Published each Thursday since January 16,1973
me Carolina Indian Voice
Pembroke, NC Robeson County
"Building communicative bridges in a tri-racial setting"
THURSDAY, HAY SO, 1991
25 CENTS PER COPY
LRDA Prepares -for
Congressional Hearing on
Lumbee Recognition Bill
Hie Lumbee Regional Development Association met
Tuesday night They heard a report on federal recognition
by Dob be Oxendine, Chairman of the Federal Recognition
Committee. He reported on a vist to Washington for three
days by himself, James Hardin, executive director, and
Ruth Locklear, director of the tribal enrollment office.
Locldear then-reported on the Congressional Hearing to
he held Thursday and Friday, June 6 and 7 on Federa
Recognition. The hearing will be held at the James B.
Chavis Student Center and is open to the public, it will not
be the kind of hearing whereby anyone in the audience
may address the Committee. Only those selected as
witnesses will make oral presentations. Others will be
allowed to present written testimony to be included in the
record of the hearing.
Loddear reported that a panel of elders, including Mr.
Claude Lowiy, Mr. Johnny Bullard and Rev. Welton
Lowry will be held. This panel will speak to the history,
community and kinships of Robeson County Indians.
Linda Oxendine of PSU will moderate this panel.
Local ministers and committee members will meet for
breakfast and discuss the organization of Indian .churches
and schools. Sec. of Admin. James Lofton will testify on
behalf of the Lumbee instead of Governor James B.
Martin.
The Congressional Committee and Secretary Lofton
will be the guests of P8U Chancellor Joseph Oxendine
for lunch. A community dinner will also be held at the
Cultural Center with invited community persons and a
tour of various Indian communities will be conducted.
Executive Director James Hardin told the board that he
and board members James Sampson, A. Bruce Jones and
Dobbs Oxendine had met with Jonathan Ed Taylor, chief
of the Cherokees and other Cherokees at the beach
recently. This meeting, he reported was moderated by,
Patrick Clark, Chairman of the N.C. Conupission of. Indian
Affairs. Hardin stated that the lines of communication
between the two tribes had been opened and that they
had agreed to meet again. It was reported that Taylor
"would admit that the Lumbees were Indians" which is
something that he had refused to do preribusly.
Emma Locklear questioned spending <1000 for a
meeting at the beach by LRDA.
A. Bruce jones responded: "This time as we are
seeking federal recognition, the Cherokees have not
written a letter opposing it... We can't put a price tag on
trust We are all looking tors basis of trust...This is the
first time in history that the two tribes have set up official
dialogue between the two tribes..We have begun to forge
and establish a tribal relationship."
LoeUear waa still not pacified. There has been much
disagreement in the past between the Cherokee and the
Lumbee. The last time the Federal Recognition Bill was
being considered, it died in Committee mainly because of
opposition from the Congressman who represented the
. Cherokee*.
Emma Locklear responded to Jones: "I don't feel that
we are under any obligation to Ed Taylor to sit down
and talk...We want federal recogniton....He's got
something he wants."
IN OTHER MATTERS...
The Board employed Ralph Hunt as a consultant to
develop a minimum of three redistricting plans for the
LKDA board elections according to the 1990 Census
figures.
Agreed to extend the deadline for write in candidates
for those wishing to seek a seat on the N.C. Commission
of Indian Affairs Board of Directors. Paul Brooks who
serves now, will face the expiration of his term in June.
Discussed freexing LRDA board elections and
extending the board members' terms for five yean
instead of three. No action was taken on this issue.
...Approved the purchase of a mini bus for the head
start program for 924,000.
....Authorized the executive committee to award the
bid for building Smyrna Head Start Center.
...Heard a report about an Adult Education Grant
which will be used for the GED program beginning July 1
in the Smyrna, Rex Rennert and Evans Crossings
Communities. Three instructors will be hired for this
project from tee three communities to be served.
...Dniod a request to endorse a group who is making a
^."iiSe^to fccfjgBor Miss
Pageant to be held in September and screening tee
applicants to "not fewer than ten."
...Appointed Sybil Bullard to the Indian Housing Board.
....And voted to have Chris "War Eagle Chavis,"
Lumbee professional wresher serve as co-Grand Marshal
along with the lumbee Persian Gulf vets in the upcoming
lumbee Homecoming Parade. Chavis wfll be wrestling at
Purnsll Swett High Srh<?>) July 6th during the
Homecoming Weekend.
I J??DX?C OyJOJV<S |
By c/ftla. cWy* OxtMjin* I
Thanks to both the editors of the Carolina Indian Voice,
Bruce Barton, then Connee Briyboy, for allowing me to
write whatever I believe in. Here I go again.
IMAGES
Hat Myhnagt Bean Ihmuktdi
Through the years I've made my share (or more) of
mistakes. Tve let people dowe?again and again-even
though I did not mean to do so. From time to time I've felt
like everyone was against me?because I was not doing
what they expected me to do.
The most difficult time was when I stepped "over the
line" back in 1959 and manflsM a person of a different
racial background, hi fact, I spent my entire marriage
(until the accident which clahasd the lives of my husband
and two sons) assuming that the whites of the worid (with
only a handful of exceptions) had tamed their backs on
me. Too late, I learned that this was not true. Many who
had said nothing had actually accepted our raetalty
blended family. But, for some. I was likely a "rebel" or a
"radical."
Now I've become apparently one of those dangerous,
stereotypical "anti-communist emeaders" out to rid the
worid of communists as wed as the unique system/
religion of communism.
This has been my image of "Anti-Communista in the
past And I never intended to become like "them." In
fact if I had seen someone else studying, and sharing the
truth about the Communist way of Ufa here in Rwnbroke
and Robeson Counter, Tan sure I would never have
bothered to do any pmamial research myself. I can think
of a hundred other activities I'd rather spend hour after
hour doing. One of those is to be a home-maker. (Or,
since I have no family bete depending upon me daily, to
be a home-beeper.) Or a teacher or social worker. Or a
rural church worker, like I was when I first came to
iwm
But someone needs to be studying the movements
(including "Now Ago") in the worid around us. I finally
deddsd I could not Just take someoos else' a weed, that' id
have to check thing* out for myself.
In the prnnif-. T v* gotten acquainted with a number of
other who waat to iionairet the good
things about our govonuaoat and our Aaaoriean way of
life. I've decided there's ae such thing aa a typical
"anti-eommuniat" Idon'tahow why waaaauam that thay
am all "metal*" or hart to get along with, ar whatever.
They do aoom to bo Individuals who ears about thoir
couatry. Only a tow (K apaoore to mo) are tanatiea Mhs.the
Thta la. Is fast, tho atata naooa I made th* dariataa
?LW.ww* to*"* a ?*?
Marx. Leniu, and others may have been sincere in
believing they had discovered a way to help people. But
the "Mandan Experiment," as it used to be called, seems
to have backfired over and over and over again. I do not
want to get rid of the persons who are under the control of
Communism. But I would Hhe them to do as many before
them have done?eeareh for a better way of life, one that
will never let them down.
ITRYTO THINK FOR MYSELF
I do not automatically accept someone else's ideas.
When I mad a statement written by a "conservative"
writer, for example, I mull it over, and then compare it
with a variety of other sources. VI had been satisfied to
believe what other "anti-communists" believe, I
wouldnot have needed to subecribe to such newa
publications as US News and World Reports, Fellowship,
The Ckristim Sciene Monitor, or even the Robasonian. Or
to read such other viewpoints as Tkk National AUancs
and Soviet Ufa.
I have tried to apply the methods of investigation,
learned as a sociology major, to an objective comparison
of reports regarding Communism, and other forms of
Socialism. This is why I normally spend hours and hours
and hours of study before commenting in my column on a
particular issue.
TRUTH SEEKERS
I would like to invite you to become an active "truth
seeker" too.
First, consider Eternal truth. As I've said before, that's
the only kind that matters now for the men in our family
who have left this life.
And then, try studying and comparing different view
points regarding our country and our world. And, before
you Join a group which promises to solve your problems,
make sure the promises are sincere and realistic. Some
things are "too good to be true!"
MEMO/UAL DAY
Ae a high school student during the World War II
yean, then as a college student from IMS to 1M9. 4
coosidered myself a pacifist If only the worid would stop
fighting ware our problems would all be solved. I thought
Veterans did not interest ma much, unless I happened to
Imow them personally,
la moan recent yean, I've decided that there are some
things, such aa freedom, that are worth fighting and
dying far. I* ve often wondend whether I, as a Christian.
w>uid have the eoumge la die for my faith
Today fm thankful (or thane who have fought, and
died, lb mahe K possible for you and me Id hum the
fondant to thfoh for ouwofvea and la believe aa we fool
led.
Jaat as the PUgrima same to than shores In eider In
preedoe their faith in Oed freely, people foam around the
worid beep fieridag In this country for the shears te
warehip Oed finely.
THI CAROLINA INDIAN VOICI
V 9
MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
HELD IN PEMBROKE
A Memorial Day Ceremony waa held in the Pembroke
Town park on Monday, May 27, 1991. The tent waa
sponsored by the Pembroke VFW Poet #2843. Post
Commander ia W.D. Oxendine and Quartermaster is
Ardell Jacobs.
Special guest speaker waa MSG Easter Jahn, United
States Army.
Her speech follows;
lam deeply privileged to have been atked to take part
m this ceremony today. I eon think of no higher honor
than to repreeent the men and women uho proudly wear
the itriform of Mm great country. Memorial Day it a day
thot un hov? lit to honor tho$? tu&o ffovf their Uv?$
m defense of our freedom (way of life], ft it important for
us each year to remember their sacrifices and to reaffirm
our commitment to freedom and democracy around the
world. Abraham Lincoln said it beet ?> erne Gettysburg
Address "We here highly resolve that these dead shall
not have died in vain." We here a Pembroke, today, an
like so many other communities rsmsmbsring our fallen
heroes.
On Memorial Day we honor nearly ICO comrades who
died to free the people of Kuwait from the tyranny of
Saddam Hussein. The war m the Persian Gulf brought
home marry memories of pact wan and cot^Kcts for many
of as. The lonely soldiers uondtring if anyone back home
remembers them. Or if anyone ready cans about them.
Wasting for the next mail call to see if anyone has taken
the time to writs. Writing to laved ones telling them all
the things that you had never thought to say to them
before. TeMng your children that you vsU be home very
soon and not neatly knowing when yen will be coming
home or if you will be coming heme at aSL We hen at
home won wondering if our loved ones wen safe and
thmMng of all the Uimgs that we wanted to say to them
when they finally came home.
I along with other men and women of the uniformed
seniseo supported arse men and mimen m the Persian
Guff. J saw the errantry stand unified behind them. We
none ?B anaaoar to learn about the most meant events. I
remember seeing $8 news correspondents from around
the world living and sleeping on the floor m the hallways
of the Pentagon wasting for the next story to break. 7hey
were then throughout tfse war. They saw the reports of
the first casualties come in. This urns the moat difficult
part of their job-telling the American people that brave
men and women would not be coming house. I remember
one of the first caeuMee, Copt Jonathan R. Edwards,
USMC, age 36. He was the first to be buried in Arlington
National Cemetery. I have often visited Arlington
National Cemetery My meet vivid images is that of the
Tomb of the IMJmown Soldier guarded by a lone sentry
who watches over this most kn/lotred gronnd. hs separate
tombs a nmneless soldier fivm World Wad, World War II
and Korea is buried. Jk honoring these Americans we
honor all the men and women of the United StaUs Armed
Forces who answered their country's call and gave their
Uvea on oar country's behalf. As one stands and looks
across Arlington Cemetery, the rows and rows of white
markers on the surrounding kills are constant reminders
of our commitment to freedom and democracy. You
cannot help but be struck by the magnitude of their
sacrifice.
We who remain and enjoy the fruits of their ultimate
sacrifice owe it to these brave Americans to continue our
effort to preserve the American ideals of individual liberty
and equality of opportunity. Ours is a great nation. M is
our obligation to respect the qualities which have made it'
great and to do our utmost to make it even better. The
veterans ws remember today mustered time and time
again when America's freedom was threatened. The
liberties we sometimes take for granted should be
chhrished. Only thus, will our character as a free nation,
which has been honorably defended for mors than huo
centuries, persevere and be worthy of the sacrifices of
those veterans that have served her so honorably?in
both peace and war. Tbday we are again at peace.
Americans are not engaged m combat on foreign soi. Yet
our peace is not without its tests end tensions. Tb
maintain the peace, we must-and we will-maintain, the
strength and the readiness of our armed forces. Tb me.
Memorial Day is bitter sweet While it is a day to
remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for
their country, it is also a day to rejoice m the fruits of their
sacrifice. Every Memorial Day is time for all Americans to
rsdedieate themselves to preserving the American ideals
of individual and equality of opportunity. Memorial Day
help* to remind us that we should make the time given to
us hers on earth meaningful The future will offer many
challenges to the cause of freedom. Americans must be
proposed to face them and be worthy of high honor-and
the unavoidable responsibility- of standing t? the
flmfiomt of the free nations. Because of the eaorifices
made by those we honor today we are afiae nation. Let us
resolve today to always lumain free.
In conclusion, at we stand by this flag pole, and under
the American flag that nowflys over its, let the Tbwn of
Pembroks and all its citizens know that all of the military
services, men asd women alike are committed to
safeguarding our country's freedom and our way of life.
American Armed Forces are highly dedicated, motivated
professionals that are fully Pained and prepared to
defend our country. Remember that thaee in uniform
cannot do it alone. We must be united together, working
together toward preserving the American way of life. May
God bless America, those that have protected our country
m the past, and those that today [a* too, in tha air or on
distant tAartt) stand ready to protect her again should
tha need arise. May God bless the United States of
America and may her flag and tha spirit of her people
etweya fly free.
MSG Autor Jdkn. 9tpMfer t< AmMb'i Mmmarmt Zfcy Chmumy. U*oft> fry 75* WmPRtvtU)
Tuscanora
Row Wow
Deemed
Successfu1
byl.H. Hawk
Mij 17-19 vn the waahand lor Dm Tuocaroro Notion
Wow at Drowning Crook. Foothon won flying, dust
wu roiling and foot won hooping boot with > fancy donee
war aong- 35 to 40 daw con won them on Friday avowing.
Ail at thorn la good form. Thoio waa good food maMng
your mouth orator, blue gran moate which including tome
good guitar picking, fiddle and banjo playing along with
Chiof Laoo Loddoor on hia Dobn. Than waa goo pel
ainging and tha word at Ood waa pnachod at the Sunday
moaning *
llw paw www waa a whole*.me family t vent. ThoN
won lata of Jtwoiry, t-ahirta. rmflnmon and tNdara.
anltiuo which the H turned not to ha. loon inddaar and
Hiij iig Mountain attondod. lie la an Indian
a 4k* ^ * - Jl ? -A L^.
4wS "wBIWn HI "Wl.
Our Men In Uniform
TSgt Larry Strickland, ton of Joko L Strickland of
Marion and Marl Striddaad Dooao ai Marion baa
returned to civilian Ufa following active duty in aupport of
operation Deoert Shield/ Deeert Storm.
Hte 916 Air rettieUiw Group traina mom than 750
ustvs peraonnal in civil engineering, annuity police,
medical scrrieee, aircraft malaleuanee. and aircrew
operations. In the event el war or national emergency the
916th augments active duty foreee within the Strategic Air
TSgt etriekland la raturing to Ida reaerve KC 10 crew
ehinf Job with the 916th Conaohdatod Airemft Maintonan
mllSd'to'mtl veAduS H? Daa?n!bnr"i!. MOni came
under the direction of the active duty 66th Air SefUeMag
Wing's maintenance aquadroa. Two-thirds of the rsssrvi
squadron daplaynd te Western Isudi Am hie. Spain, and
otter netmai Issstiiai in support of the Air FWee's
tan her lain leree.
hi civiliaa Hie be is employed with CP A Lef Raleigh,
Wwd MeWTS gin duets of Carshna Military Academy.