?
___ .. . H H *
I PUBLISHED EACH THURSDAY * ? - 1
CAROCINA XN^JS^N ??ic &
L l9/rL*t3 "Building Cammunicafciue Bridges W r"^ >7 ? . s=
I XSBSS^ PEMBROKE, NC in * trt-saciai Jetting" Xgg^'ez# ROBESON COUNTY ;5
VOLUME It NUMBER U 2 5<f rHURSDAY, APRIL 7,
New agreement for judgeship
From Staff Report*
On Monday April 4, 1988, LL Gov. Bob Jordan met with
members of the local legislative delegation of Sen. David
Parnell and Rep. Daniel De Vane, Pete Hasty and Sidney
Locks and members of the committee to elect Julian Pierce.
The meetin< was held concerning the
committee's request for a special legislative session to
reopen the filing for the new superior court judgeship in order
to allow a minority candidate to file for the position.
After much discussion, in the spirit of Julian Pierce, a I
compromise was reached where by the election process would |]
not be disrupted, instead an additional superior court
judgeship would be proposed for Robeson County and the
delegation and Lt. Governor would fully support its creation.
The implementing legislation will be proposed in the
legislative session which will take place in June, 1988. All
agreed that the present laws relating to the death of a
candidate after the filing deadline need to be addressed, but
such changes should not apply to the current election.
By this act all parties, at the meeting, agreed that this step
will further the cause of unity in Robeson County.
Pembroke attorney Dexter Brooks has announced that he is
very interested in the judgeship which is to be created.
District Attorney Joe Freeman Britt would win automatically,
but the office of district attorney would be vacant and would
require an appointment. With this agreement, those desiring
to vote effectively against Joe Freeman Britt would not have
the opportunity for eight years, the length of the superior
court judgeship.
SGH SEEKS TEEN VOLUNTEERS
Southeastern General Hosptial needs 75 teen volunteers
for summer work. A variety of jobs, from delivering mail to
working directly with patients, is available for 14 to 19 year
olds.
Teen volunteers must have a grade average of at least 70 for
the past school year, be available for a personal interview and
a series of orientation classes.
For more information and an application call 738-6441,
extension 7521.
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO...
Dr*. Earl C . Lowry
By Barbara Brayboy-Locklear
Special To The Carolina Indian Voice
He's a Robeson native son whose philosophy throughout life
has been: "If you want to leave footprints in the sands of time,
you'd better wear work shoes." In the case of Dr. Earl C.
Lowry, the physician still wears his moccasins.
He's traveled the world and dined with Europeon queens.
He's "doctored" soldiers, generals and presidents on native
and foreign lands. And four times each year he travels
"home" to Robeson County to visit relatives and ride through
the countryside around the community of Elrod to reminisce of
years growing up.
Lowry was the first of eight children born in 1907 to Rev. D.
F. and Jessie Hatcher Lowry. His father had just two years
before become the first student to graduate from the Croatan
Indian Normal School located outside Pembroke.
Young Lowry spent his years attending Hopewell Graded
School. After school hours were spent feeding cows, mules
and hogs on the "good-size" farm his father tended in the
Elrod Community. There, too, were hours spent plowing the
land. After graduating from graded school, he entered
Cherokee Indian Normal School.
Once there, he lost himself in study and learning during
school hours. After class, he did likewise - only in a different
setting.
While waiting for his mail-carrier father to complete his route
and pick him up for return home, the high school student
would wander across the road from school into the medical
office of Dr. Governor Locklear. Once there, his ever-curious
mind took control. The stage was set for an experience that
was to have a lasting affect on the young boy who knew he'd
one day be a physician.
"Dr. Locklear took an interest in me because I discussed and
appeared interested in what he was doing," Lowry
remembers. "I knew right then I was going to study medicine
and I pursued it."
..<%>. ? w T 11 I 1 A! a. L.'J _a mn
Ulten times wnen ur. LocKiear naa a patient, ne u svuu mv
back in his pharmacy to get the patient two ounces of cough
syrup and label it," he adds. There was never any money paid
to Lowry during his visits to observe. The knowledge he
received was pay enough.
Lowry graduated as president and top student in his class
from Cherokee Indian Normal School in 1924. His father
encouraged him to go away to college, and he enrolled at
McKendree College in Lebanon, III., where he studied
pre-med before transferring to the University of Chattanooga
a year later.
Taking advantage of a college rule whereas an "A" student
could cany an extra course load, Lowry easily completed the
four-year program in three. With monies from his Methodist
Church scholarship spent, he returned to the Indian Normal
school as a teacher. There he taught for two years until he
earned enough money to pursue his dream of becoming a
doctor. With 1,400 dollars in hand, he enrolled in Vanderbilt
University Medical School in Nashville, Tenn. In 1933, at age
25, he graduated. He had trained in general surgery. His
residency followed at Vanderbilt.
Hie 81 year-old colonel says he didn't return to his native
county to practice because he'd trained himself and qualified
in a certain way in surgical procedures that wouldn't be
available in any hospital in Robeson County. He was doing
major cases that were preferred by practitioners to surgeons.
He adds that another factor in his decision to not return was,
since the days of Henry Berry Lowrie, he'd been interested in
a soldier because his ancestors helped fight every war this
country ever fought'' I was not only interested in surgery, but
military surgery."
So he went into the U.S. Army. But before he did, he married,
a Vanderbilt classmate, Olivia King. "I probably would have
married the nurse sooner, but interns during that time didn't
make money. They received just room, board and laundry,"
Lowry laughs.
It was the beginning of a long career for the couple. Mrs.
Lowry never practiced nursing after marriage; she chose
instead to follow her husband all over the world where he
practiced medicine in multiple languages.
He says he saw anybody that was sick and who wanted care.
He was repeatedly appointed to serve on special missions. In
many instances, soldiers were transferred to Loony's station
for surgery.
Among the physician's famous patients wars Charles Da
Gaulle. President Dwight Eisenhower, Generals Omar Nelson
Bradley and George Patton. He took care of Patton for years
and in his final illness. The general's death certificate bears
Lowry's signature. Of his forty-some years in service, he says,
"I was a soldier and did what I was told."
The busy grandfather won't say he's retired. Since leaving
active military duty, he has served as a special consultant and
is subject to call if needed. When he isn't on the golf course,
he's pitting around the grounds that surround his Des Moines,
Iowa home. He enjoys gardening because it evokes memories
of times spent working the earth as a youngster.
Then there's the pet project he started over 40 years ago of
writing his book on Henry Berry Lowrie. The life and times of
the legendary figure are of special interest to the physician in
that Lowrie was a brother of the physician's grandfather,
Calvin Lowry.
Lowry is fanscinated by the Lowrie era. "I have a complete
documented story of Henry Berry from his birth until he left
Robeson County in 1872." He says he has spent recent years
in studying what the outlaw/hero did after he left the area.
"I've interviewed* his descendents, been to his grave and
have researched his conduct following his departure from
NC." Lowry says that two of Henry Berry Lowrie's sons
personally took him to the gravesite in Tenn.
The writer/physician says he hasn't published his book yet
because he wants to be completely certain it's 100 percent
accurate. And that he has other duties keeping him from
having time to donate to final documentation of information.
Two weeks ago, Lowry returned to the area where he grew
up. He attended worship service at Hopewell Church Land,
later strolled through the church cementery, pausing to read
the inscriptions on the weathered headstones, his mother's
included.
*? ci ? # e j j j i_?!
it was a time to renect on memories 01 inenas ana relatives
gone on in dealh. It was too, a time for the farm-boy doctor to
send a message of hope and encouragement to others of his
race, especially the young people.
"I am positive that one's success is a product of what one
puts out It doesn't make a difference whether one's an
Indian, white or black. If one can excel in the mission which
one's assigned, the world will take note."
Hie doctor's perscription is to be taken in four dosages.
"Stick to (true) facts briefly. Always be on time at any
assignment, including a class. Be awake, sober and ready to'
receive whatever is conducted during a class session. Serve up
accuracy and completeness and others will come ask you to do
things."
Dr. Earl C. Lowry's footprints in the sands of time prove he
knows what he's talking about. His is a perscription any age
patient can use.
Dr. Earl C. Lowry, ttandi m the backyard of hit 1dU father't
homeptaee in Fnnbroht.
.
A T ribute "T~ o
> .
JULIAN PI ERCE
Editor' note: The following is a tribute to the late Julian T.
Pierce. It contains a eulogy given today at The North Carolina
Capitol in Raleigh by Mrs. Christine Griffin.
We have come to the state's capitol today to eulogize Julian
T. Pierce. He must not be fotgotten. He must be recorded in
our hi.,tory as a great leader, a man who fought for justice,
equality and a better life for all people in Robeson County. His
name must be recorded in the history books as a man whose
compassion was bigger than himself. A man who like Dr.
Martin Luther King had gone to the mountain top and had
seen the Glory of the Lord. He saw a people who had hope in
their'eyes who had had no cause to hope before. He saw a
people who was determined to bring about changes to our
county, changes that will allow us to be the best we can
possibly be. Changes that will destroy the forces of evil in
Robeson County that have oppressed us throughout all of our
generations. We must not forget the man who in his short life
accomplished more for our people than any leader before him.
Julian received a letter a few months ago that called him the
Honorable Julian T. Pierce. He said to me "that is incorrect, I
have not earned that title yet." Well I am here to tell you today
that Julian T. Pierce has earned that honor. On March 26,
1988 at approximately one o'clock in the morning the ballot
was cast and Julian won by an overwhelming land slide.
Therefore, his tombstone should read "Here lies The
Honorable Julian T. Pierce". A man of compassion. A man
who had a passion for justice and equality for all people. Julian
hated the poverty and oppression in Robeson County that
destroyed the hopes of our people. He hated the drugs that
have been dumped into our county to destroy the minds and
control the hearts of our people.
Before Julian's resignation from Lumbee River Legal
Services as Executive Director, I had served as the
Administrator of the program for five years. He allowed me to
look into his heart He shared the contents of his mind with
me, and L saw a man destined to be a great leader for all that
was good and right I saw a man possessed with his love for
people. I saw a man whose intelligence and insight was far
advanced over any I had met before. I saw a lonely man whose
burtjeti and. dedication to his work left very little time for
himself. I saw a man who cared very little about material
things.
T ? ? ? m/vanimrp Un ?/> Ia mo that Ka karl
1 reniemucr VIVIVIIJ UIC tiivsiiiui? lie IVIU MIC mav lie uau
decided to seek the superior court judgeship. He was sitting at
his desk with his leg thrown over the side. 1 looked at him and
"I said are you serious" and "he said yes. I cannot allow a
cold incompassionate man like Joe Freeman Britt to sit in
judgment over our people. I must oppose him." I sensed the
urgency that he felt and I sa.d "Julian T ve got mixed feelings
about this. I understand your concern, but I really hate to lose
you from the program; you know we can not replace you." He
said "Christine this thing is too important to allow Joe
Freeman Britt to step into that position unchallenged." I said
"I understand. But if you are serious about running you've got
to chlftge your image. You've got to buy you a pair of shoes
and get rid of those with holes in the bottom. You have got to
buy you some suits and get rid of the polyester pants you
wear." He laughed and said "I know."
Julian gave of his time, his heart, and his finances. He had
very little left for himself. He loved people He loved his
friends - He loved his family- Most of all. he loved his
children.'
He was Executive Director of I Aim bee River Legal Services
for 9 years. During that time his number one commandment
was to treat clients with dignity. He said "They suffer enough
indignities on the outside; they suffer enough oppression and
poverty on the outside; in our office, they are somebody."
Julian could not have given up the fight for justice and
equality if he had known his life depended on it. His
compassion for people was overwhelming and all consuming.
His sincerity and dedication to his work was amazing. His
passion for justice, equality and a belter life for all people in
our community was more important to him than himself.
. He was my hero; he was my mentor, he was my friend; he
was my superior but he never made me feel inferior.
He was the best hope that we had. He was our general - but
the army of people whose lives were touched by him must
carry on his fight to stamp out injustice, oppression, bigotry,
poverty and all the ills that go with them.
His campaign slogan was that we need changes in Robeson
County. We need to tear out the roots that nurture bigotry,
hate, and oppression so that all people can gain their rightful
place in a society that is big enough for all of us.
But he would say to us this evening that we must not use the
same weapons that have been used against us to bring about
change. We must use the electoral ballot to elect public
officials that will represent all of us regardless of race, creed
or religion.
T cai/4 tr\ him n atrn '-'Julian vnu nppH to start
telling people about the things you have accomplished- you
need to tell them about the health consortium that you worked
to establish, you need to tell them about your work on the
Lumbee recognition petition. You need to tell them about the
work you did for school merger. You need to be recognized for
your accomplishments." He said to me "Christine, the fact
that all people have access to quality health care in Robeson
County regardless of their ability to pay, and when we gain
federal recognition, and the fact that all children can now have
access to a quality education is recognition enough for me."
Julian T. Fierce represented the best in the human spirit and
as I said to him on many occasions, 1 loved that tfJMrit In him.
I have never met a man like Julian before and because of the
uniqueness of his spirit I do not anticipate meeting another. I
feel blessed to have known and worked closely with him for
five years. I never failed him in life, and I can not fail him in
death even if I wanted to. It's a religion to me now. I will spend
the rest of my life carrying on the work that Julian started.
However, I am a small pawn to be used for this purpose. We
must all join together for justice and equality. We must all join
together to stamp out the influence of evil men and women
among us who want to retain the power to oppress, enslave^"
and control us.
Julian T. Pierce would expect no less of us. He, like Dr.
Martin Luther King had a dream, a dreaiq that someday we
would be judged by the content of our character and not by
the color of our skin! A dream that we use the electoral ballot
to overthrow the forces that oppress us. Together we can make
that dream a reality.
SCHOOL NEWS
4*
Pamela L Brooks, a junior nursing student at University of
North Carolina at Greensboro, has received a Fuld Foundation
Fellowship to attehd the Fifth International Conference and
Exhibition on Cancer Nursing in London.
Brooks, daughter of Paul and Pauline Brooks of Route 1,
Pembroke will attend the conference. "Cancer Nursing: A
Revolution in Care." on Sept. 2-9. She is among 100 Fuld
Fellows, who will receive airfare, housing and expenses from
the fellowship program.
Hie conference is sponsored by the International Society of
Nurses in Cancer Care and is expected to draw appradmately
1,600 atnses. The Fuld Foundation is the largest private U.S.
foundation supporting nursing education.
As a Fuld Fellow, she also has been invited to attend the
April 9-10 convention of the National Student Nurses
Association in Pittsburgh.
News Brief
GERALD STRICKLAND
Governor Jim Martin *has appointed Pembroke resident
Gerald Strickland to the state Board of Sanitarian Examiners.
Strickland replaces Edward M. Willdns and will serve until
Dec. 15. 1991.
Strickland, 38. is the environmental health supervisor for the
Robeson County Health Department. He received his bachelor
of arts degree in history at Pembroke State University In 1976.
Strickland, president of the Pembroke Jaycees, is a member
of the North Carolina Public Health Association. He is also a
member of the North Carolina Environmental Health
Association.
Hie state Board of Sanitarian Examiners licenses sanitarian
examiners and regulates sanitarian operations in North
Carolina.
SAY YOU READ IT IN
THE CAROLINA
INDIAN VOICE
' To aubacriba to Tho Coll 521-2J26
? ' -^'vj
Carolina Indian Volca
ISN'T THIS A
HtwrfiM'Va*!