Juanita, Emma Jean, and Sometimes Hughie

Book excerpt: This story in 2018 has an anniversary of fifty-eight years. I wrote this book for information and to tell our story. We are Native Americans, and we live in Dunn, which is located in Harnett County, North Carolina. This book is a true account of the struggle of two brave Indian brothers who wanted better education opportunities for their children. My dad often made this statement: "Parents want a better life for their children than what they have experienced." He often reminded me and my nine siblings, "Your money could be taken, your valuables stolen, but no one could take knowledge from you." After the eighth grade, there were no accommodations in Harnett County for Indian high school students. High school students attended the state run Eastern Carolina Institute for Indian Children. This involved a seventy-two-mile round-trip on a bus daily. We had to rely upon our Lord and Savior for our strength. Our journey would take six long years. It was our faith that made us strong for the challenge. When the mission was accomplished, six of the siblings received an education at Dunn High School.