PUBLISHED EACH THURSDAY "
THE CAROLINA INDIAN VOICE
"Bafldiqg Communicative Bridges
PEMBROKE, N.C In A Trf-Udl Siting' ROBESON COUNTY
VOLUME 11 NUMBER 23 25c PER COPY THURSDAY JUNE 9, 1983
A Front Page Editorial
INDIANS CONFRONT
RACISM AND
CONDESCENSION IN
METHODIST CAMP
METHODIST COLLEGE -Vernon Tyson,
superintendent of the Wilmington Dis
trict of the Methodist Church, stated the
case bluntly: "If the individual (Rev.
Simeon Cummings) were not a Native
American we would not even be
discussing this....I've seen his resume
and it's not all that great. He's a good
man but he's not qualified to be
superintendent...." Tyson also noted
that Rev. Cummings is not "a seminary
graduate."
Tyson seemed to express the senti
ment of the majority of North Carolina
Conference of the United Methodist
Church which convened last Sunday at
Methodist College in Fayetteville for four
days (June 5-9). The annual convocation
determines actions and ministries of the
Methodist Church for the future.
The conference acted upon a number
of resolutions, including a resolution to
prohibit homosexuals from entering the
ministry, security and peace in Central
America, public utility rates and their
impact upon poor people, drunk driving
and the needs and concerns of the aged
poor.
out v/nt iTTswiuiivn HI1MWI|11 llWIgiy
ignored was one presented by delegates
from Robeson County asking for appoint
ment of an Indian superintendent to the
Rockingham District, even though more
than 200 Native American Methodists
held a protest march and peaceful
assembly Sunday afternoon to support
the appointment of an Indian (specifical
ly Rev. Simeon Cummings) as District
Superintendent. The protest was ignored
as the conference appointed Rev.
William W. Sherman. Jr. as superinten
dent of the Rockingham District, the
district that the predominate Indian
Methodist Churches in Robeson County
belong to.
The protestors are expected to present
a resolution today asking that an Indian
be appointed superintendent by 198-4.
And the conference is expected to ignore
and deny that resolution. Too. the
condescending attitute of the conference
delegates and administrators and bishop
has left a bitter taste in the mouths of
many Indian Methodists.
Barney L. Davidson, president of the
church council, said Sunday that a Native
American had never been appointed to
the church council (made up of the 12
district superintendents and Bishops
which make up the Eastern District)
because none had ever been qualified.
Davidson was quoted as saying.
"Normally someone front a large church
and a large congregation (is chosen). The
cabinet was unanimous. We just don't
feel they (Native Americans) have
anyone qualified."
out ine Indian protestors disagreed
firmly, carrying signs that read:
"Think!". "Native Americans are loyal
Methodists." "After 100 years, still no
superintendent." "If not now....w hen?"
And similar messages.
And the Native Americans marched
"noblv around the auditorium where the
conference was being held, w ith bearing
and dignity. This editorialist did not
observe a single Methodist (including
Bishop William R. Cannon, or District
Superintendent Joseph Bethea. a black..
...(Rev. Bethea is finishing
up his term which concludes with this
conference) offer a visible expression of
concern. Most seemed afraid to be seen
with the Indians. The delegates went
about their business, seeming to be
modeled after a political convention w ith
lots of ritual, resolutions and old
fashioned politicking.
It seented to us a sad commentary,
speaking to the worst in our Methodist
brothers. We saw few expressions of
Christian love. The callous disregard.
lack of expressed love, and denigating of
character (like publicly holding Rev.
Cuntniings up to public scorn as being in
their opinion, "unqualified"), did not
elevate the Methodist convocation to
greatness. And it reminded us of
something a Black leader said once:
"Things seent better on the surface but
worse underneath in the region of a
man's heart where he truly resides."
Said Harbert Moore, a leader of the
protest. "The church's altitude is what
?causes while people to think minority
people aren't as good as they are."
Moore noted sadly. "To us it's a form Of
racism."
Adolph Dial. Chairman of Pembroke
Siaie's Indian Studies Department, and
like Moore a member of Prospect United
Methodist Church (one of the largest
Indian churches in America) said, "at
first they said it was the money...but 1
think it's pure racism. There's an
oligarchy system in this conference
that's really strong. But we're not going
to stop. We'll keep Irving; if we don't gel
it this week then next. We'll have A
district superintendent in five years.'" V
"We must obey our conscience and
our belter judgement." said Davidson.
"We examined at length the man they
felt should be district superintendent and
we were in full agreement. We don't
think he or any other Native American
Indian meets the qualifications."
Charles Smith, another district super
intendent piously said. "It saddens me
that so much anger and disappointment
is being expressed..." But Rev. Simeon
Cummings corrected him. "Charlie,
that's not anger...It's love!"
Kcv. l umniings. now t>z. ana long
active in Methodist circles, stood quietly
by the entrance way to the auditorium
as the demonstration took place. For
merly a delegate to the national
convocation of the Methodist Church, he
is now director of the Robeson County
Cooperative Ministry (encompassing
Sandy Plains. PhMadelphus, Collins
Chapel and Ashpole Churches). He also
serves as full time pastor of Sandy Plains
United Methodist Church and w as pastor
of Prospect United Methodist Church for
twenty years. Prospect's membership
increased from 250 in 1953 to more than
600 in 1973 when Cunimings became
coordinator of Outreach Ministries for 5
years for the North Carolina Methodist
Church, representing 65 churches in 56
eastern North Carolina Counties. Said a
layman knowledgeable about Methodist
affairs, "the only thing they can use
against Cunimings is the fact that he did
not graduate from a seminary...and
they're going to hold to that..." Said an
Indian participant. "It's a sad story but
we ought not to be surprised. It is a
culmination of 200 years of mistreatment
of Indians in this country. And it took this
for many of us to open our eyes wide w ith
understanding. Racism and condescen
sion can wear robes too. Remember the
Sanhedrin?"
And if Rev. Simeon Cunimings is not ,
qualified then there is something wrong
with the Methodist qualifying process, as
we see it. And. too. is it not also a matter
??f the heart? Of committment to a proud
people?
And can an IndiJti ever be qualified if
while, conservative clergv continue to
make, enforce, and interpret the rules of
inclusion?
EDITOR'S
NOTE
Bo sure and read page 9 and 10 of the
Carolina Indian Voice for an indeptW
interview with James A. Jones. Principal
of Prospect School.
This interview appeared in the Sthool
News Service BULLETIN and ?i<
submitted to us by Walter G. Otendine.
Public Information Coordinator for the
Robeson Counts Schools.
EDITOR'S NOTE
at .
Organizers Adoiph Dial, Harberl Moore
lead march around the auditorium to
protest lack of Indian presence in
Methodist Church Council. | Bruce Bur
Ion photo |
Dr. R?||uM Oxeadiac wa too (her of
4 W v J
?bowed their concern by "marching for
Jnedce." (Brace Barton photo|
. A A .
Prospect
Graduation
Ceremony
held
* MM !,<? k'vrtf
Hritin joivs
Prospect School held their final
graduation ceremony on Sunday. June 5.
1983 in the school gymiorium. The
graduating class of 1983 was the last
graduating class of Prospect School
because of the consolidation of Maxton
High. Prospect High and Pembroke High
into the new West Robeson High School.
As has been traditional at Prospect
School, the commencement address was
delivered by the valedictorian. Brian
Jones, and the salutatorian. Gina
Locklear.
Miss Locklear is the daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. Hezekiah Locklear. Jr. She has
been a member of the following clubs
during her years at Prospect High;
Spanish Club (9-10); SECME (9-10);
Christian Youth Club (9); Society of
Distinguished American High School
Students (10-12); Beta Club (11-12); a
member of the Annual Staff (9-12); a
member of the Basketball Team (10-12);
a member of the Softball Team (12); and
an H-CAP participant (12).
Awards and honors include: Marshal
(9-11); Editor of the School Yearbook
(12): World History Award (10); Biology
Award (10); U.S. History Award (II);
Army Award (11-12); Senior Superlative:
Most Studious: Advanced Biology Award
(12); Enigh IV Award (12); I Dare You
Award (12): and Most Dedicated Athlete.
Miss Locklea' will further her studies
at East Carolina University where she
will begin as a freshman in the fall. She
plans to seek a major in a health career.
Reprinted below is the speech Miss
Locklear delivered at the last Prospect
Graduation Ceremony: "
Parents and special guestsn w<m!d
like 10 welcome you i" our final
graduation ceremony at Prospect High
School. Our class has the distinction of
being the last graduating class at
Prospect ? School and we feel honored.
As I look back at my past years at
Prospect. I have a feeling of regret when
1 think of graduating. While in high
school. I have had the chance to meet
and make friends whom I will miss
dearly. Also I have broadened mv
. horizons and expanded my knowledge
due to the caring of the faculty and staff
of Prospect. Often when teachers' would
assign homework, we would complain
but thanks to their persuasion we would
do the assignment. At this time I would
like to thank each teacher for pulling up
with our continuous complaining among
other things, and for urging us on to
develop our potentials to the fullest. Also
I would like to thank my mother whs
was always there when I needed her.
supporting me in all m> endeavors.
We have just finished one stage of our
life and whether we are prepared or not
another stage h about u> begin. Because
Continued Page 2
. " > 'Lut . ?ffimr - .-A .
i PEOPLE *~1
AND PLACES
AND THINGS
BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC
Pembroke Rescue Squad will be
holding a Blood Pressure Clinic
Saturday. June II. from 10 a.m. to 2
p.m. in front of Pigglv Wiggly Store,
Pembroke. This will be a free service to
the citizens of Pembroke and surround
ing communities.
SPONSORS NEEDED
Any business person, merchant,
professional or individual interested in
sponsoring a contestant in the 1983 Miss
Lumbee Pageant, please contact Mrs.
Florence Ransom at LRDA Center for the
Arts Annex. 521-2401.
ill
THANK YOU
The Department of Social Service
greatly appreciates volunteer service
rendered bv. the citizens of Robeson
County in the May 14th distribution of
surplus commodities. The volunteer
turnout was great in all of the areas.
They would like to thank each person and
church who had a part in making the
distribution a success in Fairmont.
Lumberton. Maxton. Parkton. Pem
broke. Red Springs. Rowland and St.
Pauls.
Tidbits
From
the
Editor
WASHINGTON-As you read this, I'm
happily promoting my book-Brace Bar
ton's Best of As I See lt-in the
Washington DC area, thanks to former
Robeson natives. Helen Maynor Scheir
beck. W.J. Strickland, and others who
now live in the Washington. DC area.
They have arranged an appearance for
me on a Washington. DC television
station and an autograph party at W.J.
Sloan, a swank DC department store.
I've heard. I will be shamelessly
promoting my book as I have many to sell
before the book maker is satisfied and
paid for his labors.
More about this next issue. Pray for
ntc and. of course, wish me well. I'll do
the same for vou.
COMPUTERS SUBSCRIBERS AND
MORE
Wc are atlempiing to make our
subscribers list error-free. We haven't
gotten to that point yet but that it where
wc are heading. Thanks for being patient
with us.
Wc are now putting our subscribers on
a computer will cut down on the
errors as soon as we get this computer
business down pat.
If you feel as if your subscription has
been mishandled, please call us at
521-282b and we'll make every effort to
make things right. We want you to read
the Indian Voice: that's our whole
purpose for existing, to write interesting
news items and opinions and thought
pieces that excite and motivate you and
make you feel good about the Lumbee
experience.
Too. the computer is allowing us to
monitor our subscribers better. We'll be
able to keep up w ith when vou paid last
and send you a renewal notice on time.
And. the sad part is well probably have
to take a lot of people off our mailing list
because we're finding out that many
haven't renewed their subscriptions
and/or paid for the one they are now
receiving.
Help us. Renew. We need you
honestly If vou owe us for a subscription
we will appreciate it very moth If y?u w ill
pay us If we take your name off by
mistake please forgive us aud uSbar as
? he opportunity of righting the Ulllg.
God Bless each of you. Hrip us reach
5.000 subscribers. Wc can do it to*nher.
Guest
Speaker
at
Awards
Banquet
?Dennis Lowers
One of the highlights of Lumbec
Homecoming 1983 will be the Lumbee
Awards Banquet. This banquet will be
held at the Pembroke Javcee Building on
June 30. 1983 at 7:30 p.m. The purpose
of this affair is to present four (4)
prestigious awards to Lumbees who have
dedicated their lives to the plight of the
Lumbec People. -These awards are: 1.)
Business Person Award. 2.) Henry Berry
Lowrv Award. 3.) Distinquishcd Service
Award. 4.)Advancemcnt of Education
Award.
Guest speaker for this affair will be
Mr. Dennis Lowery. President and*.
Owner of Continental Industrial Chemi
cals. inc. based in CharlMte. NC. His
company is the largest minority owned
chemical company in the United States
with sales of S26 million annually. The
son of Mr. Sc Mrs. Zeb Lowery of
Pembroke. Our Guest Speaker is well
know n throughout Robeson County since
he grew up here, graduated from
Pembroke Senior.High and Pembroke
State University (B.A. Degree) in I9b4.
Mr. Loyrety has distinquishcd himself
as one of the leading businessmen in the
state of North Carolina. Presently, he is
Chairman of the Board of two (2)
companies: I.) Indo Corporation. 2.)
'Specialty Chemical Company. He has
received the following awards: 1.) Small
Business Person of the Year for North
Carolina. 1979. 2.) North ?Xgr?l<n?
Outstanding Btttiness Company Award.
1982. 3.) Recipient: Distinguished Alum
ni Award. Pembroke State University.
1982. He and his wife Judy are the proud
parents ?f three (3> children: Shelley.
Dana, and Brandon.
A buffet dinner will be catered aad
upon completion of the program agenda,
entertainment.w? be provided by R St R
Disco lijc. Tickets <S7 . in-' person) for
this banquet can be obtained from
LRDA Personnel or by contacting Gary
Dees*. ANA Coonfinatoe. tat l*DA s
ANA/CETA Compiet between the hour*
of *30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. See you there'