.?! i ??*" ? \ , 3 NAVAJO COMKUNIfjf COLLEGE LIBRARY ? - A.iCH P\iT OFFICE ? ?,{ iSd r fr JLi.L. , .. & * T\ THEiCAROLINA INDIAN VOICE "Building Comowpicadve Bridges In A Tri-Racial Setting" _? ' ? . .'. ?*???? _? a January It. I?73 Dedicated To I The Beta In I ^ AJIOf LK \ ? ? VOLUME 7, NUMBER 34 PEMBROKE, N.C. THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 1979 ROBESON COUNTY 20 CENTS PER COPY - . _ _ ? REPORT REVEALS THAT RACISM IS FOUND IN ROBESON COUNTY DISTRICT COURT ROOMS ; by Brace Barton Carl W. Sellers, a research assistant at the N.C. State University at Raleigh, recently completed a research paper dealing with the district court system, principally in Robeson County. (lis findings are not surprising. Completing his studies in anthropology and sociology, Sellers found that "racial bias does in fact exist in the district court system of Robeson County." Sellers said, "I am very interested in further developments along the lines of my report, and I am willing to participate actively in articulating the problem ...in any way that 1 can. I think this is a major problem and one that should concern all citizens in North Carolina -- if the district court system is allowed to run roughshod over one group, then what is to prevent the same kind of development in other areas?" Sellers noted, "These findings, of course, are my own and do not necessarily represent a formal endorsement by N.C. State University where I am now employed as a research assistant." Sellers found that although Indians comprise approximately a third of Robeson's population (more than 26,000 according to the 1970 census), their relative numbers in district court cases appear to be far greater than their proportion to the total population. During the period of January 1979 through April 1979. Sellers investigated the possibility that distribution of justice in the district court system in Robeson ' County was biased along racial lines. The study consisted of personal interviews with citizens of Robeson County, observations of courtroom proceedings, and analysis of documents relating to cases tried during the period of investigation. INTERVOEWSsThe respondents were both male and female; White, Black, and Indian; farmers, storeowners, secretaries, attorneys, administrators, and a university professor. Some spoke openly and freely while others were hesitant about :? peaking openly to an outsider; and still others answered specific questions with specific answers but volunteered nothing further. The intent of the interviews was to develop a feeling or a consensus of opinion relating to interracial attitudes and to the relationships between various races and law-enforcement officials and courts. RESULTS: Whites-generally see themselves in a higher socio-economic status than Blacks and Indians; and believe law-enforcement officials and courts treat all races equally. Blacks-believe Whites enjoy higher socio-economic positions and Blacks and Indians share lower but equal positions. They believe law-enfor .ement officials and courts are biased against Blacks and Indians. Indians--believe they share the same socio-economic positions as Whites, but higher than Blacks. They believe law-enforcement officials and courts are biased against Indians, are unbiased against Blacks, and favor Whites. Sellers noted. "It should be noted that the responses to all questions show a wide range of variation, but the results presented above are representative of majority opinions." COURTROOM OBSERVATIONS: Sellers observed five distrn t court sessions during the research period at Pembroke, Rowland, and Red Springs. Prior to each session, he obtained a court calendar listing names, offenses, pleas, findings, and sentences. In each case that was tried, he noted the findings of guilty or not guilty. In cases where the defendant's racial background was unknown, he made the determination by questioning the defendant or someone who knew him or her. He noted the defendant's race beside each case that was tried. RESULTS: Based on 171 cases. 110 were Indians, 32 were Whites, and 29 were Blacks. The number of convictions were: 106 Indians, 9 Whites, and 25 Blacks. Sellers said.^'A Chi-Square statistical analysis of courtroom justice in terms of race versus convictions and nonconvictions revealed a figure of 41.25 which indicates a very powerful probability that racial bias exists in the district court system of Robeson County. In a percentile analysis of the defendant population, it was determined that 65% were Indians and the remaining 35% was divided nearly equally between Whites and Blacks. The rates of convictions racially were: Indians-96%, Blacks-86%, and Whites-28%." Sellers concluded his report by saying, "During the period of . anuary through April 1979. there were very strong indications that the distribution of justice in (he district court system in Robeson County was biased alonfiacial lines. The fact that a much greater number of Indians were apprehended than either Whites or Blacks indicates that a serious problem exists between law enforcement officials and Indians. Once in the courtroom, Indians have a very small chance of escaping a finding of guilty and Blacks have only slightly better odds, while Whites seem to have a very good chance of receiving a finding of not-guilty. It would appear that the consensus opinion of the Indians regarding racial bias on the part of law-enforcement officials and courts is very close to the mark." Richardson Named new District Judge Governor Jim Hunt Tuesday nam ed Herbert L. Richardson of Lumberton as District Court Judge for the 16th Judicial District, which is composed of Rpbeson and Scotland Counties. He replaces Judge Samuel E. Britt of Lumberton who was recently appointed Special Superior Court Judge by Governor Hunt. Richardson will serve a term ending December 5, 1982. Richardson. 27, is an assistant district attorney for Robeson County. He received his J.D. degree from N.C. Central University in 1976. He is a member of the N.C. District Attorney's Association, the N.C. Academy of Trial Lawyers and the N.C. Black Lawyers Association. Edmisten to visit Pembroke Attorney General Rufus Edmisten will be visiting in Pembroke at the home of Pembroke Councilman Sam Dial on Jones* Street from 6 until 8 p.m. August 23rd. Councilman Dial, a long time admirer of Edmisten, said, "Everyone is invited to come and meet with Rufus Edmisten, a dedicated attorney general." Later Edmisten. accompanied by Dial and other supporters will attend "Strike at the Wind!" Prospect Citizens Protest Lack of School Board Representation by Connee Brmybov Accompanied by over 100 members of the Prospect and Oxendine School Districts and representatives of the Philadelphus Precinct, L.H. Moore delivered an oratory to the Robeson County Board of Education on Tuesday. Prior to his presentation, Moore dis played a hand-written sign which said: Justice For All... "Gentlemen," he said. "That's all we're asking for." He then launched into an empassioned plea for the board to reconsider their present districting plan. Said Moore, "We are the only high school attendance zone which will not have the opportunity to elect a member to this board. We want to know why we were left out?" The plan Moore referred to was a part of the Proposal to merge the Maxton City Schools and the Robeson County Schools. The proposal included a plan whereby members of the board of education, beginning in 1980, will be elected by district. The plan specifies that there will be eight districts. Those districts are: District I composed of Parkton, Lumber Bridge and Rennert Precincts- one member; District D will be composed of Philadelphus. Burnt Swamp, Raft Swamp, Saddletree, West Howellsville Precincts- two members; District ID composed of Maxton' one member; District IV, composed of Alfordsville, Union, Pembroke and Smiths Precincts- three members; Dlstilit V composed of Rowland- one member; District VI composed of Geddys, Thompson and Back Swamp one member; District VD- composed of Britts, Orrum, Sterling. Smyrna- one member; and District VU1. composed of Bast Howellsville and Wisharts- one This election by district will become effective in 1900. Presently, David Ofeea represents District Is Laytnon Locklear "t Roaald Hammonds repte seat District U; tufas Graham repre sents District ID; Ulllan Locklear. jerry Lowry. Simeon Osendiae sad Tommy D. Swett rrprrrrat District IV; District V has ao teprssaetativa at this fat; Ralph Heat rsprsssats District VI; trict VIII. with the 1980 election one of the four members representing District IV will be eliminated and District V wifl elect a representative. OXENDINE SCHOOL DISTRICT Moore introduced Ben Jacobs of the Oxendine School who emphati cally stated: "For years people, especi ally Lumbee Indians, have fought for their rights and for equal atpresenta tion. When an Indian superintendent * and a predominantly Indian Board of Education came to be in Robeson County, the people of Smiths Township were most pleased and hopeful that a system such as this should last forever. "Although we see the need for improved schools and better education al services in our community, we are pleased with the progress of our present school units. We are aware of the need to consolidate the educational units to give our children the best opportunities to learn. We are prepared for the changes that must come. "However, our unique school board, for which we had so much hope and trust, has now set up a system in which our community has little chance of gaining representation. Because of this we are very angry and feel that we have been betrayed. I am certain that the newly organized zones from which the citizens will select their representatives to the Board of Education has given unbalanced power to the voters of Pembroke Township. I cannot remain complacent and lose my chance and my children's chances at equal representa tion without voicing my concerns." No comment from the board followed Jacobs' spiel'. And Moore continued to explain why they were there. Seidhe: " Some of es fought ioog and hard battles against one of the greetest evils Robeson County has ever known and that was double- voting. We Anally ^? t rejoiced abott i i hj r v ictory ? squally. But as you knew and as we have experienced, this ems net Hue. We are bare this evening te ask yen leptaaee ts? as why aa a Mgjt atkmf r 9 i attendance zone we were not treated as those other high school attendance zones." Chairman Ralph Hunt responded. "High school areas were not consider ed.... It was not intentional." Moore said: "....we are not asking for consideration. We want an answer. We feel like we've been shafted and want to. know what you're going to do about it." Supt. Purnell Swett responded: "We will take a serious look at it and do what we can within our legal power. The question is can we change prior to 1980 or after the 1980 census." And Moore reacted: "I'm sorry, gentlemen. I just don't have the kind of confidence I need in a system that would treat us like this." He then commended the board for their "cour age on consolidation." Said he. "I believe it is one of the greatest steps toward progressive education in my life time." And he addressed Assist. Supt. Douglas Yongue: "I want to commend you for giving us a superintendent's job and doing what was best for children educationally." PHILADELPHIA PRECINCT Jimmy Goins, a resident 'Of the Philadelphus Precinct then spoke. Said he. "I look at these district lines and it's disgusting. I don't understand why... All 1 know is that my children will be going one way to school (Prospect) and I'll be voting another way.... I am not against consolidation. Wd'fc against consolidation without representation.. Give us a chance to help out In the consolidation. Don't lose us....I would recommend a district composed of Smiths A Philadelphus Precinct." He then posed this question: "Could the board not function as an elected at large board?" And Chairaiaa Hunt responded: "The reason for districting was that Mertaa tsquselsd s based member
VW to the state board of education to approve the West Robeson Consolida tion. This resolution was passed after conducting three public hearings at Prospect, Maxton and Pembroke High Schools. The proposed date for occu pancy of West Robeson High is July, 1982. In compliance with the state board of education's directives, Robeson County will reduce gas usage by 20 percent for school buses and activity buses. In compliance, school buses will only stop for pickups every two-tenths of a mile. The bus driver will not signal the students by blowing the horn. And children are required to board the bus in a timely manner. Efforts will be made to insure that the bus arrives and departs each stop at the same time. The board also authorized the supt. to petition the state board of education to declare the Hilly Branch Vocation Center as a school. To do so would warrant a principal on the site. r Chairman Ralph Hunt appointed a committe to study the Rex- Rennert area for land to be purchased for the proposed East Robeson High, a consoli dation of Magnolia and Parkton High Schools proposed for 1982 also. D .-J& BkV I U ? BURNT SWAMP BAPTIST CHURCH TO OBSERVE CENTENNIAL The Burnt Swamp Baptist Church will observe its Centennial Sunday, J August 19, 1979 at 10:00 a.m. Guest b speakers will be past pastors of the p church. C S Burnt Swamp was organized with s only 12 men and women in the Union ( Chapel Community, moving to its present location in 1904. t A covered dish luncheon will be served at 12:30. A special afternoon singing beginning at 2:30 p.m. Everyone is cordially invited to attend. LOCKLEAR REUNION PLANNED ? J The family of the late Charlie and r Rosa Lee Lockiear are planning a family * reunion Sept. 23, 1979 at Sandy Grove S Holiness Church near Maxton. All r relatives are asked to attend. For f more information, call Cathleen Revels 3 at 521-9486 in Pembroke or Alfair r Bullard of Maxton at 844-5750. c FALL SOFTBALL LEAGUE \ The Fall Softball Organizational J Meeting for -Women ?ad Men is j scheduled for Thursday. August 23, * 1979 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held | at the Conference Room in the s Lumberton Recreation Department. Managers are urged to attend. COUNTY SOFTBALL TOURNEY SCHEDULED The Robeson County Recreation Department's County Softball Tourna ment will be held the week of August 27, 1979. The location of play will be determined by the inutnber of teams that enter. Entry fee will be $25 per team and must be paid no later than Tuesday, August 21, which is the deadline for signing up. This tournament is designed for these teams that played in the 1979 Summer Softball Leagues of the Robeson County Recreation Department or the City of Lumberton Recreation Department. No player will be allowed to partici pate with two teams in this tournament. For those players who played on more than one team in regular season, they must designate which team they are going to play with. The rules of the tournament will be the same as your regular season rules. Plans Plate Sale The Pembroke Rescue Squad will sponsor a chicken and barbecue plate ' sale on Friday, August 24 at the new Pembroke Rescue Building located on Union Chapel Road . The sale will begin at 11 a.m. and last until... Proceeds from the sale will be used for construction of the new building. SHANNON JAYCEES TO BOLD INSTALLATION BANQUET The newly chartered Shannon aycees will be holding their installation anquet Saturday, August 18 at 7:30 i.m. at the Shannon Community Center. The event is sponsored by the addletree J aycees. The price is 13.00 ingle. Shannon Jaycees President is )dell Lowery. Couples will pay $5.00 for the >anquet. REGISTRATION FOB PEMBROKE SCHOOL DISTRICT All students, except those students 'ho will be registering at Pembroke unior High School, who have not egistered for the 1979-80 school year rho are now living in the Pembroke ichool District, should come oat and egister for the 1979-80 school year on ttday, August 10 between 9 a.as. and i:30 p.m. Students in grades k-7 will egister at Pembroke Elementary Scho d. Students in grades 10-12 will register it Pembroke Senior High. Then on iugust 13-14 between 9 a.m. and 3:30 i.m., students in grades 8-9 will egister at Pembroke Junior High khool. This rcfeistratioo applies only u> tew students who have moved Into the 'embroke school district during the ummer. WILKINS ENTERS HOSPITAL John Emmy Wttfaa In last week'* issue of The Carolina Indian Voice the newspaper carried a story recounted by John Henry Wilkins, a disabled man from the Union Chapel Community who claims he was mistreated by a highway patrolman, M. Humphrey, when he stopped . him initially for an errant signal light that would not quit blinking. r .. . ^ g Miss Millie Fashions Celebrates 1st Birthday