It’s pretty well known by every citizen of the United States of America that our country is celebrating the 250th anniversary of its founding this year. No matter what your political opinions, religious beliefs or ethnic background, hopefully we can all agree that two and a half centuries of freedom is worth acknowledging and celebrating.
It may not feel like it in our day-to-day lives, but Sampson County is an important piece of American history. People who lived in what is now Sampson County fought and died for our freedoms, just like any other county in the first colonies.
But, what’s important to note — and we’re so proud that our Sampson County America 250 organizers recognize this — is that there were people here before immigrants from Europe crossed the Atlantic and settled on our East Coast. There were native tribes — specifically in our area, the Coharie and also the Lumbee in nearby Robeson County. And, to the credit of America 250 planners, these indigenous individuals are also a part of our country’s 250th celebration.
This past Saturday, Sampson’s own America 250 celebration kicked off with a ceremony at Clinton City Hall. In addition to historians like Joel Rose, director of the Sampson County History Museum, and Jack Fryar, the event also included Nancy Chavis, director and curator of the Museum of the Southeast American Indian, and Pamela Brewington Cashwell, the secretary of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, who also happens to be of Coharie and Lumbee heritage.
Several events later this year that are part of America 250 will also highlight the Coharie contribution to Sampson County’s rich history and culture. It is heartening to know that, at least here in our neck of the woods, the native peoples are not forgotten. In fact, they’re being celebrated as just as much a part of this nation as the descendants of colonists. If we’re completely honest, the United States belongs to them more than it does to those of us whose ancestors came across an ocean to get here. Natives should be celebrated and honored.
After all, though politicians like to call America a Christian nation, it certainly didn’t start out that way. Predominantly European Christians came to this land, took it from the people who lived here and changed it to suit their way of life. By keeping American Indian culture and traditions alive, we are honoring the true American citizens, who were here long before most of us arrived.
By that same token, also this weekend, the Warren family honored their ancestor, Simon Warren, who was born a slave on a Sampson County plantation. As much as some of us would like to forget that human beings served in bondage for centuries on this very land, the truth is that they did, and there’s proof of that dark stage in American history. Just like indigenous people, they should not be forgotten. Slaves helped build this country into what it is today, and they are just as much a part of our history as the Revolutionary War heroes, Civil War generals and everyday rural residents that lived long before any of us did.
What makes America great is its diversity, and we applaud our local America 250 committee for recognizing that, right here at home.