A few weeks ago, residents of Robeson County felt a sense of pride and connection as Congress and President Trump granted the Lumbee Tribe the recognition they had fought for over a century. The
Lumbee Tribe, one of the largest Native American tribes in the Southeast, has a long history rooted in Robeson County. This recognition highlights their cultural contributions and historical
significance, making it an important milestone that can inspire community pride and unity.
Robeson County, one of the poorest counties in North Carolina, is poised for positive change and is likely to benefit neighboring counties as well, fostering a sense of optimism and community pride among residents. While the recognition itself does not guarantee immediate economic gains, it can open doors for grants, cultural programs, and community projects that contribute to local growth. As the community
explores new ideas, this shared progress can strengthen our collective identity and pride in
Robeson's future.
Cumberland County, located just north of Robeson, is poised to benefit from Robeson's increased affluence, especially with the completion of I-295 and improved accessibility to I-95 south. The Lumbees' tribal recognition does not automatically guarantee the establishment of a nearby casino. In fact, only about 42 percent of federally recognized tribes operate gaming facilities, totaling 474 across 28 states. The remaining 58 percent, or 329 tribes, do not have gaming operations, which can help residents feel more informed and less anxious about potential gaming developments.
However, casinos can offer job opportunities for residents of tribal lands, where unemployment rates are often high, such as in Robeson County. Given the potential benefits, it's difficult not to support Robeson and its various growth possibilities. While Robeson faces many challenges, we hope for a lasting positive change in the community.
Gaining national recognition for your shortcomings rather than your strengths can be quite challenging. A few years ago, I spoke with a criminal justice scholar from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York about strategies for engaging at-risk communities without relying on law enforcement. My focus was on exploring alternative law enforcement strategies specifically for Fayetteville. During one of our discussions,
the professor unexpectedly shifted the topic to Lumberton in Robeson County, mentioning that its murder rate was higher than that of Chicago. I left that discussion feeling troubled. The profes-sor wasn't prejudiced; he was simply analyzing data from behind his desk, and the statistics regarding Lumberton, NC's murder and crime rates stood out.
I empathize with our southern neighbor. Poverty and crime have a strong, complex correlation. Economic hardship, limited opportunities, and community disadvantage contribute to this issue. While not a direct cause-and-effect relationship, property crime often links directly to need.
I am genuinely excited about how the recent events will positively impact Robeson County and its neighboring areas, because I believe the negatives are about to change into positives. I hope that some scholars are observing this situation with a critical eye. More importantly, I pray that God will bless this community, helping them achieve prosperity and success without limits.