Lumbee Tribe host 5th Annual Youth Leadership Conference
The Youth Services Department of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina sponsored the Fifth Annual Lumbee Youth Leadership Conference in Fayetteville on November 7-9, 2008. The conference was held at the Prince Charles Hotel and over 130 youth attended. Those in attendance were from the Lumbee Boys & Girls Clubs of Pembroke, Hoke County and East Robeson. Also in attendance were youth from all local Indian Education Associations, including Robeson, Columbus, Scotland, and Hoke County. The North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs also sponsored youth attendees.
-click to see photos of Leadership Conference-
“This is an excellent event and opportunity for our youth,” said Tribal Chairman Jimmy Goins.(pictured above ) “We try and take them somewhere, spend time with them, so they know we love them, and give them skills to help them succeed.”
 The youth attended a variety of classes that taught American Indian history, life skills, money management, college admissions process and Gang Resistance Education and Training. Special recognition is given to Dr. Linda Oxendine(pictured right) and life coach Kim Pevia for their participation.
The event kicked off with a Friday night movie entitled Redemption, based on the true story of Stan “Tookie” Williams. Williams is the founder of the notorious Crips street gang. Although now awaiting execution on death row, Tookie is determined to stop the violence he helped create by crusading children to steer away from gangs. He has written a series of powerful anti-gang books that have earned worldwide critical acclaim.
-click to see photos of Leadership Conference-
 Tribal Chairman, Jimmy Goins spoke on Saturday and introduced the guest speaker, the Honorable Ronnie Sutton(pictured right). Mr. Sutton is the Representative for District 47 in the North Carolina General Assembly. Mr. Sutton is also the only American Indian in the General Assembly. Both encouraged the youth to stay in school and get all the education they can. Dinner was catered by Fuller’s of Lumberton.
-click to see photos of Leadership Conference-
Sunday church service was held by Rev. Earnie Hammonds. Also, special thanks are accorded to the North Carolina Indian Economic Development Initiative for a donation of $500 toward the Lumbee Youth Leadership Conference. |
