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"Building Communicative Bridges In A Tri-Racial Setting
Volume 27 Number 29 Thursday, July 20, 2000 25=
Mcintyre Pays Tribute to Lorna
McNeill in Congressional Record
Washington, D.C.?U.S. Representative
Mike Mclntyre has entered
a tribute in TheCongressional Record,
to Lorna McNeill Of Robeson County,
who was recently crowned Miss North
Carolina 2000.
On Saturday, Congressman Mclntyre
will present a framed copy of the
remarks to Miss McNeill at a reception
being held in her honor in
Pembroke immediately following the
Lumbee Homecoming Parade.
In his remarks to the U.S. House
of Representatives. Congressman
Mclntyre stated:
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay
tribute to Lorna McNeill who was
recently crowned Miss North Carolina
2000. A native of Saddletree
Township which is near Lumberton,
in my home county of Robeson.
Lorna's recent accomplishment is a
source of immense pride throughout
our county and all of southeastern
North Carolina. She is also the first
Lumbee Indian to win the title of
Miss North Carolina.
The American historian, James
Truslow Adams, once said, "Seek
out that particular mental attribute
which makes you feel most deeply
and vitally alive, along with which
comes the inner voice which says,
"This is the real me, and when you
have found that attitude, follow it."
With decision, dedication, and de
termination. Lorna has followed her
heart and mind and become Miss
North Carolina 2000.
Lorna is a woman of decision who
trusts in her instincts, her deeplyrooted
religious beliefs, and the guidance
of her wonderful parents in
setting her goals. She is a womaq of
decision who always asks. "How can
I besj serve my community?"
Loma is a woman of dedication
who does not rest on her laurels. A
winner of the first pageant she entered
at the age of 15-Miss St.
Pauls?and subsequent crowns of Miss
Lumbee in 1994. Miss Fayetteville in
1998, and Miss Topsail Island in
2000, Lorna has kept the fire and
energy alive to reach her dream of
Miss North Carolina. She is a woman
of dedication who provides a positive
example for all to follow. A woman
of dedication who has served as a
substance abuse counselor with the
Palmer Drug Prevention Program in
Lumberton. Lorna will now inform
young people all across North Carolina
of the danger of drugs and
alcohol.
Finally, Lorna is a woman of determination:
a woman determined to
make a difference, a woman of determination
who understands that we
face challenges that will define our
future, a woman of determination
who knows that we must address
jhese challenges, a woman of determination
motivated by the hope of
making life better for all.
Personally, my family and I have
come to know and love Loma over
the last few years. She sang when I
first announced 1 was running for
Congress on September 25, 1995, in
Lumberton's Downtown Plaza, and
she also sang during my announcement
for re-election on October 2,
1997. More recently, my wife, Dee,
and Loma have been "working out"
together at a local fitness center for
the last six months, leading up to her
recent coronation. Loma and Dee
have even been taking boxing together
under the same instructor,
Staff Sgt. Andrew Baker, who retired
from the U.S. Army.
Mr. Speaker, Loma often uses the
words of Pastor Robert Schuller when
speaking before young people on the
importance of achieving their
dreams- "If it's gonna be, it's up to
me."
Loma, thank you for fulfilling
those words through your decision,
your dedication, and your determination.
We wish you continued
success, and may God's strength,
peace and joy be with you as your
reign as Miss North Carolina 2000
and as you compete for the title of
Miss America!
Robeson County Public Defender Attends
National Symposium on Indigent Defense
a rNorin Carolina delegation ot
criminal justice officials attended the
second annual National Symposium
on Indigent Defense held June 29th 30th,
2000 Members of the North
Carolina delegation who attended
were Public Defender Angus Thompson
II, President of tne North Carolina
Association of Public Defenders;
District Attorney William Kenedy,
President of North Carolina Conference
of District Attorneys, Appellate
Defender Tye Hunter, Superior Court
Judge Erwin Spainhour, Rhoda
Raney of the Governor's Crime Commission,
John Rubin, a professor of
public law and government at the
Institute of Government, and AOC
support staff. Rick Kane and Dolly
Whiteside.
The symposium, sponsored by the
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of
Justice Programs, brought together
teams of criminal justice leaders and
policy makers from all fifty states to
explore innovations and trends affecting
the provision of legal services
to poor people facing criminal
charges.
The participants at the symposium
examined how indigent defense
providers could expand their role to
both represent clients and help reduce
recidivism; how all criminal
justice agencies could work together
to ensure equal justice for the poor in
criminal cases; collaborate and de
velop strategies to promote fairness,
reliability and integrity of criminal
case outcomes; and work together to
improve public confidence in the
system.
U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno,
one of many national criminal justice
leaders who addressed the group,
commented that this years meeting
took place at a critical and perfect time
in light of the national conversation in
recent months about innocent people
who are wrongfully convicted and the
importanceofcompetentcounsel. The
Attorney General addressed six key
issues:
1) we must recognize the critical
role of indigent defense services in
the criminal justice system;
2) we must implement standards
for indigent defense that cover among
other things, skills, experience, and
appropriate workloads for indigent
defense offices;
3) we must devote sufficient.resources
to indigent defense such as
funds to pay court appointed counsel,
investigators, and staff to handle
overflowing caseloads; yet recognizing
the need for putting in place
cost-containment measures;
4) we must insist that the indigent
defense community acquire essential
training and technical assistance;
5) we must gain a better understandingjust
how well or how poorly
indigent defense systems in this country
are faring; and
6) although we may be adversaries,
the criminal justice system must
work in collaboration
Public Defender, Angus Thompson,
was particularly impressed with
the idea of establishing criminal justice
planningcommissionsor councils
on the local level. Such a commission
would bring together representatives
from key criminal justice agencies in a
given jurisdiction to conduct planning
from a multi-agency or system
wide perspective.
Other members of the North Carolina
delegation in attendance, whom
you may also wish to contact for
comment are: Tye Hunter, Appellate
Defender, 919-560-3334; Angus
Thompson II, Robeson County Public
Defender, 910-671-3364; William
Kenerly, Rowan County District Attorney,
704-639-7512; Erwin
Spainhour, Superior Court Judge,
704-786-4279; Rhonda Raney,
Governor's Crime Commission, 919733-4564;
John Rubin, Institute of
Government, 919-962-2498; Rick
Kane, Administrative Office of the
Courts, 919-733-7107; and Dolly
Whiteside. Administrative Office of
the Courts, 919-733-7107.
Attorney General Reno's complete
address which consist of five pages
can be found at; www.ojp.usdoj.gov/
indigentdefense
United Methodist Women Meetina
The Rockingham District United
Methodist Women of The United
Methodist Church will sponsor a program
featuring Mary Zigbuo on July
30, at 3:00 at First United Methodist
Church in l.aurinburg, N.C. Marry
Zigbuo is a mission worker (Missionary)
from Monrovia Liberia, South
Africa.
The program will feature slides
depicting her work in South Africa
and the relationship of the Monrovian
district and the Rockingham District
United Methodist Women.
Other features included will be the
greetings from Dr. Jimmy Cummings,
mission coordinator for The North
Carolina Conference of The United
Methodist Church; Rev. Jerry l.owery.
Pastor Of First United Methodist
Church in Laurinburg, N.C.; and
Earline Wadcll, District United Methodist
Women President.
There will be on display exhibits
including many items from Africa,
Monrovian District U.M.W., resources;
and many interesting items.
Refreshments will feature recipes
from South Africa.
Members of the committee are:
Map* Carroll. Shcryl Taylor, Renec Wadell.
Wright. Elizabeth Marshall. Roberta Rev. J. Edward Morrison is SuperScipio,
Chairperson, and Earline intendent ofThe Rockingham District.
A group of the Marvin and Stella Lowry great grandchildren getting to
know each other.
mmm. ?m ^ ""<<> 1
American Red Cross
Robeson County Chapter
Mr. John Meares, left, won the diamond ring donated to the Red Cross
by Cyna's Jewelers for the recent fund raiser. Mr. Tim Locklear, co-owner
of Cyna's Jew/ers, is shown beside Mr. Meares. Also shown is Mrs. Patricia
Brayboy, Director of the Robeson County Chapter of the American Red
Cross, and Mrs. Cynthia Locklear, co-owner of Cyna's Jewelers. The
Robeson County Chapter of the American Red Cross wishes to thank the
following people for their generous donate.
Cyna's; Shejfs Seafood; Jack's Furniture; Lagrands Formal Wear;
Westpoint Pepperell; Ace Hardware; BB & C Body Shop; Mother Earth's
Creations; Kmart; Lowes; Fuller's Old Fashion BBQ; and Mr. John Locklear
(The Pope).
Mr. John Meares is the proud winner of a I ct. Round Brilliant Diamond.
Ring donated by Cyna's Jewelers. Other raffle winners include: Mr. Jamey
Strickland, Gas Grill; Mr. Carl Britt, Golf Watch; Mr. Ryan Chavis, Golf
Watch; Mr. John Locklear (The Pope), Shirt & Tie Set; Mrs. Joyce Hammonds,
Cordless Phone; Mrs. Barbara Lovejoy, Shampoo & Style and Hand
Paraffin Wax; Mrs. Diane Chavis, Wheelie Cooler; Mrs. Kimberly Wallace,
Gift Certificate Mother Earth; Mr. Sherman Moody, 14 Speed Blender; Mr.
Williams Roth 12 Cup Coffee Maker; Mrs. Joyce Chavis, 2 Dinner Fuller's;
Mrs. Patricia Locklear, 2 Seafood Dinner Sheffs; and Mr. Larry Barr, Set
of Sheets.
Three Generations of Lowry Descendants renew family ties in South
Carolina.
UNCP Receives
Grant to solve
teacher shortage
Pembroke, N.C.--A federal grant
awarded to UNC Pembroke's School
of Education will assist in the recruitment,
training and retention of
public school teachers.
The 5991,439, three-year grant
from the U.S. Department of Education
will give 61 Native American
students the opportunity to attend
UNCP with the stipulation that they
teach two years for the Public Schools
of Robeson County. The school system
is a partner in the program.
"In essence the program is designed
for Robeson County to grow
its own supply of teachers," said Gene
Brayboy, director of UNCP's Office
of Sponsored Research and Programs,
who applied for the grant.
The program will begin recruiting
teachers in Robeson County high
schools in September. The county,
like the most of the state, is chronically
short of certified teachers. Early
this summer the public schools
needed approximately 250 new teachers
early this summer.
The program will provide scholarships
to students after they have
been admitted into the teacher education
program.
Seventh District Congressman
Mike Mclntyre, who announced the
grant receipt, praised the partnership
that sought the grant.
"It is wonderful to see the collaborative
effort between UNCP, Public
Schools of Robeson County and the
local Native American community,
and I am extremely pleased to see our
tax dollars coming back home to help
promote excellence in education,"
Congressman Mclntyre said.
The grant will pump $463,265
into the program in the first year. In
the first two years, the program will
help identify and recruit future teachers
and provide them with academic
enrichment and support. In the last
year, the program will focus on retention
of teachers.
Chancellor Allen C. Meadors said
the program would help boost the
local teacher pool.
"We all know that we have a
tremendous shortage of K-12 teachers
and an even smaller number of
minority teachers," Chancellor
Meadors said. "It is crucial that we
have teachers of all races in all
schools. We truly don't want to lose
our Native American students to other
professions."
A goal of producing 61 Native
American teachers has been set, according
to Dr. Zoe Locklear, dean of
the School of Education.
"This is the kind of program that
we believe will greatly increase the
number of qualified teachers produced
at UNC Pembroke," Dr.
Locklear said. "I thrilled at the news
of winning this grant."
"With teacher pay on the rise in
North Carolina. 1 believe that the
time is right for successful recruitment,"
she said. "With this program,
we can go out and make our case
directly to the students."
Lowry Descendants Meet In South Carolina
Fifty two Lowry descendants and
connections from the Marvin and
Stella Lowry lineage congregated on
Hilton Head Island for their 13th
consecutive biennial family reunion.
Representation from three generations
came from seven states and
Mexico for a three-day family affair
at the Hilton Oceanfront Resort the
fourth weekend in June. Brother C.B.
Lowry and spouse Sandy, from the
Napa Valley in California, along with
sister Barbara Conner from
Matthews, North Carolina, were our
hosts. Our primary mission, as in the
past, was to catch up on family happenings,
renew family ties, and meet
new family connections. Since this
family lineage has grown to 93 members,
i compiled a six-page
genealogical profile and made available
a copy for each family present.
All seven children from the Marvin
and Stella Lowry union were present,
along with twelve grandchildren,
eighteen great-grandchildren, and
the spouses. Brother Curliss Lowry,
with family connections in Georgia
and Florida, had the most present
with twelve family members. The
Ronald Lowry kinfolk from Virginia
with eleven members, was the only
one to have one hundred percent
present. Our lineage can be traced
back to the original James Lowry
family in the 1700s. We descended
from the union of his son William
Lowry and Betty Locklear. Over the
years, this family lineage has used a
variation in the spelling of their surname.
A custom we have followed in
past reunions was to attend church
together on Sunday morning in the
home church of our host. Instead of
looking for a church to attend on
Hilton Head Island, brother C.B.'s
son-in-law, David Nielsen,conducted
a 30-minute worship service on the
beach. His present job requires keeping
a residence in MexicoCity withhis
family and he is active in his church by
working with the youth. Brother
Marvin is quite efficient with the Harmonica,
which he always keeps
handy. He provided the music for the
group singing the fist verse of "Amazing
Grace." I was happy to see the
spiritual growth continues to be an
important part of the clan's life styles.
So far this Lowry lineage has produced
25 grandchildren and 31 great
grandchildren. Only sixteen of this
number or 29% have the potential to
continue a Lowry line os descent.
Brother Murrill Lowry from Indiana
leads the way with six from his branch
of the family tree capable of continuing
the Lowry progeny. We welcomed
brother Tolbert Lowry from
Gastonia, North Carolina into "The
70+ Club," and now there are five of
us with an age spread from 70-78.
One year after brother Marvin's birth
in Richmond, Virginia in the summer
of 1922, our Dad quit his job as
a street car motorman and returned
to Robeson County to raise his family
on the farm. He had his farm labor
force under good control by the time
of the depression in the 1930s.
The clan decided to hold our next
reunion October 20001 in Tennessee.
Jame Armstrong Farrell, a granddaughter
of H.H. and Julia Revels
Lowry, has volunteered to host our
14th reunion. The Armstrongs
branched off the H.H. Lowry lineage
through a daughter who went to Tennessee,
and became a registered nurse
intheKnoxvillearea. Theageofsome
of us played a big part in not waiting
2 years for another family affair.
Ronald H. Lowry