Miss Lumbee 2008-2009
Ashley Haywood

Parents: Barbara and Steven Rumsey

Hello everyone, I am Miss Lumbee 2008-2009 Ashley Haywood. It is an honor and privilege to be an ambassador for such a rich and colorful cultural heritage. Recently being crowned as a representative of the Lumbee Tribe is without a doubt one of the greatest accomplishments in my life. My job as Miss Lumbee includes promoting our culture by educating others about the Lumbee Nation. These constituents include all Lumbee and non-Lumbee I come in contact with as I serve as the leader of the ambassadors during my reign. My focus shall be on our youth and implementing my platform — Fit For Life.

Our people, especially our children, do not know the stories and legacies passed on by our ancestors from generation to generation. Why does it have to be this way? Like the old Proverb says, “You do not know where you are going if you do not know where from you came.” Providing our people with cultural empowerment will ensure that our values, beliefs, traditions and our way of life shall endure in these modern times. I hope to plan times of storytelling and to begin documenting the stories and legacies of the past which have not been documented already. I shall use the technologies of today to further preserve our history.

We are an accomplished people. We are proud to be the largest and greatest tribe east of the Mississippi River. My duty not only as a Miss Lumbee but also, as Native Woman is to preserve our culture from the past, celebrate it in the present and sustain it in the future — through cultural experiences. With this acknowledgement, each individual has a responsibility not only to maintain our Lumbee culture, but to carry it on to further generations. For the past four years I have been very fortunate to assist in accomplishing those responsibilities with the use of my personal platform.
I am the proud founder of Fit For Life. This non-profit organization is dedicated to the memory of my late grandfather, Mr. Neal Oxendine. The mission of Fit For Life is to foster the spiritual, mental, physical, and social development of our youth through cultural experiences and education. Research supports that over thirty percent of Lumbee youth and adults suffer from obesity. The co-morbidities are type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, asthma and depression.
Becoming Miss Lumbee 2008-2009 has provided an avenue to amplify my voice in the mission of the preservation of our culture and heritage and healthier lifestyles. It is my personal philosophy that, “Our youth is our future and our elders are our guide.” Through these words I can seek guidance from our ancestors and fulfill my goal in educating our youth for a better tomorrow. Currently and forever more, my pursuit will be, to promote awareness of our tribe and be a representative for our Lumbee Nation.

I would to thank all the many wonderful and gracious people that have been a contributed to my success, My Lord & savior Jesus Christ, my mom & dad, Aunt Mary, Aunt Margie, G-Ma, Aunt Toni, Uncle Tim, Cousin Courtney, and Great G-ma Margie. A special thank you to all my sponsors!

Also I would like to thank all the amazing people that helped my through my journey. To Mr. Errol Oxendine, you’re a remarkable person! Words cannot explain how truly amazing you are, thanks for all the words of encouragement. Mrs. Jeanne Koonce, your one tough cookie! I’m grateful for the constructive criticism, it paid off. Thanks to Mrs. Nahir & Mr. Kent, Mrs. Celeste, Kenda, Mrs. Joan & Denzel Locklear, Deidre Locklear; I have recognized the love you have for your family and others, thank you again for everything. Mrs. Kat & Ray Little Turtle, thank you for helping me prepare for my regalia competition. With your wisdom & knowledge I was able to speak the Catawba language with such honor & pride. Thanks to Mr. Robert Canida, Virgil Oxendine, Amanda Faircloth, RD Locklear, Rebekah Revels, Laura Kay Oxendine, Gewanne Hunt, Becky Goins and Mrs. Sharon, for you’re gracious & humble advice. Jocelyn Hunt, your sincerity and compassion radiates! You without a doubt exude the qualities of a leader. I am proud to follow in your footsteps.

To my fellow ambassadors, Page, Kayla, and Drew, I am looking forward to our adventures together. Page, the dream is finally a reality! Over the years I have witnessed you grow into an outstanding young lady and I could think of no other person to share this dream with than you. Drew, you’re an intelligent, talented, and beautiful little lady. I have fallen in love with your smile. To Kayla, cousin we’ve made grandma proud! Words can’t express the love I have for you. You are the little sister I never had!

I have recognized the importance of leadership within our Lumbee community. I feel incredibly blessed to be given this opportunity. I will represent the Lumbee people with pride, honor, and respect. My journey has only begun!

Ashley Nicole Haywood
Miss Lumbee 2008-2009

2008 Teen & Miss Lumbee Pageant

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