Newspapers / The Carolina Indian Voice … / March 27, 1986, edition 1 / Page 1
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I ? ( _ ' I J- -r * T I I PUBUSHED EACH THURSDAY p \l n I raTHE CAROLINA INDIAN VOIC : "Building Communicative Bridges W l^-O^ IX,! ^ 3 ^^ROB^ONOMJMTyj I 3,000 ATTEND GSXMEETING RC/CALC Release Preceded by a "Trail of Tears March" sponsored by the West Robeson High School and a barbecue plate dinner served by area volunteers, a joint Robeson/ Scotland County meeting on the proposed GSX hazardous waste treatment facility drew over 3,000 people to PSU" s Perfqrming Arts Center. Though the auditorium held only 2,000, another equally enthusiastic 1,000 people stood and listened outside. Hearing testimonies and technical reports from over two dozen speakers were officials from the State Department of Human Resources and the Governor's Waste Management Board. Meeting with the public for the first time on the GSX proposal, the officials were impressed by the great interest and participation shown by the citizens of Robeson and Scotland bounties. Before hearing reports from the public, Phillip Kirk, Secretary of the Department of Human Resources assured the audience that a sound decision would be made on the GSX license application. "I can make you one promise tonight, and that is unless all questions concerning the quality of water are addressed to the 100 percent satisfaction of our health officials, this per mit will not be approved," Kirk said. FYom different interests, many presentations followed Kirk's remarks-each one of them expressing opposition and the inapproprialeness of the GSX facility proposed for Scotland County. Politicians, health experts and community residents appealed to the state officials for a denial of the GSX application. State Representative, Sidney Locks, largely concerned about the quality of life and water, plainly told the officials, "We don't need, we don't want it, and we refuse to accept it," While many of the speakers discussed the company's poor integrity, its financial stability and corporate background. Dr. Fred Lee, environmental engineer with the New Jersey Institute of Technology, talked about the technical aspects of the company's application. "It is my professional assessment that GSX has grossly underestimated the potential water quality and public health impacts of the treated waste water discharged from its proposed facility," Lee told the audience. He went further in saying that the facility would represent, "...a significant unnecessary increased hazard to aquatic life in the Lumber River and to the public who consume water in the city of Lumberton." Cass Miller, environmental consultant, made clear that the contamination of the surface water supplies or groundwater would seriously jeopardize the safety and quality of health of area residents. Miller pointed out this critical fact in relation to the company's proposal to site above one of the state's most active ground water aquifers. Rod Johnson, community organizer with Robeson County Clergy and laity Concerned, assessed the North Carolina General Statutes in relation to the licensing decision. Pointing out that the GS> plant, if licensed, would be the largest hazardous waste treatment facility in the United States, said, "The proposed facility is directly across the street from the airport and just a few miles from the nearest school. We find that GSX proposed to operate just 4,000 feet from the lumber River and in an area with high soil permeability and high groundwater table. In addition, the proposed plant is a great distance from the major sources of waste generation. According to the N.C. Statutes, each of these factors-considerations which must be taken into ? . "iy rjji- <? ? GSXv-ut, being for ApMatiwt.htw." jf Mac Iegerton, executive director of Robeson County Clergy and Laity Concerned, said in a statement; "While residents, politicians, environmentalists and technical experts continue opposing GSX, the State Department of Human Resources, Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Branch still wrestles with the application review. It is important that citizens remain aware of this process and to work to assure the denial of the permit. The futures of our families and our children require each of us to be -involved in this ever important decision. Continue to write letters to Gov. Martin and Mr. Kirk and become more informed and involved. Today is not too late." The public meeting also drew Rep. Charlte Rose [checking his notes] who thundered in opposition: "Ilike to drink Campbell Soup and I don't want no GSX waste in it." To his*right is Rep. Bill Hefner. r ^ m GSXPUBLIC HEARING BARBECUE CONSIDERED SUCCESSFUL... GRATITUDE EXPRESSED BY WYVIS OXENDINE Commissioner Wyvis Ox endine, a member of the Steering Committe for the GSX Public Hearing held Monday evening at PSU* ? Performing Arte Center ex presses heartfelt appreciation to all those who worked so diligently to make the barbe cue which preceded the hear ing so successful. Special thanks are extended to all the lo^lal agencies, organizations and individuals who worked untireingly to prepare the food, serve the thousands who were fed, and clean up afterwards. Oxen-. ? dine expressed his gratitude to all those connected with the preparation. Said he, "Hie barbecue was a culmination of many people and civic organi zations working together for a common cause- the preven tion of locating a waste treatment plant in nearby Scotland County. As always, it is the people, working together, who make anything successful. I am humbled by the attitude and efforts of the people." Most of the food and drinks were donated for the bar becues. These contributions are deeply appreciated. Those donating the 22 hogs were: Commissioners Wyvis Oxen dine (2), Jack Morgan (1), Henry Douglas (1) and Sam my Cox (1); also UCEE (4), Superintendent Purnell Swett (1) SCAT (8). Sheriff Hubert Stone (2), Rep. Danny DeVane and Rep. Sidney Locks (1). Leroy ? Scott (1), Phyllis and Kenny Lockiear il). Harold Deeae (2). Ralph, Hunt and Greg Bryant (1) and! Revels Barbecue ft). maian Religion Museum Open House Hie Indian Religion Mu suem, a project of the Burnt Swamp Baptist Association, will receive visitors during its Open House ceremony Satur day, March 29, 1986. The doors will be opened 1:00 3:00 p.m. immediately follow ing the Associational Union Meeting scheduled to be held on the Odum Home campus adjacent to the museum. The museum is located immedi ately behind the Baptist Buil ding across from the Perform ing Arts Center on the PSU campus. The Indian Religion Muse um will have pictorial displays and other interesting histori cal and current material relat ing to the religious life of churches in the Burnt Swamp Baptist Association The public is invited to view their unique "people orient ed" museum which is boused in the renovated one hundred plus year old Burnt Swamp Baptist Church. GSX Meeting Attracts Largest Crowd Ever To PSU SptdLb (ujatunT hat/my hiuar <iau? idura i? iTntyrtfav'fy the Hate. by Gene Warren Having Monday night's GSX public meeting on the PSU campus was a master stroke publicity-wise for PSU. There has never been an event on the PSU campus which attracted so many people?well over 3,000 speaking conservatively. And the most people ever -over 2,000?packed into the Giv ens Performing Arts Center to hear the speeches. Pfeople were sitting in the aisles and standing on the corridors and at the entrances. The speeches were an nounced on the public address system outside the Performi ng Arts Center for those who were unable to squeeze in side. Media-wise, it was also a triumph. A number of TV stations were represented, coming from such distant points as Raleigh and Dur ham WRALTV in Raleigh did live on the spot reports on its 6 p.m. news and carried another report on its 11 p.m. news. Films were shown of the entrance signs to PSU with the yellow protest rib bons tied around the huge blocks of concrete with the words on the signs, "Pembroke State University" standing out very vividly. Interviews were conducted of the people marching at the rally: including those carrying candles signifying their pro test. Chancellor Pauls Givens of PSU, wKo made the welcome in the Performing Arts Center and then commented on the GSX situation, was also shown on the WRALTV news cast at 11 p.m. Givens received two ova tions. The first came after he made his welcome, saying it was appropriate that such a public hearing pe held at a public university setting. It followed when he said: 'Tve just spoken to you as the chancellor of Pembroke State University. Now (he polled out a yellow pretest ribbon and pinned it to his lapel), Fm tpeeking to you as a citizen of Pembroke." Hie crowd roar #d Ms approval ad he did (hat Then he proceeded to spy: "Just because this region has a low income per capita doesn't mean the quality of life here is any less than the quality of life elsewhere.' People here are concerned with the cleanliness of the Lumber River and what this proposed hazardous waste treatment, plant would do to their drinking water and fishing. People who work all day love to come home and put a fishing line in the river. But if this facility comes to this area, they are concerned that there would be no fish to catch in the Lumber River. vVe don't want this plant in our area and advise that they take it elsewhere." This is when the chancellor received his second and grea test ovation. His remarks set the stage for the strong anti plant rhetoric which followed. Native American and United Methodist Leadership hold a Consultation Fay* HeviUe-The theme and place, "Developing and Strengthening Native Amer ican Minisinea across seven teen (17) Annual Conferences and nine (9) states was the discussion for more than 126 participants coming from twelve (12) Conferences and eight (8f states of the South eastern Jurisdiction, and rep resentatives from eleven (11) Native American tribes, which were involved in the Consultation held at Metho dist College, Fayetteville, NC on March 7-9, 1986. The participants consisted of lea dership from major Boards and Agencies, Conference Council on Ministries,. Dis trict Superintendents, pas tors, laity, and Native Ameri cans. The majority of the participants were Native Americans. The cafeteria and the cha pel was the setting for this large gathering which featur ed Ben Busyhead, Director of the Native American Center Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma, 'as the keynote speaker. Busyhead captured the group's attention with his humourous anecdotes that were filled with truth and meaning. He related the sufferings, oppressions, drugs, and alcohol among Native Americans across the nation. Many Native Ameri cans were below the poverty needs to respond to these needs and concerns. He quot ed Fredrick Douglas, during his struggles said, "When I look at Jesus, I see unwilling ness to allow unjust situations to go unchallenged. Our the ology today should challenge these situations." He com mended the Southeastern Jurisdiction fororganizing the Southeastern Jurisdictional Association, for Native Ameri can Ministries to address the needs of Native Americans in the Southeast. On Friday evening follow ing the welcome by James A. Jones, Chairman of the Pro gram Committee, greetings were given by Dr. M. Elton Hendricks. President of Methodist Coll ege. The program began with a Historical and Purpose statement'hv Rev. Dr. Israel L. Rucker, Director, SEJ, Commission on Ethnic Mi nority Uiiuins.' Rucker says, we are here to address the needs and concerns of Native Americans. We are to form strategies to address these many needs and con cerns. He applauded the United Methodist for its di versity, inclusiveness to all people. The Biblical and Theologi cal Perspectives',. "The Visi on," by Simeon F. Cum mings, Coordinator for SEJANAM and Robert L Mangum, pastor. Prospect UMC. The speakers described ways & means how Christians can share their faith in love & deeds.' Ouf ministry is cli maxed in the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. The evening closed vrith a Celebration of Togetherness led by Belton Joyner, Direc tor,, CCOM NC Conference and Ms. Delora Cummings, Art Instructor, Robeson County Board of Education. P.D. Midgeft HI, pastor, Trinity UMC Southport, NC,. portrayed John Wesley in the "Early Methodism Coming to America." Special music ren dered by ReV. and Mrs. Jerry Lowry. Music and dancing from the traditions of Native American was featured by the Soaring falcon Dancers, Cumberland association for Indian People, Fayetteville, NC. Then after wards the group fellowship ,pcd around the dim-er labi and enjoyed Native American foods consisting of venison, smoked turkey, shrimp, vari ous vegetables, potato bread, apple cider and grape juices; prepared by ftoscoe Jacobs and Ms. Delora Cummings. Saturday morning, the group assembled in the cha pel for. the keynote address. The liturgist, Ms. Gloria Y. Davis, social worker, and Rev. Wilton Holden, pastor. Choc taw Mission, Philadelphia, Mississippi. The keynote ad dress by Ben Busyhead, Director, Native American Center. ?following the keynote ad dress, the large group divided into State groups for the purpose of sharing Need/ Dreams and Assessments. Following Chester E. Brown, Associate Director, Alabama West Florida CCOM, gave formal introductions of all persons representing Boards and Agencies, (inferences and Tribal Councils In the evening the second session of the State groups met in Problem Solving/ Strategies. Each group was to focus on one state wide issue and one specific problem. Following, plenary session was held to share the findings and,discussion. Such issues came from the groups, to be recognized as Indians, state recognition, education, un employment and church, etc., etc. On Sunday it was a time for sharing existing Native American Ministries. The large group divided into small conference groups to build upon a follow up relationship in an annual conference and to identify support groups and resources . for assistance in the annual- - conference In a closing session for the work groups, a role play was developed, "What it will be like back home." led bv the Naismond Tribe in Chesapea ke, Virginia. This was infor rning and meaningful cxpen ence to the whole group. The group learned that there still remains frustrations and a job to do. Ms. Mable Haught was the liturgist for the eleven o'clock worship service. Special mus kiVM ai -ttrv. wHt - ? Dr. Rene' tySe, rotary H Hoard' of JBK.Vios gave the ? flg r<mh Message. The scripture lesson came from Joel 2, topic, "Judgement and Hope." Bideaux says, "What can you say to people who are celebrating, their presence when they are suff ering from dehumanization and oppression? They have the highest unemployment level and the lowest proverty level." He emphasized, "It is time to turn around and come back and claim your heritage.' He concluded, "I have great hopes for the Southeastern Jurisdictional Association for Native American Ministries, in providing a ministry with Native Americans. The Rev. Simeon F. Cum mings. Coordinator of SEU AN AM, presided over the Consultation. Ruth Dial Woods Receives Award A WARDS PRESENTED-five Distinguished Women of Efdrth Carolina Awards were presented March 21 m Raleigh by Gov. Jim Martin to [left to n'gAt] Ruth Dial Woods of Pembroke, Maggie Axe Wachacha of Robbinsville, Dr. Helen G. Edmonds of Durham, Elizabeth Scott Carrington of Burlington and Gertrude SL Carraway of New Bern. Five women from across the state received Distinguished Women of North Carolina Awards Friday. Gov. James G. Martin-present ed medallions to Gertrude S. Carraway of New Bern, Elizabeth Scott Carrtngton of Burlington, Maggie Axe Wachacha of Rob binsville, Ruth Dial Woods of Pembroke and Helen G. Edmonds of Durham. Miss Carraway, a Journalist, author and historian, served as the first executive director of the Tryon Palace Restoration Com plex from 1957 to 1971. In 1939, she founded what is now known as the Historic Preservation Foundation of North Carolina. She also served a three-year term as national president general of the Daugh ters of the American Revolution. Mrs. Carrington was recognized for more than 45 years of work to improve the quality of nursing education in North Carolina. She helped establish the nursing school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the school bears her name. Mrs. Edmonds, an educator, historian and author, served N.C. Central University for 38 years as a history professor, chairman of the history department and dean of the graduate school of arts and science. She is recognized as the first black woman in the United States to become a dean of a graduate school of arts and sci ence. A recipient of the 0. Max Gardner Award from the UNC System, she is a visiting scholar at Harvard University Graduate School of Education. Mrs. Wachacha, 08, is a Chero r " * kee Indian who has served as clerk for the Cherokee Tribal Council for the past 49 years. She transcribes the minutes of each meeting into Sequoyian Sylla bary, the Cherokee language. Mrs. Woods, a Lam bee Indian and assistant superintendent of the Robeson County schools, was the first woman to receive an at large appointment to the UNC Board of Governors. She also organised the N.C. State Consor tium on Indian Education and was co-organixer ef a national network of Native American educators. A commKtne appointed by the N.C. Oaundlj^tho Statonij>f
The Carolina Indian Voice (Pembroke, N.C.)
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March 27, 1986, edition 1
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