Newspapers / The Carolina Indian Voice … / May 15, 1986, edition 1 / Page 1
Part of The Carolina Indian Voice (Pembroke, N.C.) / About this page
This page has errors
The date, title, or page description is wrong
This page has harmful content
This page contains sensitive or offensive material
HjTHE CAROLINA INDIAN VOK ? "Building Communicative Bridges T ledkm Patriarch Chfton Chendme RtmUOet Spot Where PSVRegmh 1887 Clifton Oxendme. "7*u it 'the exact ?pot where the original building stood" By Gene Warren j With his trusty cane, 86 year-old Clifton Oxendine pointed to an area in the freshly plowed field where once stood the two-story, unpainted, wooden building which was the beginning of Pembroke State University. "We are now on the exact spot where the original building stood," said Oxen dine, professor emeritus of history at PSU who reited in 1970. He served as dean of the college from 1939-57 and ? 1 uAick became Pembroke State University. Shoum in is considered a patriarch of the Lumbee Indian people. The place he designated is only a few yards from New Hope Church, which is approximately 1 Vi miles from the Town of Pembroke, site of PSU since 1909. The "spot" where the wooden building stood is two-tenths of a mile east of N.C. Highway 710 and about eight miles south of Red Springs. It is there, as the late D.F. Lowiy wrote, that Indian the background is New Hope Church. people "took their broad axes and went into the forest- as Noah did in building the ark-and built that first building." Lowry was the first person to receive a diploma from what was then known as Croatan Normal School. That occurr ed in 1905. The people had to donate their labor because the N.C. General Assembly appropri ated only $500 to the school, and that amount was stipa lated only for "payment of services rendered for teach ing and for no other pur pose." So the school's Board of Trustees had to raise or contribute the $8 to purchase the one-acre site. The Rev. W.L Moore, one of the leaders in founding the school and its first principal and teacher, found it neces sary to contribute $200 of his own funds to get the school started. "That first building was never painted. You can tell that from looking at the old pictures of it," said Oxen dine. Oxendine said he attended the school in 1907, "but I went only a few days in the first grade before switching to a little elementary school through those pines." He pointed past New Hope Church. Oxendine was seven years old at the time. Oxendine said that when he was a boy '' people always called this the college although it wasn't any coll ege. It was not graded. People went more or less on an individual basis." He noted that when he attended the school, "it had an enrollment of only about 20. Our folks were not interested in schooling in those times. This school was established to train teachers, bat our people hadn't caught onto the value of education. Attendance was very poor. The grades were mostly elementary.There was no high school. Oxendine remembers that the school near New Hope Church had a big bell which was carried to Pembroke when the school was moved there in 1909. "I didn't start to the school at Pembroke until after the sixth or seventh grade. World War I interrupted things and dur ing that period I was mostly fanning with my father. (Note: World War I was from 1914-1918 with the U.S. entering the war in 1917). During those war years too, said Oxendine, there wasn't much interest in education among the Indian people. Oxendine completed the high school curriculum of the Indian Normal School of Robeson County in 1924 along with six other stu dents. "It was high school. TTiat was the highest they offered," said* Oxendine, who was 24 at the time. From that point in his life, his education broadened. He earned his A.B. degree in history and secondary edu cation at McKendree Coll ege in Lebanon, 01.. in 1928 and his M.A. in history at George Peabody College for Teacbcrein Naahville. Tenn. S 1934. He liter did additib nal graduate study at George Peabody and louisiana State University. It was Oxendine who named the 'Old Main building at PSU after anoth er building by the same name at McKendree Col. "In '49, Samspon Hall Admi nistration Building was com pleted- and it was decided to move the college admini strative offices from what became known as 'Old Main' to Sampson Hall," said Oxendine. "I thought it appropriate that since it was I the oldest brick building on | campus and others were to ( follow, 1 wwilH h??<n calling it 'Old twain, me name took." Oxendine said the build ing became so hallowed that funerals of prominent people used to be held in "Old Main." It was to the Indians like the rotunda of the nation's capitol. In those early days when that first two-story, wooden building was constructed near where New Hope Chur ch is now located, did Clifton Oxendine have any idea that it would grow into a regional university which Pembroke State University is today? "I don't think anyone was thinking that far into the future," the Indian patriarch responded. "But, you know, our rivers start off as small rivers in the mountains--and look at them today." In conclusion, Oxendine shared a story of how the father of Ida Howell (who married Bill Friday, former president of the UNC Sys tern) used to operate a sawmill in Robeson County. 'Mr. Howell operated out here at Pates and cut timber for me with which I built a house in 1939," said Oxen dine. Friday met Miss How ell on a blind date at Meredith College which she was attending. They were married in 1942. This was according to a story on FViday's life in "North Car olina" magazine. Fates is located one-half mile from the New Hope Church location where it all began for Pembroke State University 100 years ago come March 7, 1987. (Note: An honorary docto rate will be conferred upon Clifton Oxendine by Pem broke State University Sept. 3 as part of a PSU convoca tion launching a year- long celebration of its Cen tennial.) Grace Lowry led S.C. Indians' fight for identification Reprinted from The Columbia Record By Kay Gordon Staff Writer About 10 years ago, Grace Cowry's son David, then 12, came home (com school crying. In filling out information on a test form, David had to chooae "Mack, white or other" in the race category. His teacher instructed him to mark the "other" slot David, a Native American Indian, didn't understand. ? That's when Mrs. Lowry, a Lumbee Indian like bar husband Claude, decided to speak up for not only her child, but for all Native Americans in South Carolina. She started by calling the schools, then went to the local and state level, amassing sympathetic supporters , who would help develop a positive identity for Native American Indiana in the state. Help came from the Rev. McKay Brabham, minister of College Place United Methodist Church, Columbia Col lege professor Charles Pfeiffer and Roger Kirk, assistant to former Gov. Jim Edwards. On a federal level, Dr. Helen Scheirbeck, who at the time was with The Year of the Child Program in Wash ington, came to Columbia to share her expertise on Indi an affairs-on the local, state and national levels. She suggested Identifying the Native American groups throughout the state and fanning a doo-profit council to serve as an advocacy group. The Catawba Indians were the only group that had bean recognised In South Carolina. After a series of community meetings, the Edisto, San tee and Pee Dee Indian were Identified. And in March, 1979, the Council of Native Americans of South Carolina was chartered by the state. The council began with seed meaty from tha National Indian Luther an Board, fallowed by funds from tha RaUgiou and Race Council of the United Methodist Church. Mrs. Lowry served as chairman of the council antil December, IMS, when Ao resigned to become supervisor of the VISTAS amoog the Indian groups in tha state. As of March S, 1PM, she became director of the commD office and "finally got a paying Job after nine yuhrs" as a volunteer. The council applied for and received a ma year tnjm grant from the Administration of Native Ameri can Programs, DhMoa of Health and Human Services, to oat ap admintet retire offices for the tsetses near Orangeburg, the Edistoe near Charleston, Pea Deas near Dillon, tha Piedmont American Indian Aaaodstloa In Oreanrffla and tha central office In CohmMa. The money la to ha used also to work with the governor's staff to promote small basteeasas among Na tive Americans In tha state, Mrs. Lewry said. Pint, Na tive Americans who are Interested in setting np small whs already haws*businesses and Sam who need help with thorn. "The whole Ides Is to make them independent," Mrs. Lowry said. Mrs. Lowry over asm Peggy Scott as admhtorator as wal as^chiaf'af*I* i *Oa^ PntTmrvn m eMnTuHho 8^an.JotejnySTtoiwatMiS and I AasoctaUon And today, Mrs. Lewry ssthwatm than an at Man lAjm Native Amaricon In the state. There are two VISTA workers who work with the Ed litem and Santeea to help with the youth, aenlor citizens and children. And the former advisory council, comprised of community members in all walks of life, Is now divid ed into task forces of the recognition committee, camp committee, powwow committee, and personnel and man agement committee. Currently, the council is funded through the 190,000 grant, but "even when we don't have mooey, we still have operated," she said. And though she has a salaried Job, her volunteer work goes on. After her basic 38-hour-a-week "paying" Job, she spends at least that much time continuing the kinds of things she was doing before ? calling tribal councils, attending meetings, taking care of mallinp and so forth. In addition, she is a member of the United Methodist Women, on the board of the Lutheran Indian Minority Task Force, on the board of the United Indians of Ameri ca, works with the Save the Children program and serves on the Human fitdeavor board. She has also worked to increase public awareness of Native Americans in South Carolina. The council, under her leadership, was swarded the ModJeaka Stmkina Award in 198V She also has been instrumental in writing grants for adult education for Indian groups and has coordinated efforts for the distribution of food, shelter, heat and clothing for the needy. Mrs. Lowry also has coordinated the annual Native American Summer Cany for under privileged cfailran. This fifth year, the camp will ha held In August at Camp Klnard near Leesville. Fteos lli tar^llm, the eMdh office sad Mm tan km bam quartered la the educational baUdlag of Cbflege Place United Methodtkt Church. Abo since the hagtaariag. edacatton and stata ncopltloo have bean Right now, a recognition MO b ready to be preaoabsd la tbe state bgbiatare, Mm said. Tbe bill. If passed, weaM be a resolution acknowledging tbe Bdbto Notches Kaseo bribe of Indians now taring In Dorchester, CoUeton and Cbarlestea counties; the Pee Dee tribe la Marlboro, DU haaiM Marlon coontba; the Santae tribe fas Orangeburg, nan Indian^n^cTatlon 'and ether* arbaa Iadtan lbs. Lowry said tsdbm and the eoaadl here "cwm a bag wag" h lb rears. At first, "the eaty contact was bsm at ?eaZelei ^pjn mklm cntscte" The eaMry al lw feeple b etffl edeeatba, Mke aald. Ubhaitilj, she weald Mho to see lbs canned office as am of advocacy, an it was Mmdad. Now, thoatfk, the office b trytag to laigtaat soiM propramo for tha people M dw ?^of hoaotng, adMt odaoaMm eSJS2S5r35S .aw-tast K-MART HEADS FUND RAISING EFFORT FOR KAYLA LEIGH SMITH'S LIVER TRANSPLANT FUNL K Mart of Lumberton is showing its community spirit by raising money for Kayla Smith's liver transplant fund. On a recent Saturday they raised over $400 selling hot dogs, cokes, pepsi, and baked goods. K-Mart would also like to thank all of the merchants who participated in helping out with the fund raising by donating their merchandise and discounts on the goods sold. In addition to the bake sale, K-Mart is raffling off a 19" color television by sell ing raffle tickets for only 12. The drawing for the raffle will be on May 17 and all proceeds will go to Kayta L Smith's liver transplant fund. K-Mart't goal it to reach over $2000 and ttiuei a challenge to other merchant* to mite at much for thii worthy cause. Regan Receives Master Of Divinity Degree WUhl Frrrett, AC-Richard Regan of Pembroke, NC received the Maatar of Di vinity Degree from South eastern Baptist Theological Seminary deling Commen cement Exerdaea on May 10. 1986. Ragan. the eon of Pied and Maureen Ragan of Pembroke ia a graduate of School ted Pembroke State n?g? to now Chwtaln PEOPLE A ND PL A CESl AND THINGSI I *0 grams of Alzheimer* Disease Research Center to be Discussed Man Szymanski, Nurse Clinician for the Alzheimers Disease Research Center, Duke Medical Center will discuss programs of the center on Thursday, May 22, 7:30 p.m. at the Robeson County Mental Health Cen ter on Route 711, west of Lumberton. Questions and sharing time will follow. All interested persons are en couraged to attend. For further information call Lois Rogers at 738-8104. Kayla Leigh Smith Liver Transplant Fhnd Schedule Events On Friday, May 16. 1986, a dance will be held a the Golden China on Pine Street, lumberton, sponsored by Bruce Chavis. Entry fee is $3.50 ($2.50 of each entry fee to Kayla Smith Fund). The dance begins at 9 p.m. until. On Saturday, May 17, 1986 Kayla Smith Day will be observed. Radto-tbon at WSK , A1 Kahn will be Master of Ceremonies. The event will be held at the Rescue Unit Building. Raffle drawing -bears to first 48 people donating $25.00. Taco Bell is donating 10c on each taco sold from May 17 until May 24. Friday. May 23. Kayla Smith Dance will be held at the Bill sapp Recreation center by Terry Williams and the Knights of the Turntable. Pat McKay of Z101 will be on location awarding door prizes. Time 7 to 12. $3.00 per person or $5 per couple. Saturday, May 24, 1986 Bowl-A-Thon also Sunday May 25, 1986 by George Dooley of Varsity Lanes. 789-3778. $8.00 entry fee. Time, May 24 at 2:30 p.m. and May 25 at 2:30 p.m. (Two .trophies) ) Saturday. May 31, 1986 Rummage Sale beginning at T a.m. Saturday. May 31, Auction Sale beginning at 1 P-m. Events will be held at Rowland-Norment School Gym. Paul Cox auctioneer will be present with door prizes and grab bags. Sunday, June 15, 1986 Kayia Smith Minor League Baseball Game. Sponsored by Lumberton Jaycees Arranged by Bill Watts. Teams: Florence Blue Jays vs Macon Pirates. Time: 2:00 p.m. at Lumberton Senior High School Baseball Field. '? May Day Planned At Prospect School Prospect School wOl pre sent its annual May Day program on May 28, 1980 beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing throughout the day. The theme for the day is "Round Dp Time." Come one, come all. Enjoy a day with dance and running in the sun. Hot doge, ham burgers, drinks and tea RETIRED TEACHERS MEET The Robeson County Retired School Personnel will meet at the Ramada Inn, Lumberton, NC May 21 at 11:30 a.m. This will be a luncheon meeting. An interesting program is being planned. Officers for '86-87. '87-88 will be installed. Superintendents from our local school systems will attend. Also attending will be former leaders in the NCEA who are now giving their time, assistance and guidance to North Carolina Retired School Personnel, a division of the North Caro lina Education Association. Further information may be obtained by calling 521 4397. Mm Princess of Ltmberton Beauty Pageant Planned Miss Princess of Lumber ton Beauty Pageant will be held on Saturday, May 31. at the Carolina Theatre in Lumberton, NC. This is a pealimiwag to the Mies North Carolina rtifaceel Pageant which will be held September 12th and 13th. The pageant is open to contestants between the ages of \t and 18 yehra. For information please tall 425 4666, 425-474 or 425 8178. The event is sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation. SINGING PLANNED United Gospel Sing Association Singing will be held May 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bill Sapp Recreation Building (Old Armory Buil ding) in Lumberton. The singing will feature the D & L Singers, the Calvary Sing ers, Friends of Jesus. Tick ets are $2 and are available at Linda's Grill, Pembroke, . WTSB Radio Station and Lowry's Seafood Market, Lumberton. Admission at the door is $3. A plate sale will be held May 16 and 17 from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Chicken and barbecue psites will be S3 each. Little Mist Lumbee Applications Available LRDA is accepting appli cations for the Little Miss Lumbee Pageant which will be held July 2, 1986. Any child wishing to enter the pageant must be Lumbee Indian (at least one parent must be Lumbee) between the ages of 4 and 6 yean old by July 2, 1986 and must have some type of talent Hie first twenty applicants will t?e accepted only. Hie applications are available at the LRDA- JTPA Building in IHmbeshs. For more information con tact Herion Sampson, Chair person at 621-9761. To subscribe, mmam ? | Retcus Sgwad 1 nBoUBat?3^m I nuty, My a bnimb* ??? y| a?sr r-^rv.
The Carolina Indian Voice (Pembroke, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
May 15, 1986, edition 1
1
Click "Submit" to request a review of this page. NCDHC staff will check .
0 / 75