Henry Ward Oxendine facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Henry Ward Oxendine
Member of the North Carolina House of Representatives from the 21st District
In office March 19, 1973 – November 1976
Preceded by	Frank S. White
Succeeded by	Horace Locklear
Personal details
Born	September 4, 1940 Robeson County, North Carolina, United States
Died	November 19, 2020
Political party	Democratic Party
Spouse	Sandra Ransom

Henry Ward Oxendine (born September 4, 1940 – died November 19, 2020) was an American lawyer and politician. He served as a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives for the 21st District from 1973 to 1976. As a member of the Lumbee tribe, he was the first Native American to serve in the North Carolina General Assembly.

Early Life and Education

Henry Ward Oxendine was born on September 4, 1940. His birthplace was Robeson County, North Carolina, in the United States. His parents were Lockey and Nancy Locklear Oxendine. He was a proud member of the Lumbee tribe.

He grew up on a farm in the Union Chapel community. This community is also in Robeson County. Henry went to Former Pembroke High School. After high school, he joined the United States Air Force.

Later, he decided to attend Pembroke State University. He graduated in 1964 with a degree in social studies. On August 20, 1965, he married Sandra Ransom. They had two sons together.

Henry worked as a school teacher for six years. However, he later decided to study law. He wanted to help Native American candidates succeed in politics. He believed a law degree would help him in a political career. He also felt that being a lawyer would give him more freedom than teaching.

Political Career

In 1973, a representative from the 21st District passed away. This was Frank S. White. On March 15, the local Democratic Party chose Oxendine to fill the open spot. The Governor of North Carolina then officially appointed him.

Henry Oxendine was sworn into office on March 19, 1973. This made him the first Native American to serve in the North Carolina General Assembly. He hoped his appointment would build trust in the political system. He also wanted to help different groups understand each other better.

When Oxendine joined, most new laws for 1973 were already suggested. He voted for more money for public schools. He also supported a law about driver's licenses. This law said licenses could be taken away if a driver refused a breathalyzer test. He voted against allowing liquor sales by the drink. He worried it would lead to more drinking and unsafe roads.

At the time, Oxendine was studying law at North Carolina Central University School of Law. He made a plan with the dean to take classes when the legislature was not meeting. He earned his law degree later in 1973. In June 1974, he opened his own law office in Pembroke.

Second Term and Later Roles

Oxendine was reelected to his seat. He served on several important committees. These included Insurance, Education, and Judiciary. During the 1975 session, he supported bills introduced by other representatives. He helped pass laws to improve prisons. He also sponsored a successful bill. This bill allowed people who wrote a bad check to pay fines without a court trial.

In March 1976, Oxendine decided not to run for reelection. Instead, he wanted to become a judge. He ran for a judgeship in the 16th Judicial District. He lost the election in August. Horace Locklear took his place in the legislature.

In March 1977, Governor Jim Hunt appointed Oxendine to a state council. This council focused on secondary roads. In July, he was appointed to the new North Carolina Board of Paroles. He was sworn in on July 18. In 2008, he became a judge for the Supreme Court of the Lumbee Tribe.

Later Life

Henry Ward Oxendine passed away on November 19, 2020.