDIANS PART OF
AIPRC TEAM
One of the members of the eleven member
American Indian Policy Review
Commission was Adolph Dial of
Pembroke. Dial ^as one of the five Indians
named to the commission in 1975 by
congressional appointment.
To the Town of Pembroke:
I, Charlene H. Demery, Police Woman
for the Town of Pembroke, do hereby
submit my resignation asof May 17, 1977.
I am resigning for personal reasons. My
thanks to those concerned individuals in
this matter.
Respectfully,
Charlene H. Demery
Dial is head of Pembroke State
University’s American Indian Studies
Department. He is also a member of
Lumbee Regional Development
Association’s Board of Directors and is
Chairman of the Robeson Historical Drama
Association, the sponsoring organization
of the fabulously successful ‘Strike at the
Wind,’ the outdoor drama featuring the
exploits of Henry Berry Lowry and the
Lumbee Indians.
The comero dworfts Rm Bums (right the Wind con be seen In the dbtonce os
forefront) os he Interviews Rock they reheorse for the upcoming seoson
Kershaw, the general manager of scheduled to open June 30.
"Strike of the Wind." The cost of Strike at
Rev. Horvey Lowry, pastor of Prospect
United Methodist Church, wos the
bonquet speoker lost Soturdoy night ot
rite onnuol Athletics Award Bonquet
sponsored by the Pembroke Booster
Club.
Lowry, o former athlete himself,
extolled the student-athletes to pursue
the Gome of Life wHh (1) persistence,
(2) confidence, ond (3) knowledge.-
See More Photos and accompanying
story on poge four.
Betty “Jo Jo” Hunt, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Alton Hunt of Fairmont, headed the
task force on non- federally recognized and
terminated Indian tribes. She is now
attempting to breathe administrative life
into the moribund Coalition of Eastern
Native Americans (CENA) in Washington,
DC- She previously served as assistant
counsel to the sub committee on Indian
Affairs of the Congressional Committee on
Interior and Insular Affairs.
Helen Scheirbeck, the daughter of Mrs.
Lacy Maynor of Pembroke and the late Mr.
Lacy Maynor headed the task force on
Indian Education. Ms. Scheirbeck is now
completing requirements for her doctorate
in education at Virginia Polytechnical
Institute.
PSHS CONCERT DATE CHANGED
PembrokeSenior High School's Band and
Chorus were scheduled to hold their
concert tonight at 8 p.m. in the school
cafeteria. The date for the conceit has been
changed to Wednesday night, May 25,
1977 in the school cafeteria at 8 p.m.
PEMBROKE WINS
Mike Lowry pitched his ninth victory
without a defeat last Thursday as Pembroke
beat West Brunswick of Shallotte 3-2 in a
Three Rivers 3-A Conference boys high
school baseball game- the Warriors’ 18th
triumph in 20 starts this season.
THREE RIVERS TOURNEY BEGINS
Whiteville advanced to the second round
of the Three Rivers 3-A conference boys
high school baseball tournament Tuesday
with a 6-3 victory over West Brunswick.
Wednesday at 6, Whiteville played
Pembroke and East Bladen played West
Columbus at 8.
Whiteville is 6-15 on the season and West
Brunswick stands 2-18.
A CORRECT10N....OF SORTS
John H. Sampson, former postmaster for
the Town of Pembroke, called us recently
in reference to the story we did last week on
the sudden resignation of Jimmy
McVickers, the postmaster who replaced
Sampson.
In the story, we affirmed that Sampson
recommended McVickers over the two
Indian candidates for the job, Elery
Sampson and Mrs. Evelyn Cummings.
Sampson avows that, in fact, he did not
recommend McVickers over the two
Indians. It seems, as best we can recollect
it, Sampson wrote a letter that appeared in
The Robesonian at the time of the change in
postmasters detailing his reasons for
favoring MgVickers.
We have been unable to find a copy of The
Robesonian that carried the letter from
Sampson. Until such time, we are
delighted to recall our unfounded assertion.
TOWN OF PEMBROKE MEETS
Most of the meeting of the Pembroke
Town Council was taken up with
preliminary budgetary matters as the
council. Town Manager, McDuffie
Cummings, and Town Clerk, Mrs. Ruby
N. Smith went over the tentative budget that
is due by June 30.
A number of tax adjustments and releases
were authorized by the council and a
request fora franchise fromN. C. Cable TV
Co., Inc. was tabled for further
consideration.
The board also authorized Town Manager
.McDuffie Cummings to enforce the
ordinance on the use of water for the
Pembroke Texaco.
The board ended the meeting in executive
session. Following the meeting, Ms.
Charlene Demery, Pembroke’s lady
policeman, tendered her resignation for
“p)ersonal reasons.”
RRST ANNUAL JURIED
ART SHOW SLATED
Robeson County Youth Network for the
Arts’ First Annual Juried Art Show is slated
for June 13-26, 1977 at the Robeson
County Library. Art will be received at the
Robeson County Library June 6-10 from
9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. (Special
arrangements may be made with the
Library for early delivery.)
The Show will open June 13, 1977 from
1:00 - 3.00 p.m. The Outdoor Art Show:
June 19, 1977, 1:00-5:00 p.m. Art Areas
eligible for competition; Fiber
Art—weaving, macrame, crocheting,
embroidery, etc.; Sketches/Line Drawings
(no size limitations); Paintings (no size
limitations); Three Dimensional Art-clay,
plaster, wood, paper-mache, etc. (work
should be a reasonable size); Illustrated
Creative Writing (500 word limit); and
Creative Writing (500 word limit).
Youths age 7-16 may enter the
competition. All works must be labeled
with name of youth and date, and must be
accompanied by an official entry form. All
works must be delivered to the Robeson
County Library. All artists whose work(s)
are accepted for exhibition will receive a
certificate. A Best-Of-Show Award will be
made by an independent Juror.
Best-Of-Category Awards will be made by
independent jurors. Additonal specid
awaids will be made at the discretion of the
Steering Committee.
Entries will be considered eligible for
compeition if: they are recent works of the
artists (works completed within the last
year); they are the original work of the
artists (no kits or commercially prepared
materials); they are the work of the
individual artists (no cooperative projects
are accepted); individual artists do noi
submit more than four (4) entries (entries
may be in one. two. three or four
categories).
Entries will be accepted in any form from
the artists. The Youth Network cannot
accept any responsibility for the entries:
however, every effort will be made to
preserve every piece in its original form.
All creative writing entries will be retyped
for uniformity during judging; originals
will be attached; no spelling or grammatical
corrections will be made. Artists whose
work is not accepted for exhibition must
pick it up at the Robeson County Library by
5;00\p.m. June 20, 977. Artists whose
work is included in the exhibition must pick
it up at the Robeson County Library by 5:00
p.m. June 30, 1977.