North Carolina Newspapers

! ? MJI.M1 '=! ,? ^ -V ! ,* ? 11 v ?** T 5 ! t ^ j _ _ t-, ..? _ , 1 * ji 5. * I T PUBLISHED EACH THURSDAY ' r t?i HjTHE CAROLINA INDIAN VOICi "Building Communicative Bridges DntfSOMMlilTV I . PEMBROKE. N.c ^ ^ In A Tri-rqcial Setting." ROocSON COUnTY a VOLUME IS NUMBER IS r4. , 25 CENTS . THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1997 % 4?^*' / J Indians in N.C. must become more self- reliant, leaders say CMAKLunis ? Norm Carolina Indiana must become more self-reliant if they are to overcome < economic and social problems, Indian leaders say. "Give us a fish, and we'll eat for a day ? teach us to fish, and we'll eat every day," said Ruth Revels, execu tive director of the Guilford Native American Associa tion Inc. "That's what we're trying to do, teach our peo ?1 _ t. ti ?ft- M pic u> usn. Lonnie Revels, chairman of the state Commission of Indian Affairs, told 450 participants at the I2th an nual Indian Unity Conference in Charlotte Indians must move into business ownership, the News and Observer of Raleigh reported. To illustrate that point, Revels pointed to his native Pembroke. The Robeson County town is the center of the state's largest tribe, the Lumbees. "Ninety percent of the town is In Lonnie Revels dian, but most of all of your businesses are owned by ^ whites," said Revels, who is also a member of the w Greensboro City Council. * "At the end of the week, all that money is taken out of t the community. We need to find ways to keep the money h in Indian hands," he said. e Indian leaders say nearly 40 percent of the state's In lian population live at or below the poverty level ? twice the state's average. They say the average Indian lias an eighth-grade education, and too many of their jeople are dependent on federal or tribal programs. On ly a fraction of the state's Indians, the Eastern Bank of Cherokee, estimated at 9,000, live on federal reserva ions. But many benefit from various welfare programs. The conference's theme was "Preservation of the In lian Communities through Economic Self Sufficiency." Gov. Jim Martin's chief of staff, Phil Kirk, told the inference that more emphasis on self-help and less on velfare programs such as food stamps and Aid to Fami ies with Dependent Children was a good step. "Those programs have done very little to break down he cycle of poverty, very little," Kirk said in a speech. But some speakers at the conference said control of conomic destiny could not come until Indians took con rol of their cultural destiny. "For too many years, tribes in eastern North Carolina ave been victimized by outsiders who tried to define rho we were," said David E. Wilkins, a Lumbee Indian working toward his doctorate in political science at the iniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. "Until we ave culture and identity clarified, political and conomic self-sufficiency will not come." Cult Rumor Cited In Robeson Absenteeism LUMBERTON ? .Absenteeism was up at Robeson County schools Friday, and some parents took their children home from classes amid widespread rumors that a cult group planned to kidnap children at the Kilobit, officials said. - 1 - School personnel spent "many hours on the telepbooe trying to calm people's nerves," Robeson County school Superintendent Purnell Swettsaid. Rumors circulating from the Dillon, S.C., area indicated that in observance of Friday the 13th, a cult group planned to kidnap children, according to officials. A police spokeswoman in Dillon called the rumors a "tick Joke" that caused police there to increase petrols at acbeeis. "We had more man wuetiazAedey for protection just in case, but nothing happened," she said. Swett said absenteeism was up from about 3*4 percent to as much as 12-15 percent in the county schools. Highest absentee rates were at schools in the southern part of the county, he said. A teacher in Robeson County said some students were "visibly frightened" by the rumors. Fairmont School Superintendent Leon McLean said absenteeism there was up from about 6 percent to 10 Pfc?t Friday. Lumberton City School Superin tendent Gilbert Carroll said some parents took their children home from school early Friday. "We had a normal school day, except some parents did request to take their children home," Carroll said. He did not say how many children left school County Student Wins In Regional Science Fair Competition On Tuesday, March 10, Oxendine Elementary School held their Annual Science Fair. The students made a variety of posters and projects which were displayed in the school's gym. Each class was judged and received first, second, and third place ribbons for the best posters and first, second and third place ribbons for the best projects. The judges were Dr. Dalton Brooks, chairman of the Robeson County Board of Education, and Mr. Stanford Lowery from Pembroke State University. The overall winner for the kindergarten through third grade competition was Brandy Jackson. Brandy is in the third grade class of Mrs. Joanna Woods. Her parents are Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Jackson of Route 2, Maxton. The overall winner for the fourth through sixth grade competition was Belinda Dawn Cummings. Dawn is in Mr. Holly F. Locklear's sixth grade class. Her parents are Mr. and Mrs. James Cummings of Route 2, Maxton. Miss Cummings represented Oxendine Elementary School in Pembroke State University's Regional IV Science Fair Competition. She won first place in the sixth grade competition and was presented a gold medal and a certificate. Science Fair winners [left to right1 Belinda Dawn Cummmgt, 6th grade, and Brandy Jackson, 3rd grade. Principal Larry T. Brooks is in center. DEAR FRIEND: If you have a problem with a government agency, or a question or opinion on fed eral legislation, please feel free to discuss it with a represen tative of my staff, at the time and place noted on this card. My policy has always been to stay in constant touch with the people of our Congres sional District, and your ideas and needs are important to me. I hope you will be able to come by my mobile office which will be parked at the location mentioned. Sincerely, I - Charlie Rose , Member of Congrers U MOBILE OFFICE VISITS SCHEDULE.. Wednesday, April I, 1987 Wednesday, April I, 1987 Tuesday, April 7, 1967 Tuesday, April 14. 1987 Tuesday, April 14, 1987 Wednesday. April 13, 1917 Tuesday, April 21, 1967 Tuesday, April 21, 1967 Tuesday, April 26, 1967 Wednesday, April 29, 1967 Wednesday, April 29. 1967 Stedman Post Offke Wade Post Office Lumberton Post Office ' Castle Hayne Post Office Wrightsville Beach Post Office Whiteville Post Office Fairmont Post Office Rowland Post Office Tabor City Post Office Brunswick Post Office Nakina Post Office t T ?? r* .A 9 a.m. to II a.m. 12 noon to 2 p.m. 9 a.m. to 12 noon 9 a.m. to II a.m. 12 noon to 2 p.m. 9 a.m. to 12 noon 9 a.m. to II a.m. 12 noon to 2 p.m. 9 a.m. to 12 noon 9 a.m. to II a.m. % % t 12 noon to 2 p.m. I Local Indian Leader Receives Indian Elder Award At Indian Unity Conference MR. JOHN L GODWIN John L Godwin of Pembroke has been named "Indian Elder of the Year" by the United Tribes of North Carolina at the recent 12th annual North Carolina Indian Unity Conference. This year's awards and recognition banquet was held at the Sheraton Airport Plaza Hotel in Charlotte, NC on Friday, March 13 at 7 p.m. The conference, in its twelfth year, is sponsored by the United Tribes of North Carolina. Godwin was nominated for the Indian Elder of the Year award by Lumbee Regional Development Association, Inc. In its nomination, LRDA cited Godwin's actions "on behalf of Indians, viher minorities and the poor of Robeson C*n?nty for justice and equality." Godwin is involved in various activities to improve the living conditions in Robeson County for all people. He also serves on several committees, all of w hich strive to improve the lives of Robeson ians. At present, he is vice chairman of the board of directors of Robeson County Clergy and I-aity Concerned. RC/CALC is working to improve the judicial system in Robeson County and to improve working conditions in the county. Godwin also serves as chairman of Senior Citizens Action Group (SC'AG), which is currently working to open a total life house for Senior Citizens in the county. As chairman of the Concerned Citizens for Better Government in Robeson County Coalition, which came into existence in November of 1986 after the death of Jimmy Earl Cummings, Godwin says "I don't see myself as an activist. I prefer to think I'm a motivator. The people of this county need to be motivated to improve the living conditions for all of us." Also receiving special recognition during the awards banquet were Charlene Jacobs, Distinguished Service to Community Award; Joseph .0. Richardson, Distinguished Service to Education Award; Shelby Jean Patrick, Economic Development for Advancement of Indian People; and Kerry Dean Bird, Outstanding Indian Student Award. The United Tribes of North Carolina also extended special congratulations to Cedric Woods, who was recently named the first American Indian to receive a Morehead Scholarship from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Performing Arts Center t Announces 1987-88 Season The Performing Arts Center of Pembroke State University has announced it Season for 1987-88 and subscriptions are now on sale. The Second City Touring Company will return to the Performing Arts Center after its successful performance in March, 1986. The comedy troupe will open The Season on Saturday, September 26, 1987. Alumni of The Second City include Dan Aykroyd, John & Jim Belushi, Bill Murray. Gilda Radner, Joan Rivers, Robert Klein and the list goes on. The North Carolina Shakespeare Festival will present "A Midsummer Night's Dream" on Thursday, October 16. Shakespeare's use of the mystical enchantment of love and marriage can hardly be matched-in this comedy which is one of | his most well known. Magical charms and mixed up spells keep the energy high in this production. On Saturday, November 14, The National Players will present the thriller, "Dracula." For 100 years "Dracula" has reigned as the original horror story, the ultimate nightmare, because it touches the intimate center of the human psyche as none of its imitators can. Taj Mahal, a jazz and blues singer, will perform on Thursday, January 28. He is a prolific composer and compelling performer. His presentations are colored not only with the blues for which he is justly famous, but also sophisticated jazz styiings, early work songs, Caribbean rhythms and ballads of bad men and wild women. On Saturday, February 27, 1988, The Chicago City Ballet will perform. This Company is remarkable in its strong choreography and individual dancers. America's own great ? "Prima Ballerina." Maria Tallchief, developed the company of young dancers in 1980 and she shares the title of artistic director with Paul Mejla. who Is also the choreographer. The Season will close on Thursday, Marsh 84, 1988 with Daedalus Productions' "Man of La Mahcha." This musical ia a portrait of a determined old man who believes he's a knight errant and his rough world is the golden age of chivalry. Accompanied by his reluctant squire, Snncho, Don Quiaoto rides off to vanquish evil. Including sqeh popular so^a as "The Impossible Dream" and "Dukinea." the story of Don dr""" m*tahfanah*K>f? ?wy*1 ? ???I.., 11 ? ? ?" . t , .'. b '? ,< SPECIAL COMMITTEE SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT A special committee that is looking into how this state's Native Americans and our criminal justice system interact is seeking comments from the general public. "We are hoping to hear from Native Americans or their 'friends who may have some information that will help us in our task." says Henry McKoy, committee chairman and deputy secretary for programs, North Carolina Department of Administration. The eleven member ad hoc committee, appointed last month by Lonnie Revels, chairman of the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs, was formed to look into the broad issue of how Native Americans view their rights under the criminal justice system. In announcing the formation of the committee. Revels said, "It is not our purpose or intention to interfere with any ongoing investigations." The committee is composed of North Carolinians.of varied backgrounds and expertise. The members are Dr. Yevonne Brannon and Malcolm Ray Hunter Jr., both of Raleigh; Sybil J. Bullard, Arnold Locklear and Julian Pierce, all of Pembroke; Sherman Lillard of Cherokee; Prof. Norman Lefstein of Chapel Hill; W.R. Richardson of Hollister, John Tyndall of Winston-Salem; and Dr. Tommie M. Young of Greensboro. The ad hoc committee will report any recommendations it might have to the Commission of Indian Affaire. The commission is administratively housed in the Department oi Administration and is the only state government agency with the specific responsibility of addressing the needs of North Carolina Indians. Anyone with information they wish to share with the special committee can call (9191-733-5998 or write the N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs, Post Office Box 27228, Raleigh, N.C. 27611. All calls and letters will be handled in confidence. GOSPEL SINGING PLANNED There will be a gospel singing Friday, March 27 from 7pm until at the Rex Rennert Bern. School gym. Guest singing groups will include Hie Pierce Family, D&L Gospel Singers and The McNeill Trio. The singing will be sponsored by Collins Chapel United Methodist Church. Revival a t ojerokeE chapel The spring revival will convene at Cherokee Chapel Meth. Church, Wakulla March 22-27. Guest speakers will be the Rev. Johnie Chavis, pastor of Sycamore Hill Freewill Baptist Church, and Rev. Larry Locklear, pastor of Island Grove Baptist Church. Sunday evening service will begin at 7pm and weeknight services at 7:30pm. Special music will be rendered each night. Everyone is cordially invited. Rev. Julian Ransom is the pastor. Respectfully Submitted Jessie B. Chavis PRINCIPAL OF COLUMBUS COUNTY CHRISTIAN A CADEMYTO SPEAK AT MARCH 28 DINNER MEETING G OF ROBESON PGBMF1 LUMBERT0N~WM*r6 McFherson, principal of Colum bus Academy at Whiteville, will be the speaker af'the Saturday, March 28, dinner meeting of the Robeson County Chapter of the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International. Hie meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn on Interatate 96 North in Lumberton. Dinner will bfcgin at 6:30 p.m., and the program will follow at 7:30 p.m. Reservations are not necessary for dinner or the program. Everyone is invited -men and women, boys and girls. FGBMFI is an interracial and interdenominational organizat ion which considers itself an outreach arm of the church. Special music will also be provided. Born in Columbus County, McPheraon lived in the community of Beaverdam in that county until the age of 6. He then moved to Whiteville where he graduated from Whiteville High School in 1974. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior at the age of 8 in a Baptist church, but during his high school years he rebelled against all forms of authority, including God. During his freshman year in college, he received the baptism in the Holy Spirit in December, 1974, and totally surrendered to Christ's Lordship, he says. McPheraon graduated fr Pembroke State University in 1980 with a B.S. degree Elementary Education. He now serves as a deacon at living Word Christian Center near Chadboum. The Columbus Christian Academy in Whiteville. of which he is principal, is a ministry of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. McPheraon is married to the former Paula Vannoy. They are >arents of two daughters: Heather, 5, and Hannah, 7 months. Come and hear what the Lord has done in the life of this young man. KEENAGER BAZZAR On March 20, the Keen-ageri (Senior Citizens) of Prospect United Methodist Church will hare their annual bazzar. At this event one can buy lunch (Hot dogs. Hamburgers and the trimmings). quQU. scarves, strew brooms, pillows, and other articles of interest The public is invited to come to Prospect United Methodist Church for this Keenly event on Friday, March 20,11a.m. to8 pm. to eat to purchase, and to fellowship with the Keen-agers. Pro*p*ct das* of lMfPUma Rttmion Hw Proepect High Gjehool dass of 1M is maMng plans for * * its 1987 class reunion. ABmeaahase arete get In contact with: Terry Wayne Laddew at 5219641 or Demise Aerals at 621-3740. Ltt^steneaOjftedJltepahis te Jfchesoa Cbiiete8hlsdtited O.SoZArtteta?1 fr * ? .