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^ 41 _ "Building Communicative Bridges | DHRFSON rmiMTl 2*
PEMBROKE- N-C In A Tri-racial Setting. ' nw*Wl|JI WJlBTl ?<
? ' VOLUME IS. NUMBER\o . 25 CENTS THURSDAY. OCTOBER _
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REV. ELIAS ROGERS IS STILL CHOICE FOR LREMC BOARD
Rev. Elms Rogers
I
A News analysis: This article contains opinions of the
writer.
by Bruce Barton
I don't get as fired up as I used to about a lot of things... but
Rev. Elias Rogers is still my choice for a seat on the LREMC
Board of Directors. He's up for re-election again next Tuesday
night, Oct 6, at the electric cooperative's annual meeting
which will be held at PS IT s Performing Arts Center. And, as
usual. Rev. Rogers has stiff otmpetitkin. NV doubt about
it..people still get rile<t.Up about him. He's one of those
people that we find it awfully tough to be neutral about And,
like everybody else, I have an opinion about him.
I hold Rev. Elias Rogers in high regard. As a matter of fact I
consider him a hero of mine, as well as probably one of my
best friends ever. He's dependable, and his word is his bond.
Too, many of us would like to forget the past Hie only
problem is that we will repeat history if we do not tell the stoiy
truthfully. For those of you who might have forgotten, let me
tell the story of Rev. Elias Rogers and the time he kicked the
door down at Lumbee River Electric Membership Corporation
so that the rest of us might walk in without reprisals.
SOME BACKGROUND PRIOR TO THE OCT. 6 ELECTION
Lumbee River electric Membership Corporation was
chartered in June, 1940, but minorities really became
interested in the rural electric co-op at the advent of Elin?
Rogers who was the first minority ever elected to the board of
directors of the approximately 16,000 membership co-op in
1967.
Rogers, an Indian from the Red Springs area, was elected at
the annual meeting in 1967. Rogers noted in a recent
interview, "One day in 1967, out of the blue I received an
anonymous letter...I have never found out who sent the
letter...telling me exactly what to do in order to be elected to
the board of directors of Lumbee River EMC. I followed the
instructions of the letter exactly...and I was elected."
Rogers' election was the beginning of one of the cruelest
episodes in the history of racial relations in Robeson and
adjoining counties. Said Rogers, "Hie president of the board
of directors (then Cecil Dunn of Lumber Bridge) went two and
one/half years without ever speaking to me." Rogers was
shunned. And he spent two and one-half years in isolation. He
was ignored by the other members of the board.
IN 1970 Rogers ran for re-election. After seemingly having
won the election, it was announced after the balloting that he
had lost Rogers challenged the board of directors. The
department of agriculture, which is the sponsoring agency of
all electric membership co-ops, investigated and found that
illegal proxies had been prepared and voted in the election.
But the investigation by the department of agriculture did
not clear the way for Rogers to take his seat until April of 1972.
Rogers, through his attorney Phil Diehl of Raeford, filed a suit
against the lumbee River EMC in August of 1972 under the
Civil Rights Act of 1964, contending that the defendants,
employees of the co-op, conspired to deny him a seat on the
board of directors because of his race. Rogers charged he was
defeated for election to the board by the irregular use of proxy
votes. He was running for re-election at the time (November,
1970).
Rogers contended in his suit that Cecil Dunn, then president
of the co-op, engineered an effort whereby hundreds of phony
proxy votes were printed to insure he would not be re-elected
to the board.
He further contended that employees of the co-op were
threatened with dismissal if they did not go along with the
scheme. The employees were given the phony ballots and toM
to obtain signatures from individual subscribers of the co-op.,
Rogers contended in his damage suit.
The suit further charged that, on election day, persons who
were not members of the co-op were recruited by Dunn, given
membership and five proxy votes to cast Rogers was defeated
in the election by one of the defendants named in the suit
W.B. McDiarmid.
Rogers also alleged that the defendants conspired to defeat
a black candidate for the board, Thomas W. Bethea.
Defendants in the suit were the corporation itself, Dunn,
McDiarmid, Neil A. Watson, D.J. Dalton, then general
manager of the co-op, Robert W. Currie, Irwin Currie, Gail
Boyles, and Genevive Edens.
The Agriculture Department, after investigation of the case,
ordered that the by-laws of the corporation be amended to
increase the size of the board from nine to 12 members.
Rogers' term expired in 1974, after which the seats were filled
by elections established on staggered terms.
In 1974, Rogers was elected to a one year term.
In figuring the actual damages, Rogers estimated he had
spent 356 man hours investigating his case and gathering
evidence.
After a long and acriminous struggle. Rogers won a sizable
monetary settelement from Lumbee River Electric
Membership Corporatibn. More importantly, he wrung an
admission from LREMC that there had been gross inequities
in hiring minorities by the co-op.
Part of the settlement out of court was that the LREMC
would adopt and implement an affirmative action plan in
accordance with Executive Order #11246, and the rules and
regulations of the Rural Electrification Administration and the
office of Federal Contract Compliance.
As noted earlier, the corporation also agreed to amend its
by-laws by adding three at large directors.
The corporation also was directed by the settlement to
amend its by-laws so that any member of the corporation could
Inspect- proxy lists at least two days before an annual
meeting. (This has since been amended further to do away
with proxy votes entirely.)
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Prior to the federal suit that seated Elias Rogers on the
board, the board was composed of all white members. The
general manager was white, as well as the employees, with
the exception of one Indian who was working on the grounds.
The present board of directors is composed of 11 members
(12 is the official number, but the death of Director Martin
Clark left a vacancy which will be filled Oct, 6 at the annual
meeting). There is now 10 Indians serving and one black. The
general manager is now Indian and the employees are
composed of whites, blacks and Indians.
THINGS CHANGE AND STA Y THE SAME
Although Rev. Elias Rogers fought a long hard and many
times lonely battle to obtain representation for minorities. It
seems that it is always Indians who seek to defeat him.
Almost every opponent he has had has been an Indian. It
seems that although he made it possible for Indians to serve,
the whites still use the old "divide and conquer" philosophy.
The Rev. Rogers carries the scars of many years of fighting
and being attacked by his own. Let's cease and desist and
declare today that we will re-elect Rev. Elias Rogers to the
LilEMC Board of Directors. Not only because he opened the
doors for us all, but because he is the most knowledgeable one
serving. Let's keep experience working for us. Join me at the
PSU Performing Arts Center on Oct 6 and show our
appreciation to Rev. Rogers and thank him by voting to
re-elect him to represent us all.
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HOMECOMING TO BE HEW OCT 11 ><?
Union Chapel Holiness Methodist Church will hold theif ^
homecoming activities on Sunday, Oct' 11. The pastor. Rev.
Clyde locklear, invites the public to attend.
SANDY PLAINS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1 ? I
Sandy Plains United Methodist Church will sponsor a ait ?
wash atCG's Car Wash. Located one mile north ol Pembroke
on Union Chapel Highway at Cummings Plaza.
Wash, vacuum, towel dry and fragancize your car for $6.
,Dates for this car wash is Oct 2nd and 3rd.
I'ROCTORVHIE SCHOOL TO HOW FIRSTPTA
Proctorville School will hold their first PTA and open ?
house on Monday, October 5, at. 7:30 p.m. in the school'
cafeteria. The 1987-88 PTA officers will be installed. The >
. principal, Thomas Earl Locklear, faculty and staff will be
.introduced.
HI >RNT SWAMP PHILADELPHUS VOUNTEER FIRE
DEPARTM ENTPLAN SUPPER
It you like good country eating, this is the place for you.
Come to the firehouse in Buie Community and let the Burnt
Swamp Philadelphus Volunteer Firemen feed you. The date is
Saturday, October 3, 1987, from 11 a.m. until...
ANNUAL BOOK SALE PLANNED
looking for a bargain? The Robeson County Public
Library will be conducting its annual book sale on October 15
to 17. Items to be sold include hardcover books, paperbacks,
and magazines. The book sale will be held in Lumberton in the
library's auditorium. Sale hours will be Thursday, October 15,
5 to9 p.m., Friday, October 16, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday,
October 17, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact the
Robeson County Public library.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF RCCLC CHANGES NAME
The Boarti of Directors of Robeson County Clergy and
Laity Concerned has unanimously decided to change the name
of the organization to CENTER FOR COM M UNITY ACTION.
The name change will be officially announced at a press
conference for area newspapers at 12 noon on Monday,
October 5. 1987.
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i ne press conierence win last approximately ou minutes ana
be held at the office located in the old RC COLA bulding at
1102Vi East 2nd Street in Lumberton. As part of its
organizatonal and leadership development plan, the Board
decided to change the name so that it would clearly identify
and describe the purpose of the organisation. -*
The name change is important to the public interest in order
that readers will be available to identify the Center for J*,
Community Action as the former Robeson County Clergy and
Laity Concerned.
For more information, call Mr. Stoney Locklear, Admini- ?
strative Planner, at 739 7854 or 739-7851.
CHURCH REVIVAL
Church revival is planned at Collins Chapel United I
Methodist Church October 4-9, 1987. Sunday services begin at I
7 p.m. Monday-Friday services begin at 7:30 p.m. Evangelist C
is Bro. Dufrene Cummings and Rev. Jerry Lowiy. Special ?
music is planned nightly. All are invited to attend.
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO...
PHODA J. GODWIN
by Barbara Bray boy-Locldear
Special to The Carolina hxlian Voice
Last year Phoda Jacobs Godwin left her chalk and eraser on
a shelf in her classroom and shut the door to a 36-year
teaching career. She has no plans for entering the classroom
again-even for a day of substitute work.
"Tve never wanted to start something worthwhile and then
give up before it was completed," Godwin said recently as she
swayed in a swing outside her home in fhe Moss Neck
community.*
"When I began my teaching career in 1948, at Eistem
Carolina Indian School in Clinton,' NC, I committed myself to
doing the very best job I could," she added. "I attempted to
provide my students with daily experiences and opportu lities
which would help them achieve maximum development," the
mother of four said. Godwin said her classroom philosophy of
being firm and at the same time being fair with children
afforded her "good discipline" in the classroom. Only o ice in
her teaching career did she send a child to the prim oal's **
office for misbehaving.
In 1984, Godwin's excellent teaching methods #ere
recognized when her colleagues at Prospect School voted her
"Teacher of the Year."
The year since retirement has been filled with various kinds
of activities for the 61-year-old grandmother. Much time is
spent with her family and daily contact is made with her three
sisters living in Robeson County. They are often seen in tie
New Hope community visiting people who are fll and unable
leave their homes.
/\ 0 4 A AM J Ma. ta' t I ii ??
une 01 io cnuaren, uodwm says sne treasures cnudhoo
memories growing up on alarm in the New Hope community
two miles west of Pembroke. "Growing up on a hum was
plenty of hard work. P>p always went into the fields and
showed us what he wanted us to do," she remembered. Hie
Lumbee Indian children were rewarded with swimming and
fishing trips and an annual visit to the local fair for their
months of hard work on the fanp. "There were so many of u
that we didn't have to leave home often to have someone to
socialise with." she latched. '
; Godwin's domestic talents shine clearly in the house she
shares with a son. Her husband, Harvey, died in 1988.
Displays of homecanned fruits and vegetables stare from
treasured antique tables in her kite ben. The vegetables and
fruits came from the Godwin term which has been in that
family for almost ? eefltury.
An old family quilt reminds her thst she must contact a
friend and get the schedule on when her quilting club is to
gather this fall. And the Lumbee Indian is counting on an early
fall so she can visit a sister near the bench who has promised
her fishing lessons.
An avid render, Godwin spends nsnch time with hor "face hi
boohs." "fdea't?t^i?4vfrnibstsussfttflhsseptin>
much tone," the bashful retired educator commented. "But I
do enjoy listeaing to country and goOpal muaie on the radio,"
she said. "I like it so much I even have a radio in my kitchen
and one in the bathroom," she confessed. She is a member of
New Hope Church where she has served as Sunday School
Secretary and class teacher.
"Tm too occupied with life right now to be bored and lonely.
I love life, and appreciate the freedom of time retirement is
affording me," Godwin concluded.
She is no longer among those for whom the school bell tolls,
janri flhp is niiifp rnntanf anfK that aifnofinn
FbgUkont Godum; and ton, Harvoy Godwin, Jr.
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Countdown To 6,000"
Our countdown to 9,000 170. Herley Hani*. OR
rabecriben continue*. Thin 171. Barley Philyaw, MD
week Wp beard from:- 172. Adelaide Bough man,
107. DwajneK. Ammons. 3D Morgan ton, hC
108. Buna N. MeWOliama- 178. Joaoph T. Ball, Greets <
Maryland boro. NC
100. Jane* H. Col, Pembroke 174. Clement Bellard, Maxton
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Spotlight on CALLIE LOCKLEARI
LOCAL BUSINESS PERSONS^
' V*
by Barbara Brayboy-Lactdear
-Put together a female workaholic, a thick bologna sandwich
and a cold "belly washer," and what do you have?- A
partnership bound to succeed.
Such a partnership lies just three miles northwest of
Pembroke State University. Hie partners can be found at
Callie's Convenience Store located in. the Bear Swamp Church
community outside Pembroke.
Callie Locklear opened the doors of her business in |
mid-spring this year. "I could have opened three years ago,
but the time wasn't right," said the 45-year-old owner and.
manager. "I decided to wait and watch the traffic along the
road before making my decision," she said.
Traffic continued steady along the rural Robeson County
road, and she worked steadily at a convenience store in
neighboring Pembroke. "I was working 80-90 hours a week for
someone else, and I figured if I could do that, I could build my
own place and work for myself," the Lumbee Indian
commented.
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family members in order to construct the store which is J
located just yards from her residence. "Business has been I
very good. It's been busier than I ever expected," she said. I
Customers recently discovered the new grill added inside n
the store and have been coming in droves. "They start coming I
in as soon as we open in the morning," she smiled. The I
"regulars" flock in around noon to munch on sandwiches and
plate dinners. Locklear pays close attention to the preparation
of the food served from the grill. "All ingredients are fresh
that go into my sandwiches and plate dinnere," she boasted.
I" My customers are special, and I want them to be happy when
?they leave," she said. Hie petite owner works a 16-hour day to
fmake sure they return, lhree'part-time employees have been
hired to help in the store and grill. Locklear engages her
husband, 11-year-old daughter, and PSU student-son to help
When their schedules allow.
"People ask me do I ever get tired of working such long
v hours. I tell them I'd never really thought about being tired,"
the energetic owner laughed. Hard work is no stranger to
Locklear, the former Callie Pevia of Buie. "I was the second
oldest of 44 children growing up on a farm, and remember
handing tobacco at age five," she remembered. She worked in
textile factories for 12 yean and learned "first hand" the
business of food handling and convenience stores from
previous piaops 01 empioyrnenL
Once very bashful, Locklear is now comfortable greeting
and serving bar customers. She fully understood the recent
request for a "hefty washer" from an elderly customer who
entered her store. Locklear "moseyed" over to the
refrigerated think box and handed the gentleman a bottle of
*
CaUU LockUar
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To locate Calhe's Convenience Store, travel we* froae
Pembroke on the Red Springs Road; turn right on Eureka
Road at St Annah Church. Take the lint left oolo
Philadelphus Road. Travel approximately one wBe. Sag '
Callie's on left.
Busineaa houro are Monday-Saturday, 7 a.ml til 11 p. as.
Grill seating capacity is 25. Resarvattom ate required fcriecge
groups who plan to use the dining area.
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