Editorial And
Opinion Page
AS I SEE IT
Bruce Barton1 ""
Lordy, Lordy, Preacher Isaiah isgone
A friend of mine lamcnicd loudly, "Lordy. Lordy. Preacher
Isaiah is gone." And it was a sad moment here on earth as our dearlybeloved
friend and mentor. Rev. Isaiah Locklcar. died Sunday (Seeobituary
elsewhere). We were all counting down to his 102nd birthday , but it
was not to be Preacher Isaiah has gone on to heaven, we are sure. And
the hosts of angels are shouting for joy there in that celcstrial place
Preacher Isaiah lived long enough to preach the funerals of both my
grandfathers. Noicc Locklear in 1939 and Marker R. Barton in 1954. In
between, he preached many, many sermons and prayed many, many
prayers. God only knows how many weddings and funerals he performed
for those who trusted him at the most propitious times in their
lives
He was an original and he is gone, never to grace this fair land again.
Of course, those of us who know Christ in the pardon and forgiveness of
sin will see Preacher Isaiah again. That is our consolation now as we
lament and shed these heartfelt tears.
Heart & Soul of Fuller's BBQ dies
Fuller's BBQ in Lumberton is home away from home to many of us
We have eaten many delicious meals there, and have often participated
in special occasions when we have gathered to plan anew how to achieve
parity for the Indian people, or to celebrate a particular benchmark.
It always seems appropriate to gather at Fullers to celebrate or lament
how well, or poorly, we are doing at the moment, and Mrs. Delora Jane
Locklear was always the perfect and gracious hostess. I never told Mr.
Fuller this before but this seems as good a time as any to tell it: I always
considered Ms. Delora the heart and soul of Fuller 's BBQ. She was
always there to see that our needs were met. and we lament her passing
(See obituaries elsew here) and offer sincere condolences to her family
and great circle of friends.
I'll tell you more about Strike at the Wind! next week, the Lord
willing. In the meantime. I continue honing my artistic skills as Henry
Berry- Lovvrie's daddy. Allen Lowrie, as the cast prepares for our big
opening on July 7 at the Adolph L. Dial Amphitheater on the grounds of
the N.C. Indian Cultural Center in the Red Banks Community. Hope to
see you there!
PHA Youth fun
On a warm Thursday afternoon
fourteen youth and the Youth Center
staff attended the Robeson Restitution
String Carnival tn Lumberton
The youth and staff (all but Ms
Su/ettcj had a ball riding the
Scrambler. Tilt-A-Whirl. Hobby
Horses. Helicopters, sliding down
a gigantic slide, climbing up and
sliding down the Titanic, and many
more rides Everyone enjoyed
treats of cotton candy, sodas and
funnel cakes As night drew near
and there was a chill in the air ev eryone
was getting tired and weary
and ready to head home
Saturday. May 12. 2001. was a
v cry warm afternoon as Cheyenne
CutsaiL April Hargrove. Cecil
Locklcar. Amanda Hunt. Eliza
Locklcar. Ms Rhonda. Ms Suzcttc
and Ms April attended the "Talent
Explosion" at the Southeastern
Agricultural Center & Fanners
Market in Lumbcrton The theme
for the Talent Explosion was
"Rockin' & Rollin Against Teem
Pregnancy." There was a Talent
Show. Essay Contest, and Art Contest.
Anyone who missed this
show missed an enjoy able afternoon.
This show reminded us all
of how talented the Young People
of Robeson County are Youth were
stepping and singing their hearts
out. while the crowd came alive. We
would like to say Congratulations
to all that participated in the show.
It takes a lot of courage to get up
in front of a crowd and perform.
The youth should be commended
for their efforts.
Friday, May 25,2001 was a hazyovercast
afternoon as sixteen
youth, six parents, and Youth Center
Staff took part in the End of
School Water Balloon and Water
Gun Fight. Ms. Rhonda started the
fight off with her double-tanked
ZX-2000 Hydro Blaster. Ifyou had
the dares to walk out of the building.
you needed to be prepared to
get blasted. Also enjoying the fight
were parents Dora Evans and
Cheree Strickland. '
The Grand Finale
was Ms. Rhonda being drenched
with a trashcan of water.
Lumbee Tribal Council passes resolution
against Drugs and Crime in Robeson Countv
The Lumbee T ribal Council of the Lumbee Nation met April 21.2001 and
passed the following resolution They decided to share it with the key
decision making people in the county.
Tribal Chairman Milton Hunt stated in a letter. "Our Lumbee Tribal Council
wants a better community, county, state, nation and world for all people.
Out Tribal Council is concerned about the conditions of justice and
' crime in out County.
2 "Please read the enclosed resolution and do all you can within your role
as a leader of our community to bring safety, security- and a sense of
justice for all of our citizens in Robeson County."
The Resolution states:
Lumbee Tribal Council Resolution Against Drugs and Crime in Robeson
County
WHEREAS, our Lumbee Tribal Council met on Saturday. April 21,20001,
and discussed ways to cut down on the crime and drug trafficking in
Robeson County. In our small group of twenty-three members., three of
the Tribal Council Members had been victimized by crime very recently.
The daughter of one tribal member had been robbed and assaulted while
she was in her home. Two Tribal Member's homes had been burglarized.
Our members also discussed the five brutal murders that had occurred
during this month.
WHEREAS, it appears that drugs play a large role in the many acts of
violence and crime that are being committed in our communities. We
want actions taken immediately that will bring law. order and safety- back
to our communities for the sake of all the residents of Robeson- Black,
white, Indians and others.
WHEREAS, drugs and crime in Robeson County- has grown in our
County to the point that it appears to be not only profitable but also
respectable by many people. However, many law-abiding citizens who
believe in common decency and morality are fed up with drugs and crime
in our County.
. WHEREAS, the judges, thecourt system, our High Sheriff, and all other
persons involved in law enforcement of our great County, state and
federal government were put into their honorable positions to bring and
keep law and order in our County.
WHEREAS, there are morethan 2000 people involved with the judicial
system and law enforcement in our great County. There are more than
enough policemen and related law enforcement officials to solve the
drug and crime problems in Robeson County. Some of the law enforcement
officials include: all the deputies with the Robeson County- Sheriff"s
Department, the Police Departments of Lumberton, Pembroke. Row land,
Fairmont, St. Pauls, Red Springs, and Maxton. the Robeson County Jail
System, the North Carolina Prison System, the University of North Carolina
at Pembroke, Robeson Community- College, the North Carolina Highway
Patrol and the NC Weigh Station Officers (Interstate Commerce
Officers). We should also add to this list of law enforcement the list of
judges, district attorneys, probation officers, prosecuting attorneys, clerks
Available for Seniors
The " Seniors in Motion" program of North and South Carolina is
making motorized and manual wheelchairs, three & four wheel scooters
and other medical items available to Senior Citizens (65+) and physically
handicapped individuals This equipment is available usually at no cost
to those who qualify.
The program features in-home assessments by trained local rehab specialists,
and a hardship policy is in place to help those without a full
funding source. This program allows you to remain in your home and out
of a nursing facility-.
Today, physical impairments do not have to equal loss of independence.
There is help.
For more information or to see if you quality, call toll free 800-5941225.
Upcoming Events at Adolph
L. Dial Amphitheater
JUNE 30-Free Gospel Sing at 2:30 PM.. at the Adolph L. Dial Amphitheater
at the North Carolina Indian Cultural Center. Free Admission and
parking. Refreshments w ill be sold. Raffle will be held for Ceramic Angel
and other prizes. All proceeds will be distributed to the families of terminally
ill children in the area. Groups can register for singing by calling
910-462-4855 or email strikeatthewind@Yahoo.com
JULY 7-AUGUST 21- OUTDOOR DRAMA Randolph Utribcrgcr s "Strike
at the Wind" will be performed at the Adolph L. Dial Amphitheater at the
North Carolina Indian Cultural Center on Friday and Saturday nights
Gates open at 7:30 P.M.. For ticket information arid reservations call 910521-6111.
Upcoming Committee Meetings for the
Tribal Council of the Lumbee Nation
JUNE 23 - Ethics Committee will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Tribal Office.
Health and Human Services Committee at 9:30 a m at the Tribal Office
Indian People but we also want a safe and non violent environment for
all the fine citizens of all races in our County. State and Nation. We urge
all of our tribal members to support and cooperate with our elected officials
and public servants who are working to prov ide better law enforcement.
We arc all in this boat together. We need to help by rowing, peddling.
pushing or get out of the way so that someone else can get the job
done.
of court, magistrates, and many others. It would seem reasonable that
there would be few criminals at large doing this drug trafficking or committing
these hosts of crimes in our community.
WHEREAS, it appears that many business and professional people are
w orking to help the drug dealers and criminals launder their illegal money
and assets by putting them into legitimate business ventures. This type
of behavior makes these professional people as guilty as the drug dealers
and criminals.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Lumbee Tribal Government respectfully
asks and suggests that the Robeson County Sheriff's Department
along with all other law enforcement and judicial officers work
cooperatively and more aggressively to solve the outrageous crime problem
in our County.
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that there should be a system
of preventive measure put in place so that many crimes are prevented
from happening. A good start would be to respond by a more aggressive
approach when pursuing the large drug dealers and money launderers.
This w ould keep thousands of the "small nickel and dime" sellers and
buyers off the streets.
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we do appreciate the
honest and dedicated law enforcement officers and the judicial system
w orkers who put their lives on the line each day to protect our families
and property'. We take our hats off to you and say a "job well done."
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Lumbee Tribal Government
was elected to represent the more than 100,000 Lumbee Indians
in our great County, State and Nation. We want what is best for our
ftCona (Ifie ${p6eson IsaU
by Dr. Sup Knick, Director, UNCP Native American Resource Center
In the past two weeks, we have i
been discussing the Lumbee in
context. We stopped last time with the
question: "What is evidence, really?'
The word "evidence" comes into
the English language from the Latin
word evident, meaning "clear." This
definition stems from the Latin prefix
e-, meaning "from," and the verb
videre, meaning "to see." Thus
evidence is a thing/rom which we see
something else more clearly, a thing
which indicates something else. In
legal terms, evidence is something
which "bears on or establishes the
point in question."
S tudy of the history and culture of
a people depends on evidence.
Without evidence, there is only
speculation. Evidence can take many
forms, from a simple record of what
someone said or did, to a more
complex compilation of observations
from widely differing sources. . A
newspaper article can be taken as
evidence, as can the oral testimony of
an informant in the community. A
statement based on the synthesis of
di verse but concordant information can
also be used as evidence.
But how do we know which
evidence is reliable and which is
suspect? Often the reliability of
evidence can be judged by how well
one piece of evidence fits with all the
other bits of evidence on that subject.
If something fits the known pattern, it
is frequently accepted as reliable.
But there is a caution. What
happens if several bits of otherwise
unreliable evidence, things that are
actually untrue, are introduced into the
study in such a way that they tend to
support each other? As a group, and
because they support each other, they
might then be taken to be reliable.
What was actually untrue might be
taken as being the truth.
In this same manner, most of the
existing evidence at one time in
history proved to the satisfaction of a
great many people that the world was
flat! That was the conventional
wisdom of the day. When new bits of
evidence began to arise which
suggested that the world might really
be round, they were for a long time
rejected because they did not fit with
the existing "evidence." These new
bits of information were not accepted
as evidence until much later, when the
weight of evidence became so
overwhelming that even the most
conservative Flatworlder was
compelled to concede that the world
was really round.
Serious scholarsmust always keep
an open mind. They must always be
willin g to cons ider new e vide nee, even
if it does not agree with the
conventional wisdom of the day.
However, this is not the way most
humans operate ordinarily. Instead
we tend' to get certain things in our
minds, learned from our parents or
teachers or our own experiences, and
thereafter to hold fast to those ideas as
though they were the one true reality.
This has been an adaptable way to live
within human cultures. We are
conditioned to believe certain things
depending on the local culture in which
we were raised, and we declare those
"truths" to be self-evident.
Not everyone in a culture agrees
on what the truth of a particular bit of
evidence really is. Court cases such as
those of Rodney King and O. J.
Simpson have clearly demonstrated
this in American culture. This is
partially due to the fact that all
evidence exists within, and comes
from, a continuous flow of historical
and cultural things ? and this flow
influences bow individuals see the
evidence. Not all evidence is found.
Not all evidence is considered to have
the same weight. Not all evidence
takes the same form. Not all people
were brought up with the same beliefs,
values and experiences relating to the
evidence.
This constant flow of things which
influences bow we see evidence leaves
us with a matrix of difficult questions:
What form would the evidence take
for certain things? Would the
evidence be in a form that we might
reasonably hope to find it, and if we
did find it, would our various
backgrounds allow us to recognize it
for what it is? Would everyone read
the same meanings in the evidence?
Faced with such questions we are
forced to accept two apparently
inescapable realities.
First, evidence is often
transitional.- Even evidence which
seems incontrovertible should
probably be considered capable of
being refuted ? if not now, maybe
later when more evidence becomes
available.
Second, interpretations are often
provisional. Given the transitional
nature of evidence, every
interpretation based on that evidence
should probably be considered as
preliminary. The search for absolutes
in the interpretation of evidence can be
frustrating. We may move from
evidence to interpretation, but wemust
do so with the humble understanding
that even the most widely accepted
scientific law, the Law of Gravity, has
been found to apply only in certain
defined circumstances.
Study of the history and culture of
a people, especially one as complex as
that of the Lumbee, requires that we
try to look at and interpret as much of
the evidence as we possibly can. It
also requires that we learn to
reconcile, or at least make some sense
of, bits of evidence which may seem to
contradict each other. When we find
something which does not seem to fit
with theotherevidence, wemust resist
the temptation to toss the first thing
completely out of the equation. We
must search for ways to connect all the
existing evidence into discernible and
meaningful patterns.
In the next segment, we will
continue discussion of the Lumbee in
context. For more information, visit
the Native American Resource Center
in historic Old Main Building, on the
campus of The University of North
Carolina at Pembroke (our Internet
address is www.uncp.edu/
nativemuseum).
LRDA's Seond Annual Ambassador
Charity Golf Tournament scheduled
Pembroke, NC - On June 30,
2001, the Lumbee Regional Development
Association's Second Annual
Ambassador Charity Golf
Tournament will be held at the Riverside
Golf Course in Pembroke.
The tournament is being held to
raise money for the reign of the
2001 -2002 Little, Junior, Teen and
Miss Lumbee. The Little Miss and
Junior Miss Lumbee Pageant will
be held July 4, 2001. The Teen
Miss and Miss Lumbee Pageant
will be held July 6,2001. Both pageants
will be held at the Givens
Performing Arts Center on the
UNC-Pembroke Campus.
Scheduled events include a shotgun
start at 9 am, a 2 pm Awards
Reception with prizes for first, second,
and third place teams. Refreshments
will be serv ed. Registration
begins at 7:45 am and the
entry fee is $50.00 per individual.
All funds received will go toward
the support of the 2001-2002 Lumbee
Princesses.
Fot more information about this
event, please contact James Hardin
at (910) 522-1101 or visit the Lumbee
website at www, lumbee.org.
HOLD EVERYTHING!
WFIE CEMED IP IIWILCIME
Se&aoiimc J. CiaccfceCCa, w.d., w.p.k., fac.o.e.w.
Medical Vhedvi, Occupational Heatlk Swim
. _ ..'.a.. -
Dr. Ciacchella and the Occupational Health Services
team are here to meet business and industrial
health care needs, including:
Acute Injury & Illness Treatment & Management
OSHA Testing
Preventive Medicine - jas^
OSHA Medical Surveillance
Mobile Medical Services
Physical Exams
IT ? FIT 1T