PUBLISHED EACH THURSDAY HjTHE CAROLINA INDIAN VOICE "IbBdtagAm?lfllv Bridges PEMBROKE, N.C ta Alrf*?WS.ttta?" ROBESON COUNTY ~ ?"??" .-'-ruin II.- . . JLJ- -u- -L-. . igrf ??? r . _ n_^n_ - - r yi VOLUME II NUMBKK 27 PER COPY THLIRSDAY, JULY ISM FORMER EMPLOYEE ASKS $200,000, RETURN OF HER JOB IN SUIT AGAINST COUNTY LIBRARY \ I I INDIAN STAFFER WHO REFUSED TO WORK ON SUNDAY SEEMINGLY AT HEA1T OF DISPUTE FAYETTEV1LLE-A former employee of the Robeson County Public Library, who dnims she was fired for supporting the religious convictions of another library employee, has sued the library, asking for $200,000 in punitive and compensatory damages and return of her job and past wages and salary. Yvonne Hutchison believes she was fired by Diana Tope, the former county librarian, for supporting the religious convictions of Mat tie Locklear who was briefly fired herself by Tope for refusing to work on Sundays, in February 1980, Diana Tope secured ii n ? Trustees to open the library on Sunday afternoons from 2 to 6 p.m. The Sunday hours have since been curtailed. At first, according to the lawsuit filed in Eastern District Federal Court in Fayetteville this week by Lumbee River Legal Service in behalf of Ms. Hutchison, Ms. Tope attempted to accomodate the religious convictions of Ms. Mattie Lock!ear, a long time library employee, who refused to work on Sunday because of her religious beliefs. In March, 1980, according to the suit, Tope directed Hutchison to investigate the legality of compelling Mattie Lock lear to work Sundays against her will or of terminating her in the event she aaftraed so work Sundays, and specifically *1 A 1 directing to solicit ideas and views from other directors of public libraries in the state, from the Equal Opportunity Em ployment Commission, and from other sources. Hutchison, whose varied duties as administrative secretary to the librarian, included employee scheduling, did as directed. Her finding convinced her that Locklear's religious convictions should be respected, and she developed 4 possible options that attempted to resolve the matter. The options were: a. Excuse Mattie Locklear from Sunday work; b. Place the burden on Mattie Locklear to secure a substitute employee to work her Sunday rotation; c. Excuse Mattie Lndklear from S4ada? ?reft but require her to work one Thursday night for each Sunday excused; d. Require Mattie Locklear to reimburse another employee to work her Sunday rotation. None of the options satisfied Tope, according to the lawsuit, and she fired Mattie Locklear on May 2, 1980, against the vigorous objections of Ms. Hutchi son. Hutchison noted that she advised Locklear she should seek legal help, contact the local press and her county commissioner, at that time Herman Dial. Immediately after an article appeared in The Carolina Indian Vole* criticizing the firing of Mattie Locklear, on Thurs day, May 15, 1980, Ms. Tope conferred with Tom Long, the Chairman of the Library Board of Trustees, and thereafter Tope ordered Hutchison not to talk with anyone concerning the firing of Mattie Locklear, and told her that if she did not agree with Tope's firing of Mattie Locklear Plaintiff should look for another job. On or about May 18, 1980, Plaintiff met with Robeson County Commissioner Herman Dial and discussed the firing of Mattie Locklear, outlining for him the same four alternatives she had outlined to Tope. un or aooui May LI, 1> ? .'V * ?? ? . un uie Business rroni.... News Affecting the Lumbee Business Community Editor'* Nate: This Is a m column which wfll ^pit to the C?*h* hdh* Vefee 6m da* to touo with am and mm to be ana ef toe bet unpimd (iMllen es Car es we as a people are toe way we feel aad totok aad act aboat ?eaey aad basiaeaa aad eceaeaiic to and champieu sf toe Minority h has been said of him, "Parren Mitchell obeys no paymaster-he is his own man and owes no allegiance to anyone except his people, not only those of his 7th Congressional District of Maryland but those across the nation." The May IS, 1982 edition of the BaMbaote Aire American newspaper said, "Parren J. Mitchell is more than a Congressman, he's a humanitarian... After a period of varied and distin quished public service, Parren J. Mitch ell was elected Maryland's first Black Congressman in 1970. In 1976, Mitchell attached to then President Carter's $4 billion Public Works Bill an amendment that compell ed state, county annd municipal govern ments seeking federal grants to set aside ten percent of each grant to retain jntoority firms as contractors, subcon tractors, or suppliers. Mitchell's single amendment resulted to more than $625 million (15%) going to legitimate minor ity firms. Following numerous court challenges, "The Mitchell Amendment" Was upheld as constitutional by U.S. Supreme Court to July, 1980. He has also introduced legisladbn which, to 1978, became Public Law 95-507, requiring proposals from coo tractor. to spefl out goal. for awarding contracts to minority Subcontractors. This law potentially provides access to Kfiions of doflars far minority buai ?ibsaas. During his twetve yean to Congress, fefacheO has served with distinction as: Member of the House Budget Committee Vice Chairman of ton Joint Comaattteeoa Economic Development of the Congres sional Blade Caucus; and a member of the Joint Economic Committee. He holds a total of seven Honorary Degrees, i.e., four Doctor of Humane Letters, two Doctor of Law, and one Doctor of Social Sciences. Another amendment introduced by Congressman Mitchel aimed at assisting minority business participation in the multi-billion dollar gas tax/highway repair bill, was signed into law on Janurary 6, 1983 by President Reagan. The Mitchell Amendment will allow minority business to be eligible for a minimum of 10 percent of the money authorized to be appropriated under the new Public Law. Under the Mitchell Amendment, there is a potential for 7 billion dollars worth of contract oppor tunities for minority businesses through 1986. Congressman Mitchell has received praise from across the country on his latest accomplishment. His friend and colleague, Congressman Joseph Addab bo of New York said, "Panen is highly respected in the halls of Congress and throughout the United States for his leadership and dedication to the cause of improving the economic conditions of the minority business community. 1 am proud to be a supporter of Parren in a cause that is good for the nation." "I am deeply pleased that my collea gues of both parties in the House and Senate did not waiver in their support of my recently enacted amendment. A special word of appreciation must be given to Senator Allim Cranston (D-CA) who was a key Senate supporter of the Mitchell Amendment and to Chairman James Howard of the Committee on Public Works and Transportation of the U.S. House of Representatives," said Mitchell. According to Mitchell, "These are desperate days for minority businesses. However, they have seen a glimmer of hope by the recent minority business announcements of the Administration time in the struggle to save minority businesses from economic starvation." Congressman Panes Mitchell is a popular man in Baltimore's sizable (estimated^ to be mare than 4,000) them come to Ma office wkh their problems. And he la quick to help them. _ i A People Profile.... Thomas Earl Locklear Thomas Earl Locklear by Conaec Brayboy The completion of West Robeson High School will bring many changes to the three school area (Pembroke, Prospect and Maxton). These changes can be challenging, progressive and rewarding. It all depends on how one views change. For Thomas Earl Locklear, the change for him is an opportunity to expand and grow as a person. Locklear has begun his position as principal of Pembroke Middle School, effective July 1 after serving as principal of Pembroke Junior High for eight years. He is enthusiastic about the coming school year and is busily preparing the facility for the seventh grade students who will attend. - The present middle school plant, formerly Pembroke Graded School, will no longer be utilized by the Robeson County School System. Those students will attend the Pembroke Junior High Building which will become Pembroke Middle School. The present Pembroke Senior High will become Pembroke Junior High. The high school students will become a part of the new West Robeson High School which consolidates Pembroke Senior High, lYospect High and Maxton High. The changes sound complicated, but they are educationally solid, according to Locklear. "Change is good for our system," he said. "I requested a chang* of principal ships for my own educational advancement, among other reasons. I feel that it is advantageous for me, as a person, to change every few years. 1 wfll not only be going into a younger age bracket, but 1 will also be administering a small school in terms of students and faculty," he continued. Pembroke Junior High was composed of approximately 400 students and 31 faculty members, an assistant principal and a guidance counselor. Pembroke Middle School will house approximately 315 seventh grad ers. There wfll be 13 faculty members, no assistant principal and no guUance Locklear places a great deal of emphasis oa exposure to new ideas, new people, etc. "There is much more to the education of a student," be said, "than ^Mpty acquiring knowledge contained in books, although that is very important. It la also important for students to leaiu iThoi* ?very day afcastious. Csat* en Page 1 PEOPLE A ND PL A CES AND THINGS . t , CRISIS LINE Contact Crisis Line at 738-8125, 8 PM-12PM. Friday thru Sunday. You Talk-We Listen. MISSIONARY SPEAKS TO BURNT SWAMP BAPTIST ASSOCIATION Dr. Fran Greenway, a missionary from Africa (Ghana) will be speaking and showing slides at Harpers Ferry Baptist Church July 16, 1983 at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is enrcouraged to attend, especially the pastors and mission workers from each church. This is a great opportunity for the youth of your church to hear the missionary and hear about her work in Africa (Ghana). There will be refreshments served after the meeting. ROBESON COUNTY BEEKKEEPERS TO MEET The Robeson County Beekkeepers Associaton will hold their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 19 at 8 p.m. at O.P. Owens Agricultural Building in Lumberton. Slides and tapes a* beekeeping will -be i presented.-. The public is invited to attend. PSU BOOSTER CLUB TENNIS TOURNAMENT The Pembroke State University booster club tennis tournament will be held August 1-7. There will be men's and women's singles competition, mixed doubles, senior men's and women's singles (35, 45, 55, and 65 depending on entries). There will also be junior events, singles and doubles in 10-year old and under, 12-under, 14-under, 16-under and 18-under. To enter, contact tournament director Dr. Ken Johnson at 521-4694 or 1 Dogwood Lane, Pembroke. Entry is S5 per event plus a can of balls. PSU BRAVES CLUB MEMBERSHIPS NOW ON SALE Memberships for the Pembroke State University Braves Club for 1983 ?JM are now on sale on the PSU campus. Many benefits are given to members with costs being $20 for a booster, S3S for an individual, $50 for a family, and $100 for a business. For more information or to be sent a free brochure call 521-3522 daily or write: Braves Cub. Pembroke State University, Pembroke. NC 28372. The Braves Cub is the athletic booster club at Pembroke State University which supports the Athletic Scholarship Fund. ATTENTION The Lumberton Recreation and Parks Department is attempting to compile a resource file on area talent. If you are 1. an individual performer 2. a member of a local entertainment group 3. or know of such people who would like to be included in this effort. ' Please contact Mable Floyd, at the Bill Sapp Recreation Center Phone-738-1411 Help make it possible for our Depart ment to promote Ha own area talent: Drama, Gymnastics, Magicians, Whist lers, VocalHsts, VeatrtBoquists, Musi cians, Majorettes, Comedy Acts, Dances (types of Dances) Bands-(type of musk). ANY OTHER PERFORMERS. CONTACT PERSON: MnUsFlnyd P.O. Ban 73ft 1 nnlntsu, WC 3H58 Ptom 73ft-1411 THE APOSTLES QUARTET TO VISIT MT. AIRY The Apostles Quartet from Lumberton will be the featured gospel group at Mt. Airy Baptist Church on ? Hwy. 72, West of Lumberton, on Sunday, July 17 at 7 p.m. Evetyone is invited to come early for a good seat. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL BEGINS AT MT. AIRY Mt. Airy Baptist- Church is having their Vacation Bible School August 1-5 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. daily at the church. Registration will be on Saturday, July 30 from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. Ages 3 and up. Everyone is invited to attend. Refreshments will be served. PEMBROKE FFA Six members of the Pembroke FFA Chapter received the State Farmers Degree at the 55th State FFA Convention in Raleigh on Friday, June 17. The State Farmers Degree is the highest member ship award presentedon the state level. Those receiving degrees were-Kent Lock I ear and Christopher Locklear. The local chapter was also presented plaques for chapter safety program and national chapter awards programs. The Pembro ke Chapter rated superior in both categories. SPECIAL SING There will be a Special Gospel Sing Sunday, July 17, 1983, 7:30 p.m. at Sandy Plains United Methodist Church. A very special choir (The Native American Community Choir) which is composed of United Methodist from die local Native American Churches will render several songs. The choir is under the direction of Mr. Harold D. Jacobs. Also the Gospel Spiritual Quartet and the Plainsmen will render special music. These three groups along with other Ctl..!. ....... In Ik. CXI i^iuiiiv. givsupa poi uvipaibM ui uiv kiww Convocation A lake Junaluska this week. It was an enlightening experience for them. The public is cordially invited to share in this special sing on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. GOSPEL SING The Burnt Swamp Association will hold a Gospel Sing at New Point Baptist Church on Highway 41 near the Lumberton Jaycees Fairground, between Lumberton and Fairmont, beginning at 2:30 p.m. on Sunda^ Everyone is invited to attend and participate, especially singing groups. i V PUBLIC NOTICE This serves as a legal notice that the Prospect Jaycees are re-organized as a not-profit organization to be known as the Prospect Native American League. By a vote of die majority of the members present at A meeting held May 23, 1983, a motion was passed to' discontinue affiliation with the N.C. Jaycees and reorganize die dub.. A meeting of the members will be held July 23rd, 1983 at 3 p.m. at the new clubhouse property of the organization to discuss the reorganization and other matters. Anyone having claims against ? the Prospect Jaycees, Inc. are urged to contact the former officers or appear at the meeting. AH present and farmer members of the organization afORged to Ban Jtoeaha,Seinmtmyi Tmaerner ASSISTANT nUNCIPALS OF WEST BOBESON NAMID Purnell Swett, Supt. of lobMon High School. The t?ro aaobtosts or D? tght Pearson and Brake Locklear Members of die lobe eon County Board L' L_->J ' ? ' vis .' 1 ^?*tw ? Os> ? ?"'" v ; "| "Bill" Oxendinc of Pembroke. i ? n School. He repUces Jerry