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Running head: PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 1
Community Needs Assessment: Pembroke, North Carolina
Nicole Collins, Natasha Hughes, Kristy Scott, and Charlsity Smith
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
On our honor this paper represents our own words and thoughts and/or the words and thoughts of others with proper citations. We have neither given nor received assistance on this assignment other than as authorized by the instructor.
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 2
Abstract
This article is about the history of the rural town Pembroke, North Carolina. Pembroke is a town
in Robeson County located in North Carolina. Pembroke is notable for the University of North
Carolina at Pembroke, a large economic institution for the community. Pembroke also has a
cultural grassroots with the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Both Institutions contribute and
give back enormously to the community and surrounding areas. The article discusses the
economy of the town and other financial institutions within the community. Numerous town
council and governments will be discussed along with other municipal services. A variety of
Human Services and resources Pembroke has to offer will be noted. The researchers will then
complete a Community Needs Assessment (CNA) to configure the communities’ strengths and
weakness to determine what services, resources or changes the community may need to enhance
development.
Keywords: Pembroke, N.C., community needs assessment, UNCP, Lumbee Tribe
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 3
INTRODUCTION
Observation of the Community of Pembroke, North Carolina
Pembroke, North Carolina is a small, Southern College town. Pembroke is the home of
the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and Home of the Lumbee Tribe. When entering
Pembroke on highway 711, the first things that one sees are a water tower on the left that says,
“Welcome to the town of Pembroke home of the Lumbees,” and to the right, the newly built
Lumbee tribal building in the shape of a turtle. The reason for the tribal building being built in
the shape of a turtle is that the Lumbee culture believes the turtle is a symbol of wisdom
(Woolverton, 2010). The services offered in the Lumbee tribal building include: housing
assistance, assistance for military veterans, money to help low-income Lumbees with their
uitility bills, and maintenance of the official tribal members (Woolverton, 2010). The first
impression of the town of Pembroke is that of a typical, busy little college town which gives rise
to a very diverse population. The general impression is that the university is the reason for such a
diverse population. The town itself is only about two square miles, but this small community is
comprised of many layers. First, there is the outer layer, which can be seen when driving
through on 711, which turns into Main Street. There are businesses and modest homes visible
when one is just driving through. In comparison to the outer layer, the inner layer is what can be
seen when turning off any of the side streets in Pembroke. Then, there is the university layer,
which is located around the vicinity of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
Geographic Characteristics
The town of Pembroke is carved out of a wide open flat parcel of land. The Lumber
River runs down the outskirts of town, separating it from the towns of Rowland, Laurinburg, and
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 4
Maxton. There are swamps surrounding the town on several sides, separating the town of
Pembroke from many of the smaller communities. Also, there are highways on every side of
Pembroke, making it very accessible from every direction. There are also railroad tracks, on
which cargo trains travel, going through Pembroke that stretch to the North, West, and South.
Economic Characteristics
Many economic characteristics can be observed in the small town of Pembroke. While
riding through the neighborhoods of Pembroke, it was noticeable that construction vans and
trucks were very common in home driveways. Also, while sitting at a busy gas station in the
middle of town on a Monday evening, observed were several sheetrock vans loaded with men
that appeared to be on their way home from work. The men (Lumbee Indians) were covered with
sheetrock dust and mud; and the look on their face’s suggested that they were tired and ready to
go home.
For a small town, there are many commercial enterprises, but most are large chains.
Pembroke has a McDonalds, Pizza Hut, KFC, Jersey Mikes, Taco Bell, Dominoes, Burger King,
and two Subways to choose from if you want fast food and several other restaurants all located
within a two square mile town. The fact that there are so many fast food restaurants in such a
small town can be attributed to the university and the large number of students and faculty.
There is a large True Value hardware store on the outskirts of town, which use to be a little
storefront on Main Street, before expanding and moving to a bigger location. Based on the
observation of the many construction workers in the Pembroke community, there was a need for
this larger hardware store. Pembroke also has a Wal-Mart and other national chain stores like
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 5
Advance Auto Parts, and O’Reilly’s Auto Parts. Pembroke is the headquarters for
HealthKeeperz, which is a home health care service.
Observations can be made that would suggest there is a vast amount of unemployment in
the town of Pembroke as well as some drug activity. During one of these observations, people
were digging in dumpsters and looking for aluminum cans to sell while a group of women were
standing around the dumpster - one of them holding a 40 oz. bottle of beer in broad daylight.
Another sign of unemployment is that panhandlers can be seen at various stores in the area. At
one store, a woman was asking for money to buy food because she said she was diabetic, and her
sugar had dropped because she needed something to eat. This was not an isolated incident; it is
very common for people to approach customers of area stores in Pembroke for money.
There are four grocery stores in the town of Pembroke. There is a Wal-Mart, Food-Lion,
a Piggly Wiggly, and Bo’s. Bo’s is a local chain of grocery stores and the other three are larger
chains. Often seen, are people walking to and from the grocery stores in town because there is
no public transportation, and walking is the only way that they can get the food they need for
their families.
Since there is no public transportation for the residents of Pembroke, they rely on their
own automobiles to get where they need to be. The cars that are seen in Pembroke are just as
diverse as the people. The types of cars that are seen, like everything else, depends on where the
cars are located in Pembroke. The cars passing through are usually nicer than the ones that can
be seen in the parking lots of the government housing complexes. The cars in the housing
complexes are older and in obvious need of repair. The cars that can be observed in the parking
lots at the student housing complexes are newer and in better shape.
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 6
There are not many billboards in the town of Pembroke, but there are some advertising
local attorneys, insurance agencies, and health care agencies. The most common signs observed
advertise the many student housing complexes. These signs can be seen at numerous
intersections throughout the town. Also, there are signs posted in various places within the
university campus advertising things such as football games and various other student-related
opportunities and events.
Social Characteristics
There is a wide variety of people that can be observed while in Pembroke. Again, this is
contributed to the diverse population of the University. While making observations at Wal-Mart
on a Friday evening around 7:00, a very diverse population was noticed. There were younger
people of all races, usually in groups of four of five, which brings forth the assumption that they
were college students. However, most of the families and older people observed were Lumbee.
It is assumed that, if it were not for the university, the town of Pembroke would not be as diverse
as it appears to be.
The natives of Pembroke seem to be very friendly. While riding around making
observations, it was noticed that if a Lumbee person was in his or her yard, he or she would
always wave. Some would not even look up from what they were doing; they just knew
someone was going by and waved. In one instance, a man was working on a vehicle in his yard
and waved without looking up from what he was doing. In contrast, students of the University
were more indifferent - most were observed walking down the major road that ran down the
University and were either on the phone or texting and seldom even looked up.
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 7
There are formal and informal meeting places around the town of Pembroke. One of the
informal meeting places is Linda’s. Linda’s is a restaurant where the older population likes to
gather for lunch and talk about politics and things that are going on in the community. The
formal meeting halls are the town hall, local churches, and the Lumbee tribal building.
There are about seven different churches in Pembroke which represent various religions.
These include: Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal Holiness, Church of God, and Mormon. Most of
these churches seem to be in very good condition. In fact, one of the churches has recently
begun to add a new addition. Also, many of these churches operate as local charity
organizations.
There are no distinguishable bars in Pembroke, but the town recently passed the liquor by
the drink law about two years ago, so there are restaurants that serve alcohol. The two
restaurants that serve alcohol are a Mexican restaurant, which is called San Jose’s, and a little
restaurant called Mighty J’s. Mighty J’s sometimes has live music on the weekends, so they
would be the closest Pembroke comes to having a bar. This restaurant/bar is located directly
across from the university campus and caters mostly to the attending college students.
The town recently built a new recreational facility called Pembroke Recreation Complex.
The complex is very nice; it has basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball fields, a playground,
and walking trails. The complex is a welcome addition because there are no other public
recreational centers with regard to sports in the town of Pembroke. There is, however, an indoor
batting cage facility located behind Sheff’s seafood restaurant on 4th street.
Overall, the housing conditions in the town of Pembroke are not good, with exception of
the new student housing complexes. The homes in the outer layer are very modest, but most
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 8
seem to be kept up, which, in contrast, those in inner layer are not kept up, and many are boarded
up and abandoned. Also observed, were several homes that have been partially burned down.
There are many homes and lots for sale all over the community. With so many people in the
community that work in construction, many of these homes could be repaired, and the
community would look much better. However there are no signs of construction or home repair
in the community. The student housing complexes, nevertheless, are newly built and well
maintained. Some of the complexes have pools, pool houses, and beaches to play volleyball. It
seems like a different world compared to the inner layer.
Political Characteristics
There were many political characteristics observed in the town of Pembroke. One
characteristic is the condition of the roads and sidewalks in Pembroke. The roads are like
everything else in Pembroke; the condition depends on where the roads are located. The roads
on the outer layer are well maintained, but the ones in the inner layer turn to dirt roads in some
places due to all the wear and lack of upkeep. The roads that run parallel to the university are in
excellent condition in comparison. Another characteristic is that there are campaign signs on
every corner representing candidates for the Lumbee tribal chairman election. In addition, there
are three public schools which include: Pembroke Elementary, Pembroke Middle, and Purnell
Swett High School. Upon observing these schools, they seemed to be in decent condition. As
well, there are two different public libraries in the Pembroke community. There are no official
newspapers for the town of Pembroke. However, the people who reside in the town of Pembroke
receive a monthly issue of Native Vision. Native Vision is a free publication which contains
articles about the history and future of the Lumbee people. Pembroke residents also have access
to the Robesonian newspaper from the nearby city of Lumberton. Furthermore, there are several
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 9
volunteer agencies. Those which were observed include: Boys and Girls Club, Palmer
Prevention, and The Healing Lodge.
Map of Pembroke and Surrounding Areas
Note: City-data-Pembroke.com (2011).
Demographics and Housing
Pembroke, North Carolina is a constantly growing community. Pembroke is
recognized as “Home of the Lumbees”. The Lumbees are the majority of the Pembroke
population, which accounts for 1,975 of the total population. The overall population of
Pembroke is 2,973. Males represent 1,345 of this population with an overall percentage of
45.2, whereas, females represent 1,628 of this population, with an overall percentage of 54.8
(U.S. Census, Bureau Pembroke Demographics, 2010). According to the U.S. Census
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 10
Bureau, Pembroke Demographics (2010); Caucasians are the next largest population in
Pembroke, and have a total of 489 people. African Americans are the next largest population
in Pembroke; the African American population represents 367 people, which is 12.3 % of the
total population. The Asian population accounts for 17 people. Finally, Asians only make up
0.6 % with other populations dropping tremendously down to maybe one Filipino and
Japanese persons (U.S. Census Bureau, Pembroke Demographics (2010).
Then there are mixed races of people who live in the Pembroke community. These
races consist of two or more races. Caucasian and American Indian are comprised of 35
people. Caucasian and Asian include seven people, and Caucasian and Black comprise 14
people (U.S. Census Bureau, Pembroke Demographics, 2010).
The pie charts below indicate the female population by age, and the male population
by age for the Pembroke area. The chart on the female and male population by age indicates
women ages 50 to 54 comprise the highest population for females, serving as 20% of this
gender population, and men ages 20 to 24 comprise the highest population for males in the
city of Pembroke, serving as 19% for this gender population (U.S. Census, Bureau, Pembroke
Demographics, 2010).
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 11
Note: (U.S. Census Bureau, Pembroke Demographics, 2010)
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 12
9%
8%
6%
10%
19%6%
5%
5%
4%
5%
4%
5%
4%3%
2% 2%1% 1%
Male Poulation by Age
under 5 5 to 9 10 to14 15 to 1920 to 24 25 to 29 30 to 34 35 to 3940 to 44 45 to 49 50 to 54 55 to 5960 to 64 65 to 69 70 to 74 75 to 7980 to 84 85 and over
Note: (U.S. Census Bureau, Pembroke Demographics, 2010)
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 13
Housing
According to City-data.com (2011); Pembroke consists of 1,116 housing units, 996
occupied units, 383 owner occupied units, and 613 renter occupied units; with 82 vacant
homes.
According to the chart above retrieved from City-data.com (2011); home sales for
Pembroke’s median price was on rise for sales in 2008, over $140,000. In the year 2000, the
median house or condo sale was $64,700 in comparison to 2009, when the median was $64,
644 (City-data.com, 2011). Mobile home renters comprise 4.5% on average, and detached
owner occupied units comprise an average of 33.9% (City-data.com, 2011). The mobile
home housing units have a median value of $47,100. Twenty of the homes lack complete
plumbing facilities, and 20 homes lack complete kitchen facilities (U.S. Census Bureau,
Pembroke Housing, 2010). Pembroke, North Carolina encompasses 1,266 housing units. Out
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 14
of the 1,266 homes; 1,132 of the homes are occupied (U.S. Census Bureau Pembroke
Housing, 2010). Occupied units paying rent comprise 626. The cost of rent in Pembroke
ranges from $200.00-$1500.00 or more. The Majority of renters pay $500.00 to $749.00 a
month for rent in Pembroke (U.S. Census Bureau Pembroke Housing, 2010).
Household type by Relationship
There are 2,569 households in Pembroke; of these households 2,243 are family
households (City-data.com, 2011). According to City-data.com (2011), male householders
represent 246, and female householders represent 396. The majority of people in the family
household population are the children whom are natural, adopted, or step-children (City-
data.com, 2011). Natural children in the home comprise 911, 52 are adopted, and 17 are step-
children. Spouse comprise 291 of in family households, grandchildren comprise 123, and
brothers and sisters; 59 (City-data.com, 2011). Then, 23 parents, 65 other relatives, and 60
non-relatives (City-data.com, 2011). According to U.S. Census Bureau, Pembroke Housing,
(2010), single-parent households comprise the majority of the household population in
Pembroke. There are 30 single-parent males, and 415 single-parent females. Two-hundred
and thirty-three couples are married with children. The family size for family households in
Pembroke are 187with two persons, 155 with three persons, 150 with four persons, 108 with
five persons, 30 with six persons, and 12 with seven or more persons (U.S. Census Bureau
Pembroke Housing, 2010).
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 15
Household Income
Percentage of families with income below-poverty level in the past 12 months.
All families26.00%
with related children under 18 years 37.50% with related children under 5 years 36.80%
14.40%Married couple families 14.40% with related children under 18 years 17.30% With related children under 5 years. 0.00%Families with female householder, no husband present 47.40% with related children under 18 years 63.10% with related children under 5 years only 100.00%
All People 39.00%Under 18 years 50.20%Related children under 18 years 49.60%Related children under 5 years 77.50%18 years and over 43.90%18 to 64 years 33.20%65 years and over 35.10%People in families 19.60%Unrelated individuals 15 years and over 37.00%
Note: (U.S. Census Bureau, Pembroke Economics, 2010)
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 16
0
10000
20000
30000
40000
50000
60000
70000
80000
Note: City-data-Pembroke.com (2011).
The chart above, retrieved from City-data.com (2011), implies the household income
according to race in the Pembroke area is lowest for American Indians and Native people.
American Indians and Native people’s income is less than $20,000 a year; next to some other
race households, comprised below $10,000 a year.
Poverty among the Pembroke Community
Twenty- six percent of the Pembroke population account for below poverty level
families (U.S. Census Bureau, Pembroke Economics, 2010). There are 100% of the families
at the poverty level with related children in the home under five years old. Females with no
husband in the home represent 47.4 % of the below poverty level families; married couples
comprise much lower for below poverty levels, serving as 14.4 % of this population
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 17
Note: (U.S. Census Bureau Economics, 2010)
The pie chart above indicates females with families and no husband present comprise
84.90 % of the poor families by type (U.S. Census Bureau, Economics, 2010).
Economic Characteristics
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Pembroke Economics (2010); the civilian
employed population at age sixteen and over is the highest among all the other populations.
The unemployment rate in 2011; according to statistics conducted from City-data.com (2011)
comprise 12.2 %. Seven-hundred and eighty five people of the Pembroke population comprise
the civilian worker. The professional occupations comprise the next highest occupational field
at 240. Construction and maintenance workers hold many of the jobs in the Pembroke area,
comprising 225; most of the construction workers in the Pembroke area are self-contractors.
Then, the self-employed (not incorporated business workers) comprise 2.9 %. Next, private
wage and salary workers; these comprise 69% of the population. Workers who are employed
through the government comprise 28.0 % of the working population. Lastly, the labor force
Poor Families by Family Type
Married couple family
Female no husband present
Male no wife present
15.1%
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 18
for the Pembroke district comprise 885, representing 50.5% of the total population (U.S.
Census Bureau, Pembroke Occupations, 2009).
Note: (City-data.com, 2011)
14%
8%7%
6%
6%
3%3%
Most Common Occupations in 2005-2009(%) Among Males
Construction trades workers except carpenters,electricians,painters, plumbers, and construction LaborersPost- Secondary TeachersElectrical equipment mechanics and other installation, maintenance, and repair occupations including supervisorsOther production occupations including supervisorsBuilding and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupationsLaborers and material movers, handLaw enforcement workers including supervisors
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 19
Note: (City-data.com, 2011).
Community Profile based on Census Data
After viewing the data for the city of Pembroke, there were some facts that were found
striking. First, 26% of Pembroke’s population lives under the poverty level. Second, the
unemployment rate was a staggering 12.2 %. Third, 36.80 % of the populations are families
with children under the age of five (U.S. Census Bureau, Pembroke Poverty Levels, 2010).
Also, over half of the poor families consisted of females with no husband present, which
represents 84.90% of the population (City-data.com, 2011).
Another astonishing fact the data implied is that the Native American’s household
income was the lowest in comparison to all other populations within the Pembroke area
9%
7%
6%5%
5%
5%
4%
Most Common Occupations among females 2005-2009 (%)
Preschool, kindergarten, elementary and middle school teachers (9%)
Cashiers (7%)
Material recording, scheduling, dispatching, and distributing workers (6%)
Secretaries and administrative assistants (5%)
Counselors, social workers, and other community and social service specialists (5%)
Nursing, psychiatric, and home health aides (5%)
Other sales and related workers including supervisors (4%)
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 20
(below $20,000 yearly). While Lumberton had a population of 19,033 more than Pembroke,
Lumberton’s median household income for Native Americans was only $2,111 in 2009 (City-
data.com,2011). Thirty percent of the jobs for males in this area are construction workers;
this explains a lot about the unemployment rate in this area (U.S. Census Bureau, Pembroke
Economics, 2010).
When comparing Pembroke to Lumberton, Lumberton, comprises 19,033 more people
than Pembroke. The overall Population for Lumberton is 21,587, comprising 14.3% of Native
Americans. The median Household income for Lumberton in 2009 was $23,766, and family
median income $38,538; whereas Pembroke’s household income in 2009 was $21,655(City-
data.com, 2009). Lumberton’s poverty status was at a level of 25.9 %, with the median age at
35.3. In comparison to Lumberton, 26% was the poverty status for Pembroke (City-data.com,
2011).
African Americans in the Lumberton area account for 7,369, which makes them the
majority of the population (City-data.com, 2011). The bulk of the houses in Lumberton are
owner occupied at 57.7%, which means more of this population are home buyers than renters.
In the Lumberton area 9.20 % of the population is below the poverty level; much lower than
Pembroke (City-data.com, 2011). The following chart reveals the population characteristics
of Pembroke compared to the adjacent Maxton and Red Springs.
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 21
PEMBROKE MAXTON REDSPRINGS
POPULATION 2,485 2,724 3,499FEMALES 1,419 1,480 1,922MALES 1,066 1,244 1,577AMERICAN INDIAN ALONE
2,010 798 157
BLACK ALONE 262 2,021 1,536WHITE ALONE 306 633 1,284HISPANIC ALONE 5 N/A 246ASIAN 17 N/A N/ATWO OR MORE ETHNICITES
145 N/A 219
LAND AREA SIZE 2.34 sq. miles 2.23 sq. miles 2.83 sq. milesMEDIAN RESIDENT AGE
27.3 34.4 37.8
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
$21,655 $21,074 $16,302
ESTIMATED MEDIAN HOUSE VALUE
$64,644 $68,556 $84,497
HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION OR HIGHER AMONG AGE 25 AND OLDER
69.1% 69.9% 69.7%
UNEMPLOYMENT 12.2% 12.2% 12.2%RESIDENTS LIVING BELOW POVERTY LEVEL
39.0% 40.8% 42.2%
MOST COMMON JOB Construction trades other than carpenters, electricians, painters, plumbers, and construction laborers.
Other production occupations including supervisors
Vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers
Note: (City-data.com, 2011).
After evaluating the observations in Pembroke, and conducting the statistics in
relation, it was found that the construction workers of Pembroke are a major contribution
toward the labor force in the community. The vans of these workers are prominent when
riding through the community. According to the statistics retrieved from the U.S. Census
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 22
Bureau Economics, (2010) these workers accounted for 14% of the labor force. Also, the
amount of people digging in dumpsters for cans to sell, along with others asking for money to
eat, is indeed a realization of the Pembroke community experiencing poverty.
Also noted, was the behavior of the Natives when riding through the community,
which portrayed hard workers who are friendly. However, one must question the low income
of this group, which represents the lowest among the community. Observing the community
and comparing it to the statistics conducted on the community, it was found that nine percent
of the female labor force adopted the retail jobs; the many franchised restaurants among the
area, along with privately owned restaurants, employ many jobs for the female population.
According to the data profile on Pembroke, North Carolina there are several indications
that this community has many needs. The Pembroke area not only employs a low-educational
level of occupations, but has many unmarried couples raising children alone under the age of
five. This data is important because it represents families in need of resources, occupations,
and adaptability of social well-being.
History, Community Leadership, Politics, Government, Human Services, and
Economics of Pembroke, NC
History
Town of Pembroke and Lumbee Tribe of N.C. According to the town of Pembroke
NC website, archeologists have discovered an amusing and elongated history of consistent
occupations along the Drowning Creek, currently known as the Lumber River. The Lumber
River flows throughout Pembroke, Robeson County and surrounding counties
(pembrokenc.com). Ancestor settlement, in what is called Pembroke today, sprouted alongside
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 23
the riverbanks of the Lumber River. Artifacts have been found in Pembroke that could be dated
back to as early as the Woodland period. This suggests that the Native American settlement
along the riverbanks was due to the bartering and trading among regions in what is today known
as the southeastern part of the U.S. (pembrokenc.com).
After colonial contact, tobacco pipes and other European made artifacts were traded
among the Native Americans from the French, Spanish and the English. These items had already
reached Pembroke way before the Europeans established their settlement. The Native people had
a tremendous supply of water and fish that were provided by the swamps, streams and artesian
wells. Creeks, swamps, pocosins, longleaf pines and “Carolina bays” continue to mark the
wetlands of Pembroke. These all provided, and still do, plenty of fish, vegetation, and numerous
food crops for the natives of Pembroke (pembokenc.com).
In 1725, colonial English surveyors mapped a village of Waccamaw Indians settled on
the Lumber River a few miles west of present-day Pembroke. In 1754, North Carolina Governor,
Arthur Dobbs, received a report that a “mixed crew” of 50 Indian families was living near the
Drowning Creek and that one of his surveyors who had entered the area to view the vacant land
was shot. This was the first written account of Native Americans that were descendants of the
Lumbee Tribe of N.C. (pembrokenc.com)
The Lowrie War of 1861-1874. The Lowrie war took place in and around Pembroke,
N.C.; it was reflected as one of the most notable controversial events in N.C. history. The war
was led by Henry Berry Lowrie. Lowrie, the leader of a clan of N.C. Indians, African Americans
and a few Whites conducted a seven-year guerilla war against the Confederacy in Pembroke and
surrounding towns in Robeson County. Henry Berry Lowrie seized a White revolutionary
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 24
doctrine to gain rights and freedoms that were being denied to Indians in Pembroke and the
surrounding towns (Oakley, 2006).
During the battle, Lowrie and his gang would escape into the surrounding swamps
throughout Pembroke to avoid being captured. As the war lingered, food became scarce and the
rebellious gang was forced to change tactics and began to raid farms and homesteads of the
wealthy and distribute them to the poor in Pembroke, N.C. Pembroke was then known as
“Scuffletown” which is also known as “Settlement.” Toward the end of the century it was
renamed after a railroad official named Pembroke Jones. Henry Berry Lowrie became a
legendary hero for the Lumbee people of Pembroke. Lowrie symbolized culture and political
boundaries that marked Robeson County as a community of self-determined Native American
Indians (Oakley, 2006).
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP). In 1885, a Representative
from Robeson County named Hamilton McMillian presented a legislation that gave the Indians
of Robeson County a legal identity and schools of their own. On March 07, 1887 the N.C.
General Assembly enacted the legislation which created the Croatan Normal School. The school
was initially comprised of fifteen students and one teacher. The schools goal was to educate
more Native American teachers; and because of this, enrollment was limited to Native American
Indians of Robeson County (absoluteastronomy.com).
In 1909, the school moved to its present location, which was only a mile east of its
original location. In 1911, the name was changed to the Indian Normal School of Robeson
County, and in 1913, it was again changed to Cherokee Indian Normal School. In 1926 the
school changed from a primary/secondary school to a two year postsecondary normal school. In
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 25
1939, it became a four-year institution and was renamed Pembroke State College for Indians in
1941. By 1945 the college was opened to all federally recognized tribal members. The name was
then changed to Pembroke State College in 1949 and by 1953, White students were allowed to
attend, which accounted for 40% of the total enrollment. The case Brown v. Board of Education
eliminated any future race restrictions regarding education. In 1966, the college became
Pembroke State University (PSU). The first master’s program was implemented in in 1978. On
July 01, 1996 PSU became what we know today as the University of North Carolina at
Pembroke (UNCP) (absoluteastrononmy.com).
Today. As of 2010, the U.S. Census stated that the total enrollment of UNCP was 6,944
students with a 16:1 student to faculty ratio and the average class size was 21. According to the
U.S. News and World Report, Pembroke, N.C. is the most diverse and safest town among the
UNC school system. According to their motto, UNCP is “where learning gets personal”
(uncp.edu).
The authors identify with the Native American population as the “old-timers” and the
college population as the “new-comers” of Pembroke. The authors observed that the groups seem
to interact and relate well with each other. Each group can learn a lot from each other about
different aspects among each group. The “old-timers” root their cultural values, beliefs and
traditions within the town of Pembroke, but at the same time they are welcoming of other “new-
comers”, populations and cultures to the town. UNCP has improved the economy of Pembroke.
The town has transformed from a few houses in town to many large apartment complexes built to
accommodate the growing college population.
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 26
Economy
Pembroke and U.S.
ECONOMY PEMBROKE, NC U. S. Unemployment Rate 12.20% 9.10%Recent Job Growth -0.31% -0.12%Future Job Growth 27.18% 31.25%Sales Taxes 6.75% 6.80%Income Taxes 8.25% 6.25%Income per Cap. $12,489 $27,067Household Income $24,297 $52,954
ESTIMATED HOUSEHOLDS BY HOUSEHOLD INCOMEIncome Less Than 15K 36.21% 12.10%Income between 15K and 25K 14.67% 10.18%Income between 25K and 35K 13.96% 10.56%Income between 35K and 50K 15.62% 14.98%Income between 50K and 75K 9.82% 19.53%Income between 75K and 100K 4.97% 12.52%Income between 100K and 150K 3.55% 12.14%Income between 150K and 250K 0.71% 3.91%Income between 250K and 500K 0.47% 3.34%Income greater than 500K 0.00% 0.75%
POPULATION BY OCCUPATIONManagement, Business, and Financial Operations 8.48% 13.81%Professional and Related Occupations 37.55% 22.68%Service 12.11% 14.51%Sales and Office 14.94% 25.22%Farming, Fishing, and Forestry 1.08% 0.68%Construction, Extraction, and Maintenance 18.17% 9.37%Production, Transportation, and Material Moving 12.92% 15.86%
Note: (www.bestplaces.net, 2010).
Pembroke has grown tremendously from the past. As noted in the table above from the
bestplaces.net website, the unemployment rate for the U.S. is 9.10% and for Pembroke alone it
ranks at 12.20 %. As depicted above job growth in Pembroke is -0.31%, but the future job
growth over next ten years is predicted to be 27.18%. The income per capita, including all adults
and children, is $12,489 and the median household income is $24,297 (bestplaces.net, 2010). In
the town of Pembroke the largest industry they have that would offer numerous jobs is probably
Wal-Mart. Fast-food, grocery stores, florists, salons and barbers, retail and similar jobs are in the
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 27
community, but not many professions are offered. UNCP is a large institution that provides the
community with many career opportunities as well. From personal knowledge many residents
are involved in the “underground economy.” Many are involved in black-marketing, gambling,
illegal drug sells, prostituting, lawn-care services, housecleaning, babysitting, and farming.
Hopefully, as social workers, we can contribute some help toward the future job growth within
the community of Pembroke to improve the economy.
Banks
Woodforest National Bank: Pembroke Wal-Mart at 930 Highway 711 E. Pembroke,
branch established on 10/26/2005. Bank assets: $3,279.3 mil, Deposits: $2,894.4 mil,
headquarters in Houston, TX, positive income, Commercial Lending Specialization, 569
total offices, Holding Company: Woodforest Financial Group, Inc. (citydata.com).
Lumbee Guaranty Bank: at 403 East Third Street, branch established on 12/22/1971.
Bank assets: $0.3 mil, Deposits: $22.5 mil, local headquarters, positive income,
Commercial Lending Specialization, 12 total offices (citydata.com).
First Bank: Pembroke Branch: at 210 West 3rd Street, branch established on
03/01/1939.Bank assets: $ 3,359.3 mil, Deposits: $2,757.8 mil, headquarters in Troy, NC,
positive income, Commercial Lending Specialization, 98 total offices, Holding Company:
First Bancorp (citydata.com).
New Century Bank: Pembroke Branch 64 at 410 E. 3rd. St., branch established on
06/30/1988. Bank assets: $64.1 mil, Deposits: $54.9 mil, headquarters in Dunn, NC,
negative income in the last year, Commercial Lending Specialization, 9 total offices,
Holding Company: New Century Bancorp, Inc. (citydata.com).
Pembroke also has a State Employees’ Credit Union (mapquest.com). Most of the banks
in Pembroke offer personal, residential, online and telephone banking. They provide 24-hour
ATM, safe deposit boxes, debit cards, loans, savings, investments, cd’s, loans and many
more services to assist the communities’ financial needs.
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 28
Other Economic Institutions
Fleetwood Enterprises is the largest manufacturing industry in the area and is known as
“The Number One plant of America’s Largest Home Builder”. They have received many awards
and employ over 600 people (pembrokenc.com). The Carolina Commerce and Technology
Center, Inc. (Comtech) is another notable innovation that has improved Pembroke’s economy
over time. Comtech is a non-profit, corporation which began operation in January 2001. It is
responsible for developing an education and training centre surrounded by 620 acres zoned for
business and industry. The site is the home of technology-focused business, industry, education,
training and business incubation facilities (pembrokenc.com).
Through observational studies, the authors noticed that UNCP is a large profitable
contributor to the community. Wal-Mart is another large economic institution in Pembroke. Both
instututions provide locals and many out of town workers job opportunities. Drywall is a popular
occupation of many residents of the small rural community. Downtown Pembroke has a few fast
food restaurants, florists, small clothing stores, convenient stores, three grocery stores, salons
and barbers, small insurance companies, two car-washing facilities, three funeral services, many
mechanics and auto part stores, jewelry stores, a Christian Bookstore, few drugstores, doctors’
offices, mental health agencies, fitness centers, fish markets, many Native stores, and other small
businesses that provide trade and industry in this town. There is also a television broadcast
station named WLPS-LP on Channel 7 located in Pembroke. It serves areas in
Lumberton/Pembroke, NC and is owned by Billy Ray Locklear (citydata.com). UNCP also has a
TV broadcast station WNCP-TV (uncp.edu).
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 29
Politics and Government
Town Council
The Mayor of Pembroke is Milton Ray Hunt and the town manager is McDuffie
Cummings. The town Council consists of Greg Cummings, A. G. Dial, Larry Brooks and Larry
McNeill, all in which are members of the Lumbee Tribe of N.C. (pembokenc.com). The Seventh
District, including Pembroke, U.S. Representative is Congressman Mike McIntyre (uncp.edu).
Pembroke Police and Safety
In 2010, the town of Pembroke consisted of fifteen full-time law enforcement employees.
Eleven of the fifteen were officers or the Town of Pembroke Police Department (citydata.com).
According to the UNCP’s Police and Safety Department website, the department consists of a
full-service 13 member law enforcement agency responsible for the protection of the people and
property on UNCP campus. They provide the campus with police protection 24-hours a day, 365
days a year (uncp.edu).
Other Municipal Services
The town of Pembroke has an Ambulance/Rescue Squad. They provide emergency
medical and rescue services to the Pembroke and Robeson County area. The squad operates two
ambulances and one Heavy Rescue Unit (Duncan, 2009). Pembroke also has a Town Hall, Town
Clerk, Post Office, Fire Department, Public Works Department, Courthouse, Magistrate Office,
and Chamber of Commerce (pembrokenc.com).
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 30
Lumbee Tribal Government and Services
According to the Lumbee Constitution, the tribe’s Executive Branch upholds all
executive powers including implementation and compliance with annual budgets. The Tribal
Chairperson upholds these duties and shall faithfully execute all the laws of the Tribe. The tribal
Chair is the Honorable Sharon Hunt (lumbeetribe.com). The Legislative Branch has the power to
enact ordinances of the Lumbee Tribe of N.C. These duties shall reside in the Tribal Council.
The Lumbee Tribal Council is currently comprised of 21 members elected from 14 districts
(lumbeetribe.com). The Judicial Branch resides in the Lumbee Tribal Supreme Court and such
inferior courts that the Tribal Council may establish. The Supreme Court of the Lumbee
Constitution shall have original jurisdiction over all cases and controversies arising under the
Lumbee Constitution and all ordinances of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina
(lumbeetribe.com). The Lumbee’s Supreme Court Justices are Chief Justice Gary Locklear,
Justice Darlene Holmes Ransom, Justice David Locklear, and Justice Joel Garth Locklear, Jr.
with one justice seat vacant. The Tribe has an administrative court that handles cases regarding
administrative issues such as housing, enrollment, and energy assistance. These council members
include Deputy Tina Dicke, Mr. Alton Locklear, Fedelia Locklear, and Mr. Rodney Nichols
(lumbeetribe.com).
The agency offers numerous services to tribal members including children, adults, the
elderly, disabled, low-income, and many others. They offer services such as Tribal Boys & Girls
Clubs, Elder Services, Enrollment, Veterans affairs, Energy Assistance, Housing, Research and
Compliance and Vocational Rehabilitation to their members. The rate is so high among death
and motor vehicle accidents they have a Homicide and Motor Vehicle Deaths Prevention
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 31
program. The smoking rate among Lumbees is also high. Their two programs: The Lumbee
Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program work together to stop the powerful addiction among
American Indian communities (A.C. Bryant, personal communication, April 13, 2011).
Notable Politicians
Ronnie Sutton is a lawyer from Pembroke. He has recently filed for his tenth term in the
N.C. House of Representatives. He has served nine terms in the State House serving the forty-
seventh House District. He is the only American Indian serving in the General Assembly (Shiles,
2011). Brantley Blue was born in Pembroke, N.C. He was the first Lumbee Indian to become a
lawyer. He received his degree from Pembroke State College in 1946 (Robeson County Board of
Education, 1979). Dr. James B. Chavis served as Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs at PSU,
today UNCP, from 1972-1999.He was the first Indian to serve as ombudsman for the Governor
of N.C. (Robeson County Board of Education, 1979). UNCP’s Student Center is named in
remembrance of Dr. Chavis (uncp.edu). Mr. Earlie Maynor was from Pembroke and was the
third Indian Mayor of Pembroke. He was appointed the first Director of the N.C. Commision of
Indian Affairs (Robeson County Board of Education, 1979). Ms. Brenda Brooks is a Lumbee
Indian who served as a member of the N.C. Commission on Civil Rights and the N.C. Civil
Liberties Union (Robeson County Board of Education, 1979). Along with Henry Berry Lowrie,
there are many other notable politicians from Pembroke, N.C.
Human Resources
Societal resources include institutionalized organizations, private or public agencies,
family services, libraries, etc. There are many childcare, home health, mental health services and
a day treatment program that are available to families (pembrokechamber.com). As previously
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 32
mentioned, the Lumbee Tribe is a council government that also provides human services and is
also a form of a societal resource. The Lumber River Council of Government (LRCOG) is
another societal resource offered in Pembroke, N.C. (lumberrivercog.org, 2011)
Lumber River Council of Government (LRCOG)
The Lumber River Council of Governments provides a variety of services to the
community. Some include the administration of Federally-funded programs such as Older Adult
Services and Workforce Training. Others are State-initiated and funded efforts such as
Community Development, Housing and Water Resource Planning (lumberrivercog.org,
2011). The Workforce Development Staff provide economic development, education, training
and employment to its members of the community and surrounding counties. The Technical
Assistance Staff is focused to provide research and data services, grant writing and
administration to build the community through housing rehabilitation, neighborhood planning
and rural transportation planning, and to retain jobs (lumberrivercog.org, 2011). They offer
Aging Programs and services such as Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Family Caregiver
Support Program, Senior Games, Project C.A.R.E and REACH II Programs, Older Adult
Nutrition, Senior Tarheel Legislature and a Senior Community Services Employment Program
(lumberrivercog.org, 2011).
Lumbee Regional Development Association (LRDA)
Lumbee Regional Development Association (LRDA) located in Pembroke has received
state and federal support to operate programs and services to improve the quality of life for
Lumbee tribal members of Pembroke and surrounding communities. LRDA is widely recognized
by the Lumbee people, the federal government, the State of North Carolina, other states,
foundations, funding entities, and other Indian Tribes and urban Indian organizations as an
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 33
organization that serves Lumbee people. The administration of LRDA includes the Board of
Directors, the Executive Director, Fiscal Officer, Planner, and Public Relations Officer
(lumbee.org).
LRDA is committed to providing a range of valuable services that assist disadvantaged
Indian people. The organization works in conjunction with a number of governmental
organizations to provide services and improve social and economic conditions in Lumbee
communities (lumbee.org). LRDA's mission is to continuously assess the needs of Indian people
and others in our service area (Pembroke and surrounding areas), work to improve the quality of
life, develop and/or obtain resources to fill the gap in the ongoing provision of social, health,
economic, housing, education, job development and training services to meet the needs of the
client population (lumbee.org).
Libraries
Pembroke has two libraries. The Pembroke Public Library is affiliated with the system
that serves Robeson County, N.C. (publiclibraries.com, 2011). The second library is the Mary
Livermore Library located on UNCP’s campus. Its mission is to provide resources for research
related with UNCP’s Programs. It is also open to the general public; however, only students are
allowed to check out material and various other privileges (uncp.edu).
Palmer Prevention Inc.
Palmer Prevention Inc. is a private nonprofit agency that was established in Robeson County
in 1992. It is located on Main St in Pembroke N.C. Their mission is to prevent, delay, or reduce
the use of alcohol and other drugs among our youth and their families in Robeson County. The
following are programs they offer the community and surrounding areas (palmerprevention.com,
2009):
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 34
Prevent Underage Drinking
To Reduce Alcohol Related Crashes
DWI/DUI, Assessments, & Counseling
My Fair Lady
Alternative HIV & Syphilis Testing
Keeping My Child Drug Free
Guiding Good Choices
Child/Adolescent Treatment Services
Adult Intensive Outpatient Services
Churches
Formal resources relates to membership, organizations, fraternities, churches,
unions, and professional associations the community has to offer. Pembroke is a very
rural Southern Religious community. There are over thirty churches of different
denominations located within the city limits of Pembroke, N.C. (churchangel.com, 2011).
For the Lumbees, church is more than a religious experience; it is their most important
social activity. The churches have Sunday schools, youth organizations, senior citizen's
programs, Bible study programs, food drives, and choir practices. Since congregations
tend to draw members from several different elements, these activities serve to integrate
the community. It is not uncommon for members of the same household to attend
different churches. Most churches have choirs that sing on Sunday and occasionally
attend other churches to share in the religious experience (lumbee.org). The college also
offers a variety of religious associations.
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 35
Kiwanis of Pembroke
Pembroke has a Kiwanis Club. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers
dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time. Their mission is
to offer service and leadership opportunities to those who desire to serve the needs of
children, youth and adults in our communities (carolinas.kiwanisone.org).
Business and Professional Women’s Organization (BPW-NC)
North Carolina Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Club (BPW-
NC Federation) is a network of North Carolina women who are committed to achieving
full equity for all women in education, government, business and the community (bpw-
nc.org). Pembroke has a branch of this membership organization (D. Blue, personal
communication, November, 01 2011).
Informal resources relate to services provided within family members, co-
workers, friends, and neighbors. Pembroke is a very close-knit community. Many
families use neighbors to take them places, take care of kids, support groups, borrow
things and assist each other in numerous ways. The college students are just as close and
provide the same services to their peers. The may even wash each other’s clothes, loan
each other money, and provide many other services. Community and family members
may give their friends or neighbors job duties. They may also schedule play dates for the
kids. Moreover, co-workers may carpool. In today’s society we must utilize all available
resources.
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 36
Summation and Conclusion
The town of Pembroke has a strong cultural history and background with the
vulnerable population of American Indians. Pembroke’s cultural context ties in with the
history of UNCP. UNCP is a great contributor to the growth of Pembroke and its
economy. Hopefully, in the future, the old-timers and new-comers will continue to learn
and grow together as one community for to better develop the township.
The Lumbee Tribe and LRDA offers the community and surrounding areas some
great opportunities of better living to their tribal members. One weakness of the services
is that they are only offered to Lumbee tribal members. Numerous college students could
benefit from the services as well. Maybe in the near future, the community will expand
and offer similar services to college students as well as other minority groups in need of
assistance. The town does not have a homeless shelter, domestic violence center, or rape
crisis center that could all be helpful for the community.
In the beginning, the natives of Pembroke had to fight for their rights and they
still are today. They know what it is like to have everything you ever possessed or owned
to be taken away and left with nothing. Many residents of Pembroke are still living below
the poverty line, unemployed, and are forced to commit crimes just to survive
(citydata.com). This occurrence is very similar to that of Henry Berry Lowrie, who was
forced to become rebellious as he was fighting for his rights, and was forced to commit
crimes in order to survive and feed the poor. Many of our vulnerable populations are
forced to follow the lifestyle of Lowrie’s because they cannot find other helpful resources
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 37
that are available. As social workers we must become culturally competent of the
populations we are working with. We must empower vulnerable populations and help
them find the resources they need and that are available for them.
PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 36
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PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA 40
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