To the Editor,

On Saturday, June 11, 2016, the Godwin Administration planted a tree at the Lumbee Culture Center commemorating events associated with the Lumbee Act of 1956. The Lumbee Act thrust the Lumbee into 60 years of fighting for equality. This tree celebrates the discrimination penned by Jesse Helms and woven into the Lumbee Act.

This tree now mingles the segregated and prejudiced ink of the Helms pen with the mother’s milk of Mother Earth. This tree casts a dark shadow across any day being a day to be proud to be Lumbee.

If the Godwin Administration wants to plant trees at the Lumbee Culture Center, let’s plant honorable trees. Let’s plant a tree for each original member if the board of trustees of the Croatan Normal School. Allow the family members’ descendants to each individual to participate. Let’s celebrate Hamilton McMillan, the Rev. W.L. Moore, Preston Locklear, James E. Dial Sr., Isaac Brayboy, James “Big Jim” Oxendine, Olin Oxendine and John J. Oxendine.

What better time to rally support for UNCP? Let’s spotlight the ancestry of our distinguished four-year university and make sure that the UNC System loudly hears the People of the Lumbee. Let’s firmly plant the will of the Lumbee in ensuring that the cost at UNCP ought not be reduced. Nor should the prestige of the UNCP degree become a paper bag for fast food. Just my 2 cents and a bit of landscaping advice.

Eric R. Locklear

Fayetteville