List of Lumbees facts for kids

The Lumbee people are a large Native American tribe, mostly living in southeastern North Carolina. They have a rich history and culture. Many Lumbee individuals have achieved great things in different fields, showing their talent and dedication. This article highlights some of these notable people and their contributions.

Lumbee Leaders in Education

Many Lumbee people have made a big difference in education, helping students learn and grow.

Supporting Native American Students

Dean Chavers is an important educator who has worked to help Native American students. He is the director of an organization called Catching the Dream. This group helps students get scholarships to go to college and pursue their dreams.

Advocating for Quality Schools

Ben Chavis is another educator and author. He has worked hard to improve schools, especially in cities. He was a key leader at the American Indian Public Charter School in Oakland, California. This school even won a special award called the National Blue Ribbon Award in 2007 for its excellence.

Pioneering Native American Women in Math

Freda Porter is a very important scientist. She is an applied mathematician and an environmental scientist. She is known as one of the first Native American women to earn a PhD in math. Her work helps us understand and protect our environment.

Community Work and Activism

Ruth Dial Woods was a dedicated educator and community worker. She was also an activist, meaning she worked to bring about positive change in her community.

Lumbee People in Sports

The Lumbee community has produced many talented athletes who have excelled in various sports.

NFL Players

Kenwin Cummings is a former professional football player. He played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) after playing college football at Wingate University.

Keenan Allen is another talented American football player. He plays as a wide receiver for the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL.

Baseball Stars

Gene Locklear was a professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for teams like the Cincinnati Reds and the San Diego Padres.

Gymnastics Champions

Ashton Locklear is an amazing artistic gymnast. She was part of the United States team that won a world championship in 2014. She was also an alternate for the 2016 Olympic Team and a member of the 2017 World Championship team.

Basketball Coaches

Kelvin Sampson is a well-known basketball coach. He has coached both college and professional basketball teams. Currently, he is the Head Coach for the Houston Cougars men's basketball team.

Lumbee People in Arts and Entertainment

Many Lumbee individuals have shared their talents in the world of arts and entertainment.

Professional Wrestlers

Chris Chavis is a professional wrestler. He is known for his exciting performances in the wrestling ring.

Hip Hop Artists

Anybody Killa (also known as ABK) is a hip hop artist. His parents are Lumbee from North Carolina, and he is known for his unique music style.

Grammy-Nominated Singers

Jana Mashonee (born Jana Sampson) is a very talented singer. She has been nominated for two Grammy Awards and has won 10 Native American Music Awards, also known as Nammy Awards.

Actresses

Heather Locklear is a well-known American actress. She has starred in many television shows and movies.

Lumbee People in Public Service and Law

Lumbee individuals have also served their communities in important roles in government and law.

Political Leaders

Charles Graham is a member of the North Carolina General Assembly. This is where laws are made for the state of North Carolina.

Legal Advocates

Julian Pierce was a lawyer who worked hard for his community. In 1988, he ran for a judge position in Robeson County, North Carolina. He won the election, which would have made him the first Native American to hold that position in the state.

Museum Directors

Helen Maynor Scheirbeck has played an important role in preserving Native American culture. She was appointed by the United States Congress to the Board of Directors for the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI). She also serves as the Assistant Director of Public Programs at the NMAI.

Lumbee People in Religious Leadership

Some Lumbee individuals have also become leaders in religious communities.

Southern Baptist Clergymen

Johnny Hunt is a Southern Baptist clergyman. A clergyman is a leader in a religious organization. He has served as a senior pastor and was also the national president of the Southern Baptist Convention.