North Carolina Newspapers

Celebrating Our 25th Year of Publication THE CAROLINA INDIAN VOIC Published each Thursday by First American Publications, Pembroke, NC VOLUME 25 NUMBER 21 - THURSDAY, MAY 21, 1998 TWENTY-FIVE CENTS Robeson County Chapter of the American Red Cross is now Looking for permanent location The Robeson County Chapter of the American Red Cross is looking j for a new location for their offices, i according to Patricia Brayboy, Direc\ tor. The Robeson County Chapter ! will celebrate 80 years of providing | services to the citizens August 5, 1998. They have responded in times of crisis and assisted in natural disaster. The Red Cross is funded by pri[ vate donations and the United Way J each year. Because the monies allo cated for the Red Cross are used in > giving direct services to the citizens, } there is little or no monies allocated J, for rent. The Robeson Chapter has been ? housed in the back of the Lumberton J Visitors Bureau, off the 1-95 Outlet 3 for the past three years. The Visitors j Bureau has provided space for the < service organization free of charge. \ Recently, however, the Bureau has 3 felt the need for expansion of its ser5 vices and now needs the office occu* pied by the Red Cross. The Chapter, ? according to Brayboy, must find new ? space by October 15, 1998. Ms. * Brayboy expressed hopes that some| one would donate office space for the Red Cross before that date. "We are confident that the people of Robeson County see the need for the services we provide. Therefore. " she said. "We believe that some where in the Lumberton area is office space that can be donated on a permanent basis so that we don't have to re-locate any more." Prior to moving to the present location. the Red Cross was housed in the Old Agriculture Building. This facility belongs to the County but the Red Cross had over the years outgrown the space. "We are grateful for the kindness shown to us by the Visitors Bureau." Ms. Brayboy said. "It has been a tremendous help to us. There is so much need in our county, especially since we have experienced seven floods and two tornadoes since January 1998. These natural disasters keep our finances just about depleted. We would like to have space donated in order to keep our finances free to meet the needs of the victims of these and other disasters" she continued. "It would really meet the need is someone w;ould donate a building or office space to the Red Cross. This contribu tion would, of course, be tax?-deductible as all donations to us are," Ms. Brayboy said. In addition to responding to victims of flood, fire, hurricanes and tornadoes, the American Red Cross also conducts blood drives to meet the needs of patients in the local hospitals; they conduct CPR classes in order for people to know how to respond to emergency situations; and they are responsible for reaching military personnel in family crisis. "There are many things that we do," Brayboy said, "that the average citizen is not aware of. We have been around so long, that people just naturally expect us to be available. And we are. " Brayboy is on call 24-hours a day. In addition, to Brayboy, Mr. Percy Shaw is blood servicesdirector forthe Chapter; and Ms. Elsie Covington is a part time receptionist. Other workers are volunteers and there is always a need and work available for anyone who would like to volunteer. Anyone wishing to donate to the American Red Cross, either financially or with office space, should call Ms. Brayboy at 910-738-5057. Our Military Men Air Force Airman Charles A. Jacobs has graduated from basic military training at Lackland in Force Base. San Antonio. Texas. During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and customs and received special training in human relations. In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Jacobs is the son of Charles and Linda L. Jacobs of 112 Graham St., Red Springs. He is a 1996 graduate of Red Springs High School. Dr. Barry Harding to become Superintendent on 6-4 vote On motion by Mitchell "Bosco" Locklear. seconded by Gloria Lowery, Dr. Barry Harding was hired as Superintendent for the Public Schools of Robeson County on Tuesday night. Dr. Harding has served as interim superintendent since August 24. Voting with Locklear and Lowery "were Robert Deese. Paul Brooks. Abner Harrington, and Beth Williamson. Voting against the motion were the three Black members: John Campbell. Brenda Fairley and James DeFreece. Also voting against was Terry Smith. Harding said he was appreciative ^>f the board's vote of confidence and that he is looking forward to the opportunity to serve as superintendent. The Budget. Finance and Operations Committee, chaired by Abner Harrington, will work out the specifics of a four year contract for Harding on June 9. Dr. Harding has been in education for the past 23 years serving in several capacities. He has served as principal, teacher, assistant superintendent, coach and associate superintendent. Dr. Harding becomes the second Native American to hold the position. He replaces Pumell Swett who resigned in August. Celebration Honorina Our Veterans You are invited to an Annual Celebration honoring our veterans on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25th at 10:30 a.m. at the Gardens of Faith Cemetery, 5190 Fayetteville.Road. Lumberton. The American Flag will be parachuted in by the Airanch Skydivers! Bring the family! Otheractivities include music, laying of the wreaths on the Veterans Memorial, 21 gun salute by the Robeson County HonorGuard. Taps by the Lumberton High School Music Department. Guest speaker will be Rep. Ron Sutton. Other guests include Robeson County Sheriff Glenn Maynor, Dr. E.B. Turner, pastor of First Baptist Church and a member of the Board of Commissioners, Lumberton City Councilman Woody Huggins and Tommy Wellington with special music. ? ' Hill Coshy shown (it VNCP commencement ????????? Rear Admiral Michael I.. Holmes shows his honorary Doctor of Science degree to Chancellor Joseph II. Oxendinefollowing May 16 commencement 1 ceremonies. The Saddletree native and 1972 VNCP graduate is the highest J ranking l.umhee Indian ever in the Armed Services. Photo by Hobby Ayers I .. f M _ * ' m a " uosoy cnxerzams unch s Largest Commencement Crowd In History ranDroke-Biil (_'osb> ollcrcd UNC ; Pembroke graduates advice mixed j with humor at the largest commencement in University history on May 16 It was a sun drenched and swcltcrj ing 90 degrees for UNCP's first outdoor commencement, but Cosby took the heat in stride "I've always wondered why people wear black in the sun. and it's 90 degrees out here." he said "The oxymoronic part of this is that these arc the most educated people here " After receiving an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree and delivering a 30-minutc commencement address. C'osby shed his ceremonial robes, and. dressed in his more familiar t-shirl and baseball cap. congratulated each of the 520 graduates as they received their diplomas. The crowd of approximately 7,000 in UNCP's baseball stadium roared w ith approval as hcclovvncd w it h the graduates Amy Young, a 22-year-old business graduate from Pinchurst. said she will remember this day forever "I stuck my hand oui to shake (Cosby's hand), and he knocked it away." Ms. Young told "The Robesonian" newspaper inLumbcrton. "But instead, he stuck out his arms and gave me a hug. a really big hug." In presenting Cosby for his honorary degree. Student Government President Katcrina Vasolopoulis referred to the Class of 1998 as the "Huxtablc generation." named for the role he I! ' played in "The Cosby Show ."which is one of the most popular shows in television history Cigar in hand and wearing a w hitc t-shirt with the words "Hello Friend" written on it. Cosby played to the crowd They cheered every move including his entrance to the field wearing a tassclcd UNC Pembroke Baseball hat When asked by reporters why he agreed to come to Pembroke, he said "The chancellor (Joseph B Oxendine) has my college transcript and has threatened to expose my grades." Chancellor Oxcndinc. 68. was a new professor in Temple University's physical education program and Cosby. 60. was in hisclass Dr. Oxendine introduced Cosby Saturday with his arm around the comedian. "Bill is the type of student who stood out at Temple" Chancellor Oxcndinc said. "He was an outstanding athlete and a little older than the average student because of his tour of duty in the Navy . He was also something of a character in class, although not a disruptive student." Cosby was conferred an honorary Doctor of Humane letters by the chanccllor. Rear Admiral Michael L. Holmes, U.S. Navy and a 1972 UNCP graduate, was conferred an honorary Doctor of Science degree Rear Adm. Holmes has attained the highest rank of any Lumbcc Indian in the Armed Services. A career Navy aviator, he commands the Patrol Wings of the U S Pacific Fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor. Responding to a Cosby remark during the ceremony that his own Navy career ended with the lowl> rank of HMC III, Rear Adnv Holmes promoted him on the spot, saying "Consider yourself a Senior Chief." Following Cosby's speech. ChanccllorOxcndinc summed upthegraduation by calling it the most memorable in UNCP history . "It is well known that most graduates don't remember who spoke at their graduation, and nobody can remember what they said," Chancellor Oxcndinc said "That is not so for Class or 1998." For his part. Cosby delivered serious advice to graduates w hiic keepi ng them laughing. "Number one, I would like to tell you not to try to make changes in the world. Make changes in yourself and that will make changes in the world " "Number two. set goals.. set simple goals like pay off your student loan.. .like get up in the morning when the bell rings." "Number three, have a good meal today, sort of like dead student walking. Cosby issued warnings about life outside college "You arc now a person bci ng forced out oflhe best job you'llever have," he said. "There's no spring break out here where we arc. Christmas holiday is the day itself. On top of that, you'll be starting at the bottom. Sonic of you will be interns -- that's a French word for slave." The comedian told the graduates to rely on hard work and to have faith in the good training they have received by their professors. "For those of you who go on to graduate school, this time you're really going to do statistics!, and it's boring." he said "But remember, an "A" student anywhere is an "A" student anywhere. Don't worry about those big name universities They didn't gel the juices flowing like your professors here did So many talk a lot. but can't doa damn thing. Not this group." " Cosby also told the graduates to respect the wisdom of their elders and offered some words of wisdom from his own grandparents You've got to remember who these : old people arc. They have a well that is very full and deep." he said "Remember, these people may have only a third grade education, but they know i a lot more than you " i Cosby said after a heated but unrc- i solved debate in a Temple University < classroom over whether the glass is half full or half empty, his grand- ; mother Gertrude Cosby. who only had a junior high school education, settled I the matter saying. "It depends on i whether you're pouring or drinking " Of Grandfather Cosby's lengthy 1 Sunday prayers, he said. "I didn't tin' dcrstand a word after he said, 'let us pray.'" When, as an adult. Cosby told his grandfather of this. "Grand dad just looked at mc and said. '1 wasn't talking to you ' "You've always been like an island surrounded by these people Through you. they live Sonic of them have not gotten through the sixth grade. They scrubbed, they washed, they baked and they dug Thev did everything for you " Offering greetings were H. Frank Grainger, member of the UNC Board of Governors. Joni Worthington. assistant vice president for communications for UNC. Dr. Jose p'Arruda. president of the Faculty Senate and Felicia Trcadwcll. president of the Student Senate. Gcrvais Oxcndinc. a member of the UNCP Board of Trustees, presented Rear Adm Holmes for his honorarv degree The Grand Marshall was Dr. David K F.liadcs. recipient ofthcUNC Board nf Governors Teaching Award He is a professor in the History Department and currently director of the American Studies program. The Rev. Jerry Low ry. pastor of the Seaside United Methodist Church of Myrtle Beach. SC. and a former member of the UNCP Board of Truslccs. delivered the invocation The UNCP Chamber Singers. Concert Choir and Band performed musical arrangements 1 Memorandum of Signed Between LRDA & North I Carolina Indian Housing Authority The Lumbee Regional Development and The North Carolina Indian Housing Authority have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in an attempt to provide an avenue for the Lumbee Tribe to receive Housing monies under the October 26, 1996 Native American Self-Determination and Housing Assistance Act. This Act recognizes the sovereignty and self ..determination rights of State Recognized Tribes to carry out self governance in the area of Housing Planning and Assistance. The agreement was signed May 13, 1998. The Memorandum reads as follows: "Whereas the Lumbee Tribe supported the approval of this Legislation and now wishes to fully realize the opportunities for the improvement of the total tribal communities LRDA seeks to serve and, "Whereas under the Act the Lumbee Tribe may at its option implement the services available as authorized in the Legislation or designate a TDHE (Tribal Designated Housing Entity) to implement all or parts of the services consistent with the Housing Act and, "Whereas on July 28, 1997 the governing tribal board voted unanimously to designate the N.C. State Indian Housing Authority as the TDHE as the Lumbee Tribe's Housing Services provider duly authorized under Resolution No. 97-7-28 and, "Whereas the N.C. Indian Housing Authority accepted this designation as per the letter dated September 24,1997 from the NCIHA Executive Director to the Tribal Manager/Executive Director of the Lumbee T ribe/ LRDA and, "Whereas the Lumbee Tribe has conducted public hearings on the needs of Tribal Members in the area Housing Assistance and allowed for subsequent written comments on the draft plan in a four county area and. "Whereas the Lumbee Tribal Board on October 27, 1997 approved unanimously the final draft for Lumbee Tribal Housing one through five year plan and, "Whereas the plan contained the following six prioritized areas of need to be addressed in year number one: "I. A rehabilitation program for owner-occupied dwellings. "2. A Mutual HelpOwnership Program. "3. A Down-Payment Assistance Program. "4. An Elderly Housing Development Program. "5. Construction of a Community Family Services Center; and "6. Modernization/Maintenance of existing units. "Whereas it is herein authorized for the TDHE to administer the following Housing services components per the allocation of each component funds: "1. Mutual Self-Help Ownership Program. "2. Construct Elderly Housing Facility. "3. Modernization/Maintenance of existing units, and "4. Support services, i.e. Drug elimination. Crime prevention etc. "Whereas the Lumbee Tribe will administer the followingcomponents: "1. Rehabilitation/Repairs for owner occupied units "2. Down-Payment Assistance/ Housing Counseling Program. "3. Family Services Center Dev. Program, and "Whereas it is expressly understood that the TDHE and the Tribe will maintain an accounting system that will ensure that Lumbee Tribal Housing Funds are trackable to Lumbee Housing activities and services as prescribed by HUD Regulations, and "Whereas it is herein understood that Indian preference will be exercised by the TDHE and the Tribe in the selection of bonded contractors and vendors for all components where possible, and ? "Whereas the Lumbee Tribe herein designates theNCIHA as the 1997-99 TDHE it is expressly understood that the Tribe surrenders no governmental authority to the TDHE that is reserved totheTribe in the NAHASDA legislation and the TDHE is fully authorized to fulfill all administrative functions in implementing all services herein authorized, and "Whereas the Tribe and TDHE wishes to establish a cooperative relationship either party must give the other at least six (6) months notice to terminate this MOU in its entirety, and "Whereas any proposed amendment to this MOU will require a sixty (60) day advanced written certified mail notice by either party to the other, therefore > "Be it resolved that this agreement shall be retroactive to October 1st 1997 and end September 30th 1999 not withstanding the MOU termination provision herein or redesignation of the NCIHA as the Tribal TDHE for 199-2000." The agreement is signed by Adolph Blue, Chairman of the LRDA board and Haynes Graham, Chairman of the NC Housing Authority. Pow Wow To Be Held There will be a Native American Pow Wow held at the State Farmer's Market in Raleigh, North Carolina on May 30-31. 1998. The host drum will be Eastern Bull. Red Snake and Pincy Woods arc the invited drums. Master of Ceremonies is going to be Jim (Two Fox) Chavis. Reggie Brewer is going t6 be the head Man Dancer. The Head Lady Dancer will be Regan Jones Their is going to be a special performance put on by the Aztec Dancers. The arena Director is going to be Earl Evans. Queens that are invited: Miss Lumbcc. Miss Haliwa-Saponi. Miss Coharic, Miss Indian Senior Citizen, and Junior Miss Lumbcc. Their will be no contests. Traditional foods w ill be available. Admission willbc FREE. For more information call Gwen Locklcar - (919) 779-593(TorDarlcnc Jacobs (919) 779-5044. This Pow Wow is sponsored by Triangle Native American Society Mclntyre's Federal Recognition Bill to Help Lumbees Washington, O.C.-Seventh District Congressman Mike Mclntyre announced Wednesday that a bill which he has co-sponsored to help Native Americans achieve federal recognition has won committee approval and will go to the floor of the U.S. House for Consideration. The legislation approved would create an independent commission that would allow the American Indians, such as the Lumbees, achieve federal recognition. Congressman Mclntyre stated, "I am very pleased that the House Resources Committee has passed the Indian Federal Recognition Administrative Procedures Act. The Lumbee people have been working for many years for federal recognition through the current process. Passage of this measure is an important first step in creating a process that would remove the politics from the process and give the Lumbees a much better and fairer opportunity to secure federal recognition. I will continue working feverishly for enactment of this important.bill." MR 1154. the Indian Federal Recognition Administrative Procedures Act, would create an independent commission to evaluate Native American applications for recognition. The commission would be made up of three Secretary of Interior appointees (no more than two from the same political party and no more than one from the same American Indian tribe). The commission would review applications, make grants for application research, hold hearings and grant tribal recognition. Once the commission recognizes a tribe, the tribe would be eligible to participate in Federal programs, including specific land treaties with the Federal government. HR 1154 is supported by both Lumbee Regional Development Association and the Lumbee Tribal Council. i