I | g I - Published Each Thursday Since January I8V1973 I
1 MOLINA INBIAN VOICE
I Pen " | C Robeson County I
CO 5 I
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M V o "Building communicative bridges in a tri-racial setting"
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Vote on Lumbee Bill not over yet
At press time, LRDA spokesperson on Federal
Recognition, Ruth B. Locklear, reported that the tribe is
now gearing up for another vote to invoke cloture on the
Lumbee Bill. According to Ms. Locklear, "On February
27, the Helms-engineered block on the Lumbee BUI
succeeded by a margin of two votes." She went on to add
"That tells us we are at cloture-level, and that is a
significant accomplishment on this first go-round in over
riding the legislative holds." She added, "The vote on
February 27 was not a vote on passage of the Lumbee Bill,
but a parliamentary procedure employed by Senator
Helms to blodA vote on the Lumbee Bill.
According to the tribe's attorney. Dr. Arlinda Locklear,
13 senators objected to the Lumbee Bill arising on the
floor for debate and voting. Senate rules permit an
over-ride on the objections, or holds, however, if 60 or
more Senators vote affirmatively to invoke cloture. Ms.
Locklear stated that this parliamentary procedure is
employed when opposing Senators have reason to believe
that a BQl will pass, if permitted to arise on the floor,
it is to their advantage to place "holds" on a Bill, to block
consideration of the Bill for passage.
Dr. Locklear, tribal attorney, advised thetribein 1990
that it should focus on 1991 as the year to move the Bill on
the House side, so that all of 1992 could be devoted
toward exhausting the parliamentary procedures that
opposing Senators would employ to block passage in the
Senate, and marshal support for passage of the bill. She
stated, "In 1991 we witnessed the passage this bill in the
U.S. House of Representatives. And, just last week, we
witnessed the first exercise of praliamentary maneuvers oi
the Senate side to block the bill, That we fell short by two
votes to over-ride the Helms-engineered block indicates
to us that it is only a matter of time before the Lumbee Bill
arises on ftp SenatwAwc where-the debate on its merits
will be aired in open forum, and the vote taken."
One member of the Lumbee delegation in Washington,
D.C. had this to say about Senator Helms: "Senator
Helms made this vote on cloture a partisan issue, and that
is unfortunate because Lumbees enjoy strong Republican
support and strong Democratic support inside and outside
North Carolina."
Attorney Locklear stated, "The Lumbee Bill is good
legislation. It is fiscally sound as it requires Congressional
appropriations before any services or benefits are provide
to the Tribe. And it is consistent with previous
Congessional action where all other tribes were ineligible
for Administrative recognition as is the Lumbee Tribe."
According to the LRDA spokesperson, the tribal
attorney stays in constant contact with Senator Terry
San ford's Office, the State of North Carolina, and the
LKDA Board of Directors. "We are definitely on our way
back to DC," commented Ms. Lock!ear. "The Lumbee
has gifted political and legal talent, and heritage and faith
that sustains us when faced by the opposition."
According to our sources, the Lumbee Bill could come
up for another vote on cloture within the next few weeks.
If passed in the Senate, the President has up to ten days,
after the Bill is delivered to the White House, to sign the
bill or return it to the Congress with a veto message. If he
does not sign the bill during these ten days, or veto the
bill, it automatically passes into law.
The LRDA spokesperson made this statement about
Senator Helms' promise to ask President Bush to veto the
bill: "We expect Mr. Helms will ask the President to veto
this bill, just as we will ask him to sign it. It is too early1
to predict what the President will do. Right now we are
working with our tribal attorney to overcome the
parliamentary hurdles and build support for the bill, with
an eye always on the White House."
Since the latter 1970s, all other tribes ineligible for
Administrative recognition as the Lumbee are, have been
recognized by an Act of Congress. Republican Senators
who oppose the current bill favor legislation that would
force the Lumbee Tribe through the BIA process, despite
the 190-year track of the BIA in opposing Lumbee
recognition. Since 1899, the Department of the Interior
has studied the Lumbee on seven different occasions. In
each of these studies, the Department of the Interior has
acknowledged the Lumbee as American Indian, but
opposed formal recognition of the tribe because of the
1 size. There are presently 40,000 enrolled members of the
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Senator Jesse Helms, the senior Republican Senator
from North Carolina, is reported not to have opposed the
legislative recognition of any other tribe. Ha has
reportedly informed his colleagues that passage of the
Lumbee Bill would cost $200 million, a figure that is many
times overstated; and would create a large federal Indian
reservation in Robeson County, which the bill does not do.
One Lumbee Republican who was in Washington, DC
last week for the vote, made this comment: "Watching
Senator Helms work this bill against the Lumbee was like
watching a re-run of the negative ads from his campaign
last year. There were definite racial overtones and it is an
embarrassement to all North Carolinians-whether they
are Black, white or Indian, Republican or Democrat, that
here in 1992, proclaimed by President Bush as the Year of
the Native American, that Senator Helms would oppose
the Lumbee in his own home state. These are troubled
times for not only Lumbee people, but all North
Carolinians."
LOCAL HAPPENINGS
DEMOCRATIC RALLY PLANNED
The Robeson County Democratic Party Chairperson
Jo Ann Loddear haa announced plant for a Meet the
Candidates Democratic Rally to be held on April 10, 1992
from 6 until 9 at the National Guard Armory, Fayetteville
Road, Launberton. Chairperson Loddear stated that each
candidate will be allowed two minutes to speak She
invites everyone to come out and have dinner and enjoy
meeting the candidates. $5 tickets are on sale around the
county from Democrats or may be obtained by calling
788-6404.
FAMILY VIOLENCE CENTER VOLUNTEER TRAINING
The Southeastern Family Violence Center which
sendees domestic abuse victims in Scotland and Robeson
Counties, will be conducting a volunteer training on
Saturday, March 21st from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Interested
individuals should call either 277-7000 or 789-8622 to
register.
REVIVAL PLANNED AT NEW BETHEL
Revival services at New Bethel Holiness Methodist
Church wfll be held March 8-18. Sunday services will
begin at 7 p.m. Weeknight services at 7:80 p.m. The
church is located on ions Church Road, between Rowland
and Fairmont
Evangelists wfll be Rev. Michael Cummings. Rev.
(little) Johnny Chavis, and Rev. Hedrick Jones. The
public is eneoutgaed to attend. Special music wfll bo
provided each night Rev. James h. woods is pastor.
LITERACY WORKSHOP PLANNED
The VISTA Volunteers will be sponsoring a literacy
Workshop March 9 at 7 p.m. in the Maxton Public
Library. Speakers for this workshop will be EJise Lowety
from4he Continuing Education Department at Rob sue
Community College. Also attending the workshop will be
someone from the Robeson County Church and
Community Center who will do a presentation? n the
Luabaeh's Method of Reading. Students and adults who
ate not participating in any existing educational program
are encouraged to attend this workshop. For more
information interested persons should contact Debra
McMillan or any other VISTA Volunteer worker at
739-0008, VBTA Volunteers is one of the programs of the
Tuscaron Tribe of North Carolina, Inc.
COUNTY FARM BUREAU PRESIDENT ATTENDS
RALEIGH CONFERENCE
North Carolina County Farm Bureau president* from
the mountain arena, the Atlantic coast and points in
between recently met in Raleigh to conduct their annual
ftunidenta Conference.
Representing Robeson County at the meeting was
county farm Bureau Resident Iycurous Lowiy.
. > _
Hie central theme of this year's conference was
"Helping each other is what we do best" North Carolina
Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Jenkins said,
"This theme expresses the heart of Farm Bureau policy
and is central to the organization's philosophy."
As a vanguard organization for protecting the rights of
rural North Carolina citizens. Farm Bureau works
collectively to ensure that farmers make a fair income for
their efforts. Likewise, the organization works to
discourage legislation that might unfairly impact the
farmer's ability to make a living from his land.
The annual meeting provides a forum for the 100 county
presidents to discuss Farm Bureau policy, be brought up
to date on issues of importance and recieve staff reports
on goals for the present year.
Issues agreed upon by the county presidents for special
emphasis this year included:, (a) deductibility of insurance
premiums for the self-employed, (b) the impact ai
wetland regulations on fanning, (c) private property
rights* ad <d) federal/ budget/ federal deficit ieeuee.
Discussing pokey at a recent President's Conference held
tn Raleigh, it [Itft] Lycurons Dowry, Rob*ton County
Farm Bureau President and N.C. Fhrm Bureau
Federation President Bob Jenkins.
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Hunt names Robeson Citizens
for Jim Hunt Leadership
Jim Hunt announced the leadership of Robeson County
citizens for Jim Hunt this week as part of his
announcement of his candidacy for Governor.
County Finance Tri-Chairmen are J. Rodney Bullard,
R.W. Willdns, Jr. and Glenn Maynor, all of Lumberton.
County Tri-Chairmen are Major David Green of Parkton;
Dr. Ray Pennington of Lumberton; and Mayor Milton
Hunt of Pembroke. County Voter Chairmen are Jane
Smith, Wyatt Johnson and Adeline Maynor, all of
Lumberton.
"I am pleased to have such a strong team in Robeson
County," Hunt said. "I feel confident that we have
chosen leaders who can effectively organize our campaign
and take our message of changing North Carolina's future
to the voters.
"I want our campaign in Robeson County and across
the state to be open to people who may never have been
involved in political campaigns in the past Our campaign
is open to everyone and we are encouraging their
participation," Hunt commented.
"I love this state too much to sit back and watch it fall
behind," Hunt said. "It is time we had a Governor who
will work just as hard for the people of North Carolina as
the people work for their families and their future. State
govenment should work best for those who work
hardest"
Young Careerist chosen by Pembroke BPW
by Yvonne Bonus Dial
Delighted and astounded was the response of
Young Careerist chosen by the Pembroke Business and
Pofessional Women's Organization.
Darlene Roberts was recently selected by the
organization as Young Careerist for 1992-93. She is the
executive director of Pembroke Redevelopment Commis
sionw hose major duties include the management of the
public housing agency.
The Pembroke BPW sponsors the Young Careerist
Program as a means of recognizing the accomplishments
of successful young women while introducing them to the
ideals and standards of the National Federation of
Business and Professional Women's Gub, Inc. The
criteria to be eligible as Young Careerist include: between
the ages of 21 and 25, inclusive by July 31; be or has been
employed in business or the professions with at least one
year of full time work experience in her career area; be
outstanding in scholastic work, community service and/
or church work; support the goals and objectives and
legislative platform of the National Federal of BPW and
must not have been a Young Careerist Program winner in
the local, district or state level.
Ms. Roberts attended Pembroke Senior High and has
received her B.S. degree in Business Management from
Pembroke State University. Upon leaving PSU, she
entered into the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant in the
Military Fblice Corp. While in the army, she served in
both command and staff positions.
She is an active member of the Pembroke Chamber of
Commerce, assigned to the community relations
committee. This committee acts as a liaison between the
local government, the chamber of commerce and PSU.
She also serves on the JOBS Task Force. This program is
administered by the Department of Social Services and
involves the continued education of single mothers.
Dsrient Roberta
Her career goals are to participate in the plannign and
coordination of goals that will benefit the community
economically and socially.
Lowry joins membership of American Angus Association
Tommy Lowry of Pembroke is a new member of the
American Angus Association, reports Dick Spader,
executive vice president of the national organization with
headquarters in SL Joseph, Missouri.
Hie American Angus Association, with over 24,000
active adult and junior members, is the largest beef cattle
registry association in the world. Its computerized records
include detailed information on nearly 11 million
registered Angus'.
The Association records ancestral information ana
keeps records of production on individual animals for its
members. These permanent records help members select
and mate the best animals in the animals in their herds to
produce high quality, efficient breeding cattle which are
then recorded with the American Angus Association.
Most of these registered Angus are used by the U.S.
farmers and ranchers who raise high quality beef for U.S.
consumption.
3rd annual Gospel Music Festival to be held April 25 at PS U
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Hie third annual PSU Gospel Music Festival, featuring
both national and local singing groups, will be held
Saturday, April 25, at PSU"s Givens Performing Arts
Center.
Hie pre-concert will start at 6:45 p.m. with the main
program beginning at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $5 for everyone and will be available at
several sites, including the Givens Performing Arts
Ike idea of having the festival was initially that of PSU
Chancellor Joseph Oaendine, who remains a strong
supporter of the event "I feel we ought to continue
having this festival, and I'm sure it will grow. I am
eoovinced it is a good concept -and another good way of
promoting our visibility," Oxendine told the planning
eammittee, whose chairman again this year is Harold
Jacobs, music director of Prospect United Methodist
Church.
Hie national group performing una year wu
McKameys, a quartet hailing from Clinton, Tenn.
According to members of the planning committee. The
McKameys "packed" Lumberton Senior High School's
auditorium for a performance last year. "It was standing
room only," said the members.
Also performing will be the Lumber River Quartet of
Robeeon County, a men's group which committee
members say "ranked first in the state of Texas."
The pre-concert this year will be performed by
the Pembroke Ladies Chorus, a senior atisens group from
Pembroke.
Committee members planning the event, in addition to
Jacobs, have included: Dr. James B. Chavis, Rev.
Michael Cummings. Magnolia Griffith, Chariene Lock
leer, Lucy Locklear, Rev. Jerry Lowry and Gene Warren.
Fbr more information, telephone: (919) 521-4214, Ext
218.
Pembroke Kiwanis Report By Kan Johnson
Superintendent of Schools William Johnson was the
speaer at the Tuesday night meeting held at the Town and
^Country Restaurant. Arnold Locklear, program chairman,
presented Mr. Johnson.
"Changing conditions suh as 40 years ago, sixty
percent of our jobs were unskilled. Today, Fifteen percent
are done by unskilled people. We also lack behind other
countries as our design has not changed in 150 years, as
education is slow to change. Declining respect for
authority, only four percent of the families have one
member at home. This is not what it used to be. Merger
created here is big business. Robeson County is the
biggest merged system in the state, with its 288 buses,
2lh million miles driven a year, 5 million meals and the
largest employer in the county, pooling five school
systems has breated the 'mother' of all mergers."
"Effective schools is part of the Civil Rights Act
Schools had to overcome low student performance, to
meet state acaeditiation requirements, to overcome race
and economic conditions.
"All ena learn, plus technical preparation, requiring
math and science courses. All will be required to take
algebra for graduation. Cooperative learning rather than
competitive learning is the philosophy with the middle
school set up. Year round schooling is being thought of
due to large enrollments. 20,000 students wfll be enrolled
in the next few years. Central office data banks will help
instruction. Alternative schools are being looked into.
Corporal punishment is at the discretion of the boards of
education. Lots of good things are going on for apodal
gifted chidlren programs. Great effort is made to hasp up.
wtih changing times. Funding is 70 percent of the state
avenge. Can't go to seventy five percent 49 cents our of
the tax dollar or 19,811.000 is brought in. the new
qualification funding has the state giving 111 million."
Questions and answers followed.
PresidingClay Maynor. Song Leader- Bd TWets
Invocation-Albert Hunt Reporter Ken Johasan.
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