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Most American Indians who migrated to Baltimore had limited access to formal education in their communities of origin. In the city, there was increased access, but a critical need for advocacy. Baltimore’s American Indian children have benefited from community-run daycares and the federal Indian Education Program in Baltimore City Public Schools, active since 1973. And of course, informal education takes place everywhere.
“<span class="small-caps">correcting misconceptions</span> — Mrs. Elizabeth Locklear [Lumbee], one of the outstanding women in the Baltimore Indian community, says the white man has ruined the image of the American Indian by associating only the feathers, headbands, and scalping to American Indians.” Photo by Paul T. Whyte for the News American, July 28, 1971, permission from Hearst Corporation.
Young Stanton Lewis (Lumbee) holds onto the sliding board at the community daycare led by Vera Shank, a Quaker woman, and mothers of the American Indian community, including Stanton's mother, Mary Helen Lewis, and Elizabeth Locklear (both Lumbee). This daycare was housed in the catholic church at E. Baltimore and Washington Streets. It was Vera Shank and the mothers of the community who began organizing to develop the American Indian Study Center, courtesy of Mary Helen Lewis.
“<span class="small-caps">help</span>: ‘Sometimes I get behind on my work and it helps to do extra,’ says Tina Oxendine [Lumbee], 8, of Rogers Elementary.” Photo by Rich Riggins for the News American, November 14, 1983, permission from Hearst Corporation.
“<span class="small-caps">shared studies</span>: James Jones, 9, and Tina Oxendine [both Lumbee] work on math problems at Commodore John Rogers Elementary.” Photo by Rich Riggins for the News American, November 14, 1983, permission from Hearst Corporation.
“Mrs. Lizzie Frew [Lumbee] instructs the children of the Indian Education Project at School 27.” Photo by Rich Riggins for the News American, November 14, 1983, permission from Hearst Corporation.
“Lizzie Frew drills James Jones [both Lumbee] on math.” Photo by Rich Riggins for the News American, November 14, 1983, permission from Hearst Corporation.
Elinor Cahn, Theresa Lee Oxendine [Lumbee], 1979. Gelatin silver print, 10 x 8 in. East Baltimore Documentary Photography Project Collection, The Photography Collections, University of Maryland Baltimore County (Coll_278-26-282)
