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If^THE CAROLINA INDIAtf VOR p I
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"Building Communicative Bridges I X&Jr noiFRftlii /VMIH ? ~
John L. Godwin - One of Three
To Receive Nancy Susan Reynolds
Award
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Nov. 14) - Three North
Carolinians ?? a Lumbee Indian who works for equal treatment
of all people, and Iredell County woman who has helped
straggling farmers hold on to their land, and an Asheboro
woman who showed the black community that progress was
possible -- are this year's winners of the Nancy Susan
Reynolds Awards for extraordinary leadership at the
grassroots level.
The winners are John L Godwin of Pembroke, for advocacy;
Edna Harris of Harmony, for personal service; and Addie S.
Luther, of Asheboro, for community change.
The Nancy Susan Reynolds Awards are a project of the S.
Smith Reynolds Foundation and are given annually to as many
as three North Carolinians who have worked without
recognition and in ways that may be outside the mainstream of
existing organizations.
Each award is accompanied by a grant of $25,000. $20,000
of which is designated to chartiable organizations chosen by
recipient, and $5,000 of which is given to the recipient. The
awards are believed to be the only ones of their kind.
Lieutenant Governor Robert B. Jordan and Smith Bagley of
Washington, D.C., a trustee of the Foundation and the son of
the late Nancy Susan Reynolds, presented the awards at a
luncheon today (Editors: Saturday, Nov. 14) attended by more
than 200 people at The Hilton at University Race in Charlotte.
John Godwin, 67, who won for advocacy, is retired, but he
works fulltime as an advocate of equality for all people in
trifacial Robeson County. A Lumbee Indian, Godwin spends
much of his time working for causes that affect his people, but
he also works for and with the black and white communities in
Robeson.
After a deputy sheriff fatally shot an Indian last November,
Godwin helped form Concerned Citizens for Better
Government in Robeson County. As chairman of the group, he
organized a march on the courthouse in Lumberton last Easter
Monday to draw attention to alleged injustices in the county.
Godwin is also vice chairman of the Center for Community
Action, formerly the Robeson County Clergy and Laity
Concerned. This group and Concern Citizens have been the
major forces in examining alleged abuses in the court system
in Robeson and Scotland counties, and in scrutinizing law
enforcement practices, the system of court-appointed lawyers,
prosecutorial conduct, and accountability of elected officials.
Other examples of his advocacy have been his work for fair
employment for all people and equal educational opportune
ties. Realizing that quality education is essentia] for good jobs,
Godwin has been a leader in promoting the merger of the five
school systems in Robeson, a very controversial issue. He has
also taken a leadership role in the Robeson Senior Citizens
Action Group's project to build a "total life center" for older
adults and led a campaign against the location of a hazardous
waste site in the area.
Godwin's approach to people is simple. He said, "I think of
all people as being first class citizens until they prove
otherwise. I don't like to think of people as being members of
the white race, or black race, or Indian race. We're all
members of the human race, and if we can't accept that fact,
then we're not progressing; we're regressing."
John L Godwin, Pembroke, for Advocacy
"I think of all people as being first class citizens until they
prove otherwise. I don't like to think of people as being
members of the white race, or black race or Indian race. We're
all members of the human race, and if we can't accept that
fact, then we're not progressing; we're regressing."
John Godwin is retired, but he works fulltime as an advocate
of equality for all people and harmony among all people in
tri-racial Robeson County, a place where equality and
harmony cannot be taken for granted. A Lumbee Indian, Mr.
Godwin channels much of his energy toward causes that affect
his people, but he realizes that to be successful, he also must
work with and for the large white and black minorities in
Robeson.
After an Indian was fatally shot by a deputy sheriff last
November, Mr. Godwin was the leader in forming Concerned
Citizens for Better Government in Robeson County. He senses
as chairman of this very active and increasingly influential
group. He is also vice chairman of the Center for C(immunity
Action, formerly the Robeson County Clergy and laity
Concerned. Under his leadership, these two organizations
have been the main forces in examining alleged abuses in the
court jystem in Robeson and Scotland counties, and in
scrutinizing law enforcement practices and other highly visible
issues involving court-appointed lawyers, prosecutorial
conduct and accountability of elected officials.
A courageous and outspoken champion of human rights, he
organized a lan/e march on the Courthouse in ljumberton last'.
Easter Monday lo draw attention to alleged injustices in
Robeson County, speaks at public meetings on a regular basis,
and writes reasoned and persuasive letters to editors.
Another example of his advocacy has been his work for fair
employment for good jobs, Mr. Godwin has taken a leadership
role in the merger of the five school systems in Robeson, a
cause that is very controversial. He is a leader in the Robeson
Senior Citizens Action Group, which has purchased land for a
"total life center" for older adults. He also led a campaign
against the location of a hazardous waste site in the area.
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO...
Fearby Thomas Hunt
Special To THE CAROLINA INDIAN VOICE
by
Barbara Brayboy-LocUear
It has been years since Fearhy Thomas Hunt left her
childhood community in rural f to be son County. The past 72
years in the city have done little to change some of the customs
she learned as a child. Today at age 91 she continues to design
and sew quilt tops the same way her mother taught her.
The great grandmother no longer actually quilts. "I don't <
do it because somebody's got to make the tops and
somebody's got to quilt them. I do only the making," she says.
She says she use to quilt but no longer does because of poor
eyesight
? What started out as an annual housekeeping necessity
(quiltmaking) has become a mini business for Hunt and her
younger daughter. Tessie. "Visitors, all colon, rich and poor,
come into the area, see our quilts for more," Hunt adds with a
smile. There is never a loss of pattern ideas to use in creating
various quilt tops. Hunt keeps stacks of them near her work
area. She doesn't always cut from ready made patterns. "I can
look in a book and make a design. Sometimes I just make my
own." she comments. "I even have what customers call the
'Fearhy' pattern." Her favorite pattern is the log cabin which
depicts logs stacked on each other. She rarely uses the star
design because of its tedious construction. Hunt says she
stopped using the pedal machine years ago because the
electric one is quicker. When she tires of sewing, she fifcks up
her crochet needles and creates throw rugs, pillows,
placemats and chair pads. \
IN between rests from these hobbies, she piddles in the
greenhouse which adjdins her East 15th Street home in
Uimberton. For 48 years she has grown plants and flowers in
the house where she has lived for the past 72 years. "When
my husband died my children were in school, and I just
wanted to do something, so I started messing with flower*."
she says. IVople in the area heard of her hobby and she began
?ailing flowers and often times simply gave them away to
Mends and family. Blooms and greenery from the garden and
greenhouse adorn neighbor's windows sflla and porches.
When her ehruch bulk a fellowship hall several years ago,
she furnished the shrubbery for Ha landscape Bouquets Mm
U the Hunt yard have graced the Altars at Mt Olive Baptist
Church for over (bur dsaMles A longtime "^->>?er at that
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church, she has several perfect attendance pins, including a
four year one. "I try not to miss church, and T ve been going to
the Association and Unions for years," she adds.
Hunt, a widow, shares her home with a daughter, she stiH
prepares her own meals and adds. "I do the dishes too. I know
good and well if I cook. Til wash the dishes too," she laughs.
She says she is proud of her three children who are all
retired public school teachers. "My husband and I tried to
keep them in school." ,
As a young child. Hunt attended non-graded Antioch School
and successfully completed the seventh grade reader. She
enjoys reading religious books and reads the Holy Bible daily.
Never once did she work a public job other than as a farm
worker in her youth. The Lumbee Indian offers her view on
those mothers who work: "I feel like young mothers' duty is
to be home with children. In doing so they show more love.
Today children are in and out, every which way."
Known in the city as "The Flower Lady," Hunt says she's
been puny lately and has not been able to attend her church
every Sunday. These days she spends less time with her
flowers due to her poor health. She ad4s. "The Lord's blessed
me this long, so T m not worrying over not being able to work
with my flowers."
' ? i ' '
Voter Registration Planned
In Pembroke
Registrars in the IVm broke
Township are planning a
concentrated effort ot register
everyone who is qualified to
vote. Registrar* will be locat
ed in three shopping areas on
Saturday Nov. 21. and Dec.
5th to help those persons who
deed to register Hill's Food'
Stoie and Plggty Wiggly and
Bo's Food Stores will have
persona there to help voter*.
I
A special appeal goes to
thoes persons who have all
owed themselves to be purged
from the rolls by not esceris
lag their right to vote, and
also those persons reaching
the age of eighteen (18).
Voting ia a privilege, so get
registered and VOTC!
The hours ft* from 9:00
a.m. untlll
A?
??
Spotlight on I5SX.
by Barbara Brayboy-LttcUear Local Business Persons
Special 7b I\e Carolina Indian Voict
Steve Strickland cuts the hair of his fellow barter, Herb
Mr Million. .
The customer Ls always boss at Steve Strickland's barber
shop. "When a customer walks through the door and requests
a particular style haircut, I oblidge," says the 27 year veteran.
Strickland and his fellow barber, Herb McMillian, have seen
styles change over the years. And the changes pose no
problems for them.
'Tve stuck mostly to the basic haircut My specialty is the
full cut which leaves the hair close to the ears," says
Strickland. The shop does other cuts like the drop temple, flat
top with fender skirts and drop caps. There, too, are the
beatles, Chicago and Mohawks cuts. "When a fellow comes in
and asks for a Mohawk. I just direct him to Mr. McMillian who
does it better than L I just don't feel comfortable doing it,"
says shop owner Strickland.
The customers who command the barber's undivided,
attention are babies. "Customers wonder how I can cut a
young child's hair. I keep my guard up while working on them.
When he moves his head, I simply follow the movement, too,"
he laughs. He says when word got out that he was good with
young children, he was brought the roughest ones. Experienc*
has taught the barber to always have a goo^ supply of lollipop
in hands reach when working with very young customers
Those babies receiving "first' haircuts at the shop receive at
inscribed certificate commemorating the event
The 60 year old grandfather admits to some - mharrassing
experiences during his career. "What's really oad is when
you're cutting a customer's hair and you reach behind your
back to get the thinning shears and mistakenly pick up the
regular cutting shears and begin cutting on an already cut
head of hair," he comments. "Of course, the customer is not
happy, and T m certainly not happy. When I really mess up I
fine it easier to tell the customer while he's sitting down,"
Str kland laughs. He says he does notcharge for "boo-boos."
Among other services offered by Strickland and McMitlian
are shaves, shampoos, facials and mustache trimming. The
shop shies away from doing high fashion hairstyles due to the
time involved and the high demand for regular cuts.
locking the door to his barber shop at day's end doesn't
always mean the end of a workday. "I usually leave the shop
and stop by the home of a customer who is physically unable to
come in for a haircut Sometimes a shave is given during the
visit," he adds.
Sporting a line mustache, Strickland often gets invitations to
visit local schools to demonstrate and lecture to young people
regarding proper scalp and hair care. He says he never misses
an opportunity to instruct others on this kind of care.
Another opportunity he never misses is one which takes him
to the golf course. 'Til tell you, every chance I get Tm on the
golf course. J really like to play golf," he grins. He says he
used to bird hunt, but the birds just couldn't compete with the
birdies.
His love for golf does not end at the greens, instead is taken
back to the shop where he putts into an electric putt return.
"On a slow day at work, I just take a putter from my bag which
is always near by, and knock the ball until a customer comes
in," he says.
Strickland occasionally lays down his barber shears and golf
clubs and picks up his guitar and banjo. Several pieces of
musical equipment stored in his business office stand as a
reminder of years spent entertaining area folks with country
and blue grass music.
"Sometimes TU go back In the room and pick the guitar a
little," says the musician. 'Tve been picking it since 1945,
when I started playing with the Chavfs Brothers- an
entertainment group popular in the 1960's.
Strickland says retirement is around the comer for him.
'Tve enjoyed meeting and making longtime friends during
the past 27 years. My customers will never imagine how
thankful I am of their friendship and patronage. The rewards
have been many.
"My old barber school instructor was right when he said Td ?
never get rich cutting hair, but could make a living. I didn't
get rich with money, but I sure did get rich with friendships,"
Strickland says.
Strickland Barber Shop is located a 806 West 5th Street,
Lumberton. Business hours are Monday thur Friday 7:30 a.m.
.to 6:00 p.m. Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Fearby Thomas Hunt displays plant in her greenhouse. ..
Festival of Trees Opens Nov. 28
; ;Vy: fe if % <; 'y
"Christmas Fantasies" will be transformed into glittering
reality at Hospice of Robeson's Festival of Trees scheduled for
November 28 through December 1 at the Bill Sapp Recreation
Center. The second annual7 festival features 24 uniquely -j
decorated trees, holiday muak, door prises and mores
Victors to the Festival will have an opportunity to help
decorate a special tree with white, silver and gold doves ia
honor or in memory of a loved one. This Tree of Honor ia a
- special project of the volunteers of Southeastern General
Hospital aad Hospice of Robeson.
Festival hours are 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. eaeept for
Sunday'-November 29, when the display will be open from
1:00 until 8:00 in the afternoon. Admission is SI for adults aad
.80 eeota for chfldtan and senior cirisens. All proceeds from
the Festival go the Hospice's program of earn for terminally-ill
patients and their families.
A grand drawing for prises--2 decorated 8-foot Chrietmaa
tnee and 2 ten-speed bicycles will be hold tt the coMfaeioa of
the Festival. Winners need not be present.
ra-duTTstensioTi 7777. "
j.
? N '
PUBLIC
SERVICE
To accomodate the Thanks
giving holidays, the Carolina
Indian Voice haa new dead
lines for news and advertising
for next week. News copy
should be in the office by five
o'clock Monday. November
28, 1987. Copy for ads should
be in by Tuesday, November
24. 1987 at 12 MOik Ibis
schedule is for the Thanksgi
ving week only. Deadlines
have been changed in aider to
mail your Indian Voice to you
prior to the Thanksgiving
holidays. ^ .
] hankstn > i nv. ^
I -tL
BUSINESS
BRIEFS
Time Insurance Company
Presents The Excellence -
Award To James B. Harris,
Jr., Pembroke Resident
Milwaukee, WI November
9, 1987-James B. Harris, Jr.
received Time Insurance
Company's Excellence Award
in recognition of his outstand
ing life sales and quality
customer service. He was one
of only 145 age its to receive
this performan j award.
Harris has N >n serving the
insurance need of the comm
unity through the Life A
Health Servici established
in 1985. He v. its a member of
The Million Dollar Round -
Table for five ye ts, and a
recipient of Thi National
Quality Award for five years.
"Time welcomes this uni
que opportunity to recognise
Harris' exceptional perfor
mance during 1988, through
our award program," com
mented H. William Martaey,
CLU, Vice f?esu.ent Sales.
MBwsuheo bt <ed Time In
u ranee Company markets its
tie and health products in 47
states through mOre than
10,000 independent agencies.
Established in 1808, lime is a
market leader ia individual