ROBESON COUNTY, N.C.
PUBLISHED EACH THURSDAY
ACQUISITIONS DEPARTMENT
UNC
WILSON LIBRARY
CHAPEL HiLL,;ic 2751 ...A GOOD PLACE TO LIVE
THE CAROLINA INDIAN VOICE
VOLUME 5 NUMBER 28
Publication No 97(W80
PEMBROKE, NC
Dedicated to the best in all of us
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1977
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15t PER COPY I
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He was opposed by John Staton, a Black,
ho serves on the Red Springs Board of
Jucation. The interesting thing is that
talon was not supported by his own school
jard even though he is a member, nor was
supported by Lumberton where he
aches.
VlcCormick fills one of the seats that is
jmed by the combined six school systems
die county. For a while it looked as if a
landary might exist as a sampling of the
To ualify to receive a lithograph, a
erson must have attended PSU and must
bnate $ !50 to the Alumni Association. In
married couple both attended PSU,
BLACK REJECTED AS TRUSTEE FOR RTI BOARD
John Staton rejected by Red Springs even
though he serves on its board of education
Pembroke
VFW
Commander
[I was interesting to say the least. Guy
(cConnick, the white incumbant on the
obeson Technical Institute Board of
rusiees was reappointed for a second term
londay night at a meeting of the RTI
oard of Trustees.
school boards earlier in the month had.
indicated that Staton and McCormick stood
at 3 votes each with Robeson County,
Maxton and Red Springs seeming to be in
favor of Staton. Indications were that
Lumberton. Fairmont and St. Pauls would
support McCormick.
teaches in the Lumberton system. But
con peture would seem to infer that racism
still rears its ugly head in Robeson County.
The Robeson County and Maxton school
systems are predominately minority and the
school systems supporting McCormick are
predominately white.
But when the votes were tallied (via a
letter from the chairman of each school
system) McCormick received votes from
the Lumberton, St. Pauls, Fairmont and
Red Springs School Systems. Staton was
named by the Robeson County School
System and Maxton.
in other action, Maxton Commissioner
Herman Dial was sworn in as a member of
the board of trustees also. Dial, an Indian,
was named by the Robeson County Board
of Commissioners.
As press time neared, the Carolina Indian
Voice was unable to contact Mr, Staton
who reportedly lives in Red Springs and
I.J. Williams was renamed as chairman of
the board; and John L. Carter was named
vice-chairman. President Craig Allen
serves as secretary to the board.
Gov. Jim Hunt still has to make an
appointment to complete the makeup of the
I2 member board. More con jecture would
seem to indicate that the board was
presumptuous in organizing the board before
the gubernatorial appointment. The board,
as it is presently constituted, has five
minorities: Herman Dial, Indian; John L.
Carter, Indian; Glenn Maynor, Indian;
Milton Hunt, Indian; and B.C. McBee,
Black. Suppose the governor named '
another minority to the board? Since the
chairman can only vote in case of a tie,
minorities, in the event the governor names
a minority, could possibly name a different
chairman if they wished to. But con peture
is like the rain; one never knows for sure
whether it is going to rain or not.
& Quarter-
Master
Honored
people
and places
and things
Ruby C. Dial
Memorial Scholarship
Oxendine Renamed
The family of the late and beloved Mrs. Those wishing to contribute should direct
uby C. Dial, has set up a memorial their contributions to the Ruby C. Dial
:holarship in her behalf at Pembroke State Memorial Scholarship c/o The PSU
[niversity. Foundation, Pembroke State University,
Pembroke, North Carolina.
Indians representing a sampling of Indian
groups and organizations (both civic and
social) gathered at the Annex building of
Lumbee Regional Development
Association, Inc. in Pembroke to name an
Indian from the community to serve on the
N.C. Commission on Indian Affairs
recently.
Winner of “Old Main”
Drawing Announced
Clayton Smith of Lumberton, a rising
inior majoring in art, has won the
imretition for the best drawing of Old
lain, the first brick building constructed
™ the PSU campus, and 200 copies (size
U2) of his lithographed work are to be
;nt to special patrons of the PSU Alumni
issociation.
Smith’s drawing captured what they saw in
the building.” said Mrs. Beach. “It
captured their sentiments concerning this
structure.”
By acclamation, John W. Oxendine, from
the Saddletree community, was
renominated for the seat that he has held
since the inception of the N.C.
Commission on Indian Affairs.
At the same meeting, the group voted to
send Rep. Horace Locklear a letter asking
him to appear before the Indian community
and answer luestions relative to a number
of pieces of legislation recently enacted
into law in the general assembly, most
notably legislation bringing the previously
independent N.C. Commission on Indian
Affairs under the department of
administration and the newly enacted
legislation setting up a N.C. Indian
Housing Authority. The groups also
decided to send Gov. Jim Hunt a letter
expressing the true sentiments of the Indian
community.
“Strike at the Wind!”
Smith took special interest in the drawing
because, as he said, “This building meant a
great deal to the people here because it was
the first brick building constructed on
campus. I tried to add trees to enhance its
beauty.”
This pen-and-ink drawing was Smith’s
ley can each receive lithographs for a total third ma jor product. He previously drew
osi of $200.
The lithographs recognize the patrons as
ifetime members of the alumni
ssociation. The first 25 persons to become
pictures of the restored one-room
schoolhouse near the Robeson County
Board of Education and the old county
courthouse in Lumberton. Both were
displayed at the Robeson County Public
fetime members will receive personally Library. He has had oil paintings displayed
iitographed lithographs from Smith of the at the Robeson County Public Library of
Main drawing, in addition, they will two of his favorite sub jsets: bird dogs and
eceive PSU Alumni Association decals for flowers,
heir automobiles plus special wallet- sized
Smith, 35, spent four years in the U.S.
Marine Corps after graduating from
Lumberton High School in '6 I. He worked
for Alamac knitting Co from I966-67, but
for the last lO years has been audio visual
technician at the Robeson County Board of
nembership cards numbered
hronological order of their gifts.
the
Smith was one of three persons who
ubmitted drawings of Old Main, the PSU
indmark whose wooden interior was
The Leader as played by Rev. Julian Ail of the other characters, including Rev.
Ransom, is a biblical narrator. He is James Sinclair, as played by Lennant
resonant and stentorian, befitting his real Lawson; Hugh McGreggor, as articulated
life role as a preacher. The boy is played by David Butler; and Hector McCord by
admirably by Steven Lowry. David Miller are good and believable.
estroyed by fire in 1973 but those thick Education. Beginning in ’69 he began
'rick walls remain braced and standing, attending night classes at PSU and also
lie building will be restored within the went to day classes during the summer,
ext two years to be a center for American Although it has been a long process because
idian Studies, an Indian museum and the ofbeing unable to attend class full-time, the
ead luarters for the PSU Department of persistent Smith will graduate from PSU
kvelopment and Public Affairs. next May.
There are new roles this year: the principal
one being the characterization of Henry
Berry Lowry by Melton Lowry, a distant
relative of the Indian leader called
everything from hero to scoundrel,
according to one’s point of view.
200 lithographs of the building are being
nade by a UNC-Chapel Hill printer and
'ill be available not later than September,
lie first 10 lithographs will be sent to those
eonle who donate the most money to the
lumni association.
Portions of Smith’s Old Main artwork will
ilso be used on special stationery, also
vailable to donors to PSU Alumni
issociation.
He is married to the former Gloria Ivey of
Orrum. They have two children: Candace,
7, and Tiffany, 11 months. For winning the
contest. Smith receives an honorary life
membership to the alumni association,
three copies of the lithograph plus the
original plate.
Melton Lowry is strong and mature and
brings a measure of manliness to the role.
He is more subtle than Derek Lowry, the
Henry Berry Lowry of the miraculous first
season.
And Steve Pate is nasty as the evil
Brantley Harris. The role is suited to his
uni rue talents. He gloats and swaggers.
Pate is heavy handed and as nasty a bad guy
as ever graced (sic) a stage.
★★★★★★★★★★★
Henry Berry Lowry’s band of merry
mauraders is made up of strong characters,
principally the audacious Shoemaker John
played by Victor Lane and the delightful
Boss Strong, as played by the crowd
pleasing Camell Locklear.
It’s a good cast, peopled by locals (Indian,
Black and White) who grew up hearing
about Henry Berry Lowry, the baddest hero
a people ever had.
Chairman of this alumni project was Mrs, AREA CB CLUB TO SPONSOR
«Wha H. Beach, a ’62 graudate of PSU DANCE FOR LITTLE CECIL
'ho is in-patient supervisor of social work
;rvices at Womack Army Hospital at Ft.
^ragg. She said Smith’s drawing was
•hosen over the other two by the alumni
usociation’s executive board at its June
neeiing,
LOCKLEAR.
SEE DETAILS ON PAGE 8.
★★★★★★★★★★★
But the surprise of the show is Brenda
Jacobs, a member of the show last year but
cast as Momma Cumbo for the first time
this season. She is believable and durable
and weighted down with grief as her sons
are slain as the show unfolds. Her tragedy is
strong but subtle. She is marvelous in the
role.
The strength of the production is the
people. What is a professional? An
amateur? It is in the eyes of the beholders.
Contrary to the opinion of a critic from the
Fayetteville Times, the cast is as
professional as can be. They care about
their roles, and they deliver night after
night. That is what a professional is.
The older members of the board said Mr.
The outdoor drama is administered
(iuihi I'
payton Smith of Lumberton, winner of the art competition for the best drawing
®rOld Main (the Pembroke State University landmark), proudly displays his ^
with Mrs. Martha Beach, chairman of the project for the PSU Alumni
with Mrs. Martha Beach, chairman c- . . .
Association. Lithographs of Smith’s drawings will be sent to lifetime members of
‘he association.
Some of the ca.st members of “Strike At The Wind!’*, including Momma Cumbo
(Brenda Jacobs) seated.
Monroe Ixiwry
A REVIEW BY BRUCE BARTON
Strike at the Wind!, the newest outdoor Donahoe, played so deliciously evil last
drama in America, is beginning its second season by Plummer Locklear, is darker and
season. The outdoor drama recounts the subdued this year in the interpretation by
exploits of Henry Berry Lowry and the Currie Cummings. But he handles the role
(Lumbee) Indians of Robeson County well, in his own way. 'C'onahoe does not
during the turbulent i860’s and 70’s when slither this year; he walks evily out of the
men went a little bit mad from the craziness shadows. There is more of a mystery about
that was the Civil War. him this year.
The music, by Willie Lowery, is the The sheriff, Reuben King, does not have
central core of the drama, holding everything the pizazz of Rob Von Hoy who originated
together. The music is strong and resonant the role last year. The character, as played
and haunting. Lyrics are, mostly, by the by Tom Edwards, is more obvious in the
playright, Randolph Umberger. The lyrics inherent inade lUacies of the man. That's
and script have a poetical flavor that is the way the role was meant to be played, I
original and philosophical. think.
W.D. Oxendine
But the star, the heroine, is Hope St.
Pierre, as the beieagured Rhoda Strong,
who is always waiting and hoping and
praying that her man will appear from out
of the darkness of the swamps. She is pretty
and believable and comfortable as Rhoda
Strong, a woman of strength.
The chapter is located on Union Chapel
Road.
The director, who seems to get the best out
of every participant in the production, is
Arthur McDonald, a professor at nearby St.
Andrews College. He never screams, but
he prods beautifully.
It’s a darni good show, and as long as
those in charge realize that symbols are-
important it will survive and endure and
become part of the local arts.
Just think about it: Indians play Indians;
whites play whites; and Blacks play
Blacks. It makes sense. It works. It is
believable.
The authenticity is further embossed by
the fact that the setting of the drama is in the
area where Henry Berry Lowry and his
band walked about. The production is
staged and presented at the Lakeside
Amphitheatre at the Riverside Country
Club in the Red Banks Community, near
the town of Pembroke (the original
Scufflelown).
Go sec Strike at the Wind! It’s family
entertainment at its best.
CUMMINGS HONOR STUDEN'l AT
UNC-CHAPEL HILL
VFW NEWS
Robin G. Cummings, son of Rev. and
Mrs. Simeon Cummings of Raleigh, NC
has successfully completed the oast
semester of work at the University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill with a 4.0 (all A’s
Locklear-Lowery VFW Post 2843 of
Pembroke met on July I Iat7;30p.m. atthe
post home for their regular monthly
meeting with 30 comrades in attendance for
a delicious meal. Commander Monroe
Lowry made the following appointments:
1 all work taken) average carrying 17 hours Membership chairman, Lee Ancii Maynor;
oferedit. Cummingswasoneof94students Asst. Membership Chairman, Jimmy
out of 6(XX) in his area of study to obtain Goins; Chairman of Committee Activities,
such a score. He has remained on the Rudy Locklear; Asst. Ad jutant, Grover C.
Dean’s List since entering Chapel Hill in Chavis; Asst. Officer of the Day. Grady
the Fall of 1974, and was chosen as a Chavis; Hospital Chairman, Josh Locklear,
member of the freshman honorary gave the hospital report.
fraternity Phi Etta Sigma which re luires a
first semester average of 3.5 to enter.
REGISTRATION FOR ON DUTY
EDUCATION PLANNED
On June 26 the VFW sponsored a hospital
party at the VA Hospital in Fayetteville
with the following singing groups taking
nan: Simpson Quartet of Lumberton; The
Cape Fear Gospelears of Fayett£yille.
The next sponsored VFW singing at the VA
Hospital will be Sept. 25, 1977 at 3 p.m.
The Fort Bragg- Pope Air Force Base
Center of Fayetteville State University will
conduct registration for its On Duty
Education program July 18-22 from 9 a.m.
to 4 n.m. These daytime classes, which will
meet from July 25 to September 2 are open Route 2, Pembroke or call 52 1-4446.
to civilians. Registration and classes will be
held at the Army University Center,
Armistead Street, Fort Bragg, NC. For
information call 497-9 111.
Any individual or group interested in
going should contact Josh Locklear at
EDUCATION FUND SET IN
MEMORY OF DRENNA , JEAN
DIAL OXENDINE
The following VFW Comrades were
pallbearers at Mrs. Delbert Ammons'
funerals; Archie Oxendine. Winford
Jacobs, Cleveland Woodell, and Percell
Revels.
The North Carolina VFW State Convention
which was held in Winston-Salem with the
following Comrades attending; Monroe
Lowry, W.D, Oxendine, Thadis Oxendine,
William L. Hunt, Parker Locklear, Reedy
Sampson, J.W. Thomas, and Roy Lee
Sampson. The Pembroke VFW was
Mrs. Oxendine who was employed by the awarded all state with Commander Monroe
Indian Education Project of Lumbee LowryandQuarterMasterW.D, Oxendine
Regional Development Association in both makingall state. This honor is given to
Pembroke leaves to mourn her passing only 12 posts in the state.
Friends and co-workers of Mrs. Drenna
Jean Dial Oxendine who passed away this
past weekend have established
Education Fund for her children.
three young daughters.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be
made to the fund. Contributions should be
sent to LRDA’s Indian Education Pro ject,
P.O. Box 68, Pembroke, NC 28372.
The Commander and Quartermaster of
Pembroke’s Locklear-Lowery Post #2843
of the Veterans of Foreign War were
honored at the state convention of the VFW
June 23-26 in Winston-Salem, North
Carolina.
PHYSICALS SLATED FOR PSHS
FOOTBALLERS
The highlight of the meeting occurred
when the post commander presented
a pla.iue from the post to Comrade Archie
Oxendine for being a state winner as
chairman of the Voice of Democracy and
his outstanding accomplishment within the
post and 8th District of VFW.
IN THE ARMED FORCES
The Athletic Department of Pembroke
Senior High School has set the following
Army Specialist Four Larry Jacobs, son of
The Commander is Monroe Lowry, who
owns Pembroke Electric and is also a
member of the Pembroke Town Council.
Quartermaster is W.D. Oxendine, a staff
member of the N.C. Human Relations
Council.
dates for prospective football players to Mr. and Mrs. Joyce (Sic) Jacobs of Route
receive their physicals: July 20and July 27. 9, Lumberton, recently completed a
The physicals will be given by Dr. Martin Primary noncommissioned officer course
L. Brooks, Highway 7 11 E., Pembroke, in Germany. The course offers increased
The costs of the physicals will be $5.00 career educational opportunities while
each. preparing the student for leadership duty.
The physicals will be given at 8 n.m. each
night.
They were named, respectively, All State
Commander and Quartermaster for
1976-77.
MEMBERSHIP BEING SOLD BY
PSHS BOOSTERS
Upon completion of the training, he
returned to his home unit in Berlin. Spec.
Jacobs entered the Army in May, 1974. He
is a 1973 graduate of Orrum High School.
Fairmont.
The local post is a member of District IL
The chapter realized 127-58% of their
allotted membership in a spirited
membership drive this year.
In anticipation of the approaching football
season at Pembroke Senior High School,
the Pembroke High Booster Club is
soliciting memberships.
STRIKE AT THE WIND INVITES ALL
BOY SCOUTS TO BE GUESTS
A membership in the Booster Club costs
$25.00 yearly and entitles the bearer lo all
the privileges of membership, including a
seasonal pass to all football games a PSHS
plus a booster club can.
The successful new outdoor drama
“Strike at the Wind" is inviting all Boy
Scouts to attend a special night's
performance at a reduced cost. The date is
Wednesday, July 20.
locally, part of its remarkable strength and
beiievability. Adolph Dial, head of PSU’s
Indian Studies Department, is the chairman
of the uni iue tri-raciai board. The
sponsoring organization is known as the
Robeson Historical Society, Inc.
The general manager, who must know a
little bit about everything, is the pan petetic
Rock Kershaw.
Also, the athletic department of PSHS is
selling season passes to all football games
this upcoming season for S8.(K). To
puchase a season pass, contact any member
of the athletic department at PSHS. John
W. Sampson is athletic director and Gene
Winfree is football coach.
FREE SEMINAR FOR MINORITY
CONTRACTORS
On July 29, cub scouts under 12, will be
admitted for only $ 1 and those over 12
including leaders for only $2 if in uniform.
Lane Hudson, promotion director for the
drama, said leaders could contact Strike at
the Wind to reserve seats by calling
52 1-240 !. Hudson added, “The show will
be open to the general public this night also
at the regular prices. All those planning to
attend should make reservations in
anticipation of a large crowd.”
The North Carolina Department of
Transportation-Division of Highways will
be sponsoring a free .seminar for minority
contracts on July 16, 1977 at the Holiday
Inn South. Lumberton beginning at 9 a.m.
Strike at the Wind runs every Wed. thru
Sat. night at 8:30 p.m. thru Aug. 13 at the
Lakeside Amphitheatre at Riverside
Country Club. 3 miles west of Pembroke on
Highway 74,
The purpose of the Minority Business
Enterprise Program is to make minority
contractors aware of construction work
opportunties, to assist them in becoming
nre lualifted to bid as prime or sub
contractors on highway work, and to
discuss available work opportunities.
LUTHER HODGES, JR. TO APPEAR
AT MEETING OF
PEMBROKE LIONS
Minority construction firms performing
masonry, clearing and grubbing, concrete
work, demolition, truck hauling, fencing,
and guard railing, painting, plumbing,
excavating, electrical, landscaping, curb
and gutter, general construction, grading
and any other type of construction work can
and should consider the opportunties
available through construction contracts in
highway work.
Luther Hodges, Jr., an unannounced
candidate for the United States Senate, will
be the guest speaker at the next meeting of
the Pembroke Lions.
Hodges, a democrat, recently resinned as
chairman of the NCNB Bank head luartered
in Charlotte. Hodges is the son of former
N.C. Governor, Luther Hodges.
Please come out and find out about these
onnortuntieis. Saturday, July 16. Holiday
Inn South at 9 a.m.
The Lady Lions will also attend the
meeting, acc^srding to the president o**
Pembroke Lions Club.
fe!