Headers Believe Racism Motivates Terry Smith, Member of the Board of Education:
Does He Hate All Indians, They Ask, Or Only Those in Leadership Positions
Dear Editor:
After the media attention over the audit report from the Public Schools of
Robeson Counts and the subsequent retirement of Superintendent Pumell
Swett. we felt the need to write and let Mr. Swett and the pubic in general know
that we are among the mans mans people who support Pumell Swett and do not
for one minute believe that he is guilts of illegal or unethical conduct.
W e are familiar with the Audit report and what it says. We also want certain
people to know, especially Board Member Terrs Smith that we are not fooled
bs his loud and unusually noisy fuss over Supt. Swett. We believe that Terrs
Smith is a racist and a bigot and his concern has noth ing to do with anything other
than the color of Mr. Swett's skin. How can he make the contradictory
statements that he made over the situation at Lumberton High School's
principalship and then expect us to believe that he is concerned over anything
other than race. If Terry Smith is indeed concerned over the education of boys
and girls in Robeson County we suggest that he resign forthwith as a public
statement to the betterment of education.
He was against merger in 1989 and led the fight to keep five schools systems
in this county simply because it resulted in the separation of students by race.
We lay this . accusation to his charge and suggest that he provide us proof to
the contrary. When he realized that the school systems would be merged, in spite
of his vigorous opposition, he then decided to run for a seat on the school board.
We assume that his reason was that he would be in a position to give "them
Indians heck." Why? For the same reason he stated when he head that Dale
Maynor would become principal at Lumberton High School. He said, we
understand, that Lumberton was a white school and should have a white
principal. Well, he certainly is not a closet racist. But, if he felt that way, he
certainly demonstrates to us that his concern is not for the students ofthis school
system, but rather for what day by day becomes the minority population in the
?
count>-the whites. He seems to be an advocate for "whtie supremacy" This is
an archaic notion and will no longer work We will not return to the days of the
whites owning the land and Indians doing the share cropping. Those days are
behind us and we continue to progress, in spite of the Terry Smiths in our midst.
We suggest that he cannot provTde leadership or direction to our educational
system unless the superintendent is white, and the central office staff are white.
He would have us believe that there is no other race to be considered in the
educational system. He would have us believe this by his actions although the
majority of the student population is Indian.
We are also watching and listening to our bigoted (in our opinion) board
member. It is simply amazing to us that Terry Smith thinks we are all non
comprehending. There seems to be a push on now to bring in applicants for the
job of superintendent from outside the state. That is as flimsy as toilet tissue. -*
What they are actually saying is "this is one way to ensure that we don't have
another Indian superintendent." We hear you talking, Mr. Smith, and we are not
convinced that you are anything less than racist. You all brought Johnson, a
white in here, and if you will check the audit reports, he was not innocent or
blameless in the loss of millions of dollars. How soon some of you all seem to
forget. Or did the fact that he was white make his actions excusable. Again, Mr.
Smith, stop behaving as a racist and consider what is best for the children of this
county. Do not continue to denigrate a nation of people just because we were
not born white. Maybe some of us Indians can move into your district and run
successfully for the seat you are now occupying. We assure you we would be
far kinder to you and your race than you have been to us.
If Mr. Smith would be honest, he would admit that he has never liked Pumell
Swett and neither does he like the children of the public schools unless they are
white.
While this letter may sound mean and ugly, it is not our intention. Our
intention is simply to let Terry Smith and others who feel as he does know that
we are not fooled by rhetoric or games. We understand the game plan by people
of Terry Smith's attitude is to rid this county of all Indians in position of
leadership. We WTite this letter so that Mr. Smith and others understand that we
recognize the plan and we are going to be honest about it and tell it like it is. We
w ish that Mr. Smith would be as honest. By the way, we have heard that targeting
Indians in position of authority is one of the goals of a certain group who are
supposedly watch dogging local boards. Does Smith belong to this organization?
"N
As taxpaying citizens of this county we cannot afford to let Terry Smith and
others who display racist attitudes think that we are fooled by what they say .
It would be interesting to check his voting record and see how many positive
votes he has cast that were beneficial to Indians. Our guess is that anything that
Supt. Swett recommended, he opposed. We hope that he will treat Dr. Harding
in a kinder manner. Wehopetdb that he will resign so that Dr. Harding and those
members of the central staff, teachers and members of the board of education
who are serious about education can get on with the business of educating
children.
We hate to leave Teny Smith with this startling fact, but the shock might do
him some good. Indians are not going any place. We will continue to hold
positions of leadership in this county and we will not be thrown off our path of
taking rightful positions by racists like him. We have been here a long time and
are the majority population. That means, Mr. Smith, that we are entitled to our
share of all positions in the county. And progress has come in spite of the racists
like Terry Smith. Get use to our faces, we predict that you will see more and more
Indians in positions of authority. And you will survive!!! fterall, we have*
survived for more than five hundred years in spite of people like you.
McKeithan Jones
Alfred Dial
Cornell Locklear J/'
Letters to the Editor
Consent Of The Government
Jolm Locke one of England's greatest
philosophers, wrolc what is know n
as his "most important political work
in his "TwoTrcaticsConccrningGovernment"
(1609). In these treaties
Locke challenged the idea of the di\
inc right of kings and said that government
should exist onlv with the
consent of the governed. Locke believed
that a ruler who loses the confidence
of the people has lost the right
to govern them". The New Book of
Knowledge, pg. 321.
I n the dispute between the Lunibcc/
Chcravv Tribal Government and Lunibcc
Regional Development. Inc (a
stale chartered, non-profit corporation),
we should all consider the words
of John Locke and ask a few questions
Number one. should a state chartered
non-profit corporation be allowed to
disregard the Lumbcc Peoples consent
for representation through their
ratified constitution cmpowcrthc Luntbcc/Chcraw
Tribal Council to act for
the Luinbcc People'.' Number four,
docs the Lunibcc/Chcraw TribalCouncil
need permission from anv entity
(federal, stale, local, or organizational)
to assert its leadership? Number five,
can the Federal. State, or Local governments
dictate vv ho shall gov cm the
I .limbec? Number six. can am person
or organization be given veto power
over the constitutional!) established
Lu mbcc/Chcra w T riba I C'ou nci I? A nd
number seven, docs LRDA have the
confidence ofthcLumbec People (8040
for the constitution to 223 against the
constitution)?
I feel that these arc questions that
deserve careful thought. We can continue
to be apathetic or become actively
involved in asserting the consent
of the Lumbcc People as expressed
through their ratified constitution
Samuel Kerns
I.umhee/Cheruw ('ouncil
Member District 9
/ -v
furnell Swett explains his retirement,
as Superintedent of Public Schools
To the Editor:
Last week I informed the Robeson
County Board of Education of my decision
to retire as Superintendent, effective
December 31,1997. Given the
misleading nature of recent publicity, I
feel an explanation of my retirement is
not the public interest.
My decision to retire was completely
voluntary. 1 was not asked or forced to
resign. My contract as Superintendent
runs through June 39, 1999, and 1
could have insisted that my contract be
honored. That would have been my
preferred approach if I were acting
from a personal financial perspective.
The overriding consideration in my
decision to retire was the best interest
of the Public Schools of Robeson
County. The recent special audit report
was being used in a political manner
by the people who had differences
on my leadership in matters. The students
deserve the undivided focus by
schooj leaders on education rather
than on side issues. Given all the publicity
and controversy., 1 felt that rtiy
retirement could help that process. My
decision to retire also was influenced
by personal and health reasons. The
last few months have been very difficult
for me, due to the unsubstantiated
attacks on my personal integrity. At
'this point in my life, my family and my
heath do not need a long bitter public
dispute.
The publicity regarding the audit
was misleading in the extreme. I assure
the citizens and taxpayers of Robeson
County that I have never misused public
funds for my personal benefit. For
that reason, it is important to clarify
some aspects of the audit. The fact that
a preliminary draft audit was improperly
released to the media indicates the
political motivation of this whole process.
The draft audit slurred innocent persons'
reputations including mine. I was
accused of receiving tsupposedly
improper payments. The first item involved
supplemental salary payments
in 1993. There was absolutely nothing
to that accusation., as acknowledged
by the final audit which completely
omits that item. However, the damage
was already done because of the draft
audit's improper release.
The second item was a bonus paid
in 1993.1 had met (and exceeded) the
performance goal of reducing the dropout
rate, enabling the school system to
avoid State takeover. Angus Thompson,
II the Board of Education Chairman
at the time, has confirmed in writing
that the Board of Education " agreed
that Superintendent Swett was entitled
to his full performance bonus." In fairness
to me.'l request that'. Mr.
Thompson's letter (enclosed) be! public)
be published. The only problem
with the bonus was that the Board of
Education minutes were incomplete,
yet the audit unfairly questioned my
integrity rather than the Board of
Education's lack of own documentation.
The third item concerns year's salary
adjustments paid to me in 1997.
The public must understand that the
audit contains absolutely no fu^ng
that I was paid more than 1 was entitled
to under my employment contracts. 1
have been assured that I was entitled to
salary adjustments under the State sal
State salary schedules, because I was
entitled to additional credit for prior
federal government service. The State
has indicated that no State salary rules
were violated. This item was discussed
in detail with the Board of Education in
closed session on August 25, 1997,
after which the Board of Education
publicly stated that " there is no issue
of intentional wrongdoing" The audit
says nothing to the contrary.
The people of Robeson County
should know that my administration
and I have dedicated ourselves to bettering
education in the county and have
been committed to spending taxpayer'
dollars efficiently. The auditor himself
noted the sound financial condition of
the Public Schools of Robeson County
and the great improvements in that
" areft'since 1 returned as Superinten2
$ent.
_ Respectfully,
Purnell Swett
Superintendent
Public Schools of Robeson County
Mother Teresa:
Saint of the
Gutter
Hailed as a living saint, Mother Teresa
dedicated her life to caring for the
dying, the outcast and the abandoned.
When she recently passed away - just
days after her eighty-seventh birthday the
world lost one of the most revered
and admired figures of the Twentieth
Century, a charismatic leader respected
by people of all religions and nationalities.
From her earliest childhood dreams of
helping the poor to her tireless work as
the leader of the Mission of Charity,
Mother Teresa's life was dedicated solely
to helping those in need. With a steely
resolve, and the backing of religious,
international and political leaders, she
eventually created the Missionary
SisterS'of Charity, an order of over 4,500
sari-clad sisters, who extend themselves
to everyone from huddled, starving
masses around the world to the victims
of AIDS. And from her charitable work
came inescapable fame, along with the
1979 Nobel Peace Prize, the
Congressional Gold Medal and the
Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian
award, among others.
Her inspirational story took her from the
convent years in Calcutta to her meet-;:
ings With presidents, prime ministers ?
and royalty. To make a donation or offer
services to the Missionaries of Charity
call (718) 292-0019.
Cookie*s
fi
Corner
llnifa Maynnr (lark
In Memory of
Clinton Clark
Dec. 23, 1948-Dec. 1, 1992
I wish that there was a telephone in
heaven to talk to you today. It's been
five years since you went away.
I remember the night that we met.
You kept on asking me to dance. You
asked about 15 times and on the 16th
you were mine. " Islands in the
Streams" was the song of our first
dance for the rest of our lives.
Everytime I hear that song " I always
thank God for you".
I remember the night before you
left, you gave the preacher a can of
Coke and you told him to tell me" that
you would love me forever and
everytime you drink a can of Coke
...always remember how very much I
love you" Well, I still love my Coke!
The memories of our love, devotion
and laughter will always be with me.
Because memories are the one thing
that no one can take away.
Well, huney, I hope that you, my
father and my brother are truly in a
better place. I'll love you forever, after
that you are on your own.
And when you have had T-Bone
steak you don't want bologna. You know
what I mean?
Your wife and still carrying your
name proudly.
Vinita
Has anyone told you that they love
you today? Well, I do.
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l.umherlon, NC 28358
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V v
I"'""
Say You Read.It In The
Carolina Indian Voice. To
^ubscribe Call 52I-2826J
Mt. Bethel Indian Baptist Church Burns
By: John "Tall Bird" Marsh nil, Lumbee
On Friday night. November
14 ll4'47. around midnight, firemen
responded to a call reporting Mount
Bethel Indian Baptist Church being
on fire Approximately 6.000 square
feet or Sanctuary and Sunday School
Facilities were burned to the ground
lux cstigalors have indicated the cause
of the fire to be related to an electrical
shortage.
Unbeknownst about the fire. I
had driven'-up from Rocky Mount that
Sunday Morning to attend Sunday
School and Church Services as a visitor
But. upon arriving at the Church
xxhat nix exes beheld xxas disbelief
Smoke xxas still spiraling upxxnrds
from thccltnrrcd and blackened rubble
and ashes li xxas a terrible heartbreaking
sile
Ml Bethel xxas founded in I'457
by the Reverend CM Richardson xx ho
ai lhcagcof'47. still residesin Uollistcr.
North Carolina
The Church has some '400
members, xxith a weekly average attendance
of 400
Spared by the fire was the Fellowship
Building which is located to
the rear of the destroyed structures
Pastor of Ml Bethel is the RevcrendTimniv
Cliavis. LumbocofRobcson
County Reverend Chavis is married
tothc former Kim Barton of Pembroke.
North Carolina
Reverend Chav is has been paslor
at Ml Bethel for two years. Even
though Reverend Cliav is and his congregation
arc heart-broken over their
loss, their faith and spirit has not been
broken Reverend Cliav is preached to
the people that we. as Native Americans.
have suffered many trials and
tribulations throughout fusion: yet.
we remain a proud People, and continue
to survive and over-come our
setbacks. He added. "Adversity Brings
Out The Best In God's People".
That morning's service was
held in the Haliwn-Saponi Tribal
Mulli-Purpose Building flic remaining
sen ices will beheld in the Halivva
Indian School until demolition and
new construction ol facilities can be
completed
It is hopeful that construction
of the new facilities will be completed
within 12 to IX months or sooner if
possible
Church officials have already
begun to contact architects and consultants
in regards to the design of" the
new facilities The Church was insured.
however, as the Church was
already filled to ma\imiim capacity.
Church Officials wish to increase the
size of the structure to better accommodate
current membership and new
members
Donations and gilts have been
receiv ed from main sources of w hich
a few arc $2.000.DO from the Baptist
Slate Convent ion F.ighlpoditimsntadc
and donated bv the Bcrca Baptist
Church of Pembroke ondTrimtv Baptist
Church made av ailablc their Sanctuary
as well as Walnut Grove baptist
Church
In visiting Ml. Bethcl'sChurch
Services the following week, it was
clear to me that the Congregation
were.all in one positive accord It
seems the most single word being used
among its members is "Togetherness".
As thev sludv how Nehemiah
slralcgi/cd to re-build the walls of
Jcnisalcm. thev alsoworshipand praise
God for His blessings, asking for His
presence and guidance in the rc-building
of the walls of their own beloved
Saneluarv "So built we the wall and
all the wall was joined together unto
the half thereof, for the People had a
mind to work" Xeliciiiiah 4 0 Without
doubt. Ciod has alrcadv sent His
message to thisCongregation through
mcansofthcirSundnv School lessons
Trul>. the Halivva-Saponi have
a mind to work, and arc anxious to rebuild
As one member staled. "Wcarc
together and together we stand, but
divided we fall" Yes. it is obvious I hat
the members of Ml Bethel Indian
Baptist Church are "together" in their
togetherness!'
This
Community
Just Keeps
Getting
Healthier.
k Anita L. Jackson, M.D., an otolarynBgologist,
has joined the medical staff
of SRMC. Her private practice is
[^Greater Carolina Ear, Nose and
I YThroat located in the Southeastern
| Medical Park. A native of Georgia,
Dr. Jackson earned an undergradu ate
degree from Princeton, a
master's degree in biology from
^^Ktanford and a medical degree
from the University of Illinois.
She completed her surgical
^ training at Howard University
Wlospital and earned a master's
degree from the Harvard
[^School of Public Health.
She completed her residency
training at the University of
Tennessee.
Anita L. Jackson, M.D.
We can all feel good about each new addition to the
medical staff at Southeastern Regional Medical Center.
Every physician brings years of education, specialized
training and personal expertise to our highly diversified
health care team?and to our community.
We'd like to extend a warm welcome to our newest
doctor. With your arrival, there is a significant improvement
in the general health of this community.
SOUTHEASTERN
REGIONAL
MEDICAL CENTER
:#X) West 27th Street, I Emberton, NC (910) 671-5000