A HOUSE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF JULIAN T. PIERCE IN RECOGNITION OF HIS EXEMPLARY EFFORTS ON BEHALF OF EQUAL JUSTICE.
Whereas, Julian T. Pierce was born on January 2, 1946, one of 11 children of a Lumbee Indian farming family, in Hoke County; and
Whereas, Julian T. Pierce received a full academic scholarship at age 16 to attend Pembroke University, where he received a bachelor's degree in chemistry in 1966; and
Whereas, Julian T. Pierce worked as a chemist for the Norfolk Naval Shipyard for eight years prior to pursuing a career in law; and
Whereas, Julian T. Pierce earned a juris doctorate degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law in 1976, and a master of laws degree in tax from Georgetown University School of Law in 1978; and
Whereas, Julian T. Pierce worked in the Office of the General Counsel of the Securities and Exchange Commission for two years prior to becoming the first Executive Director of Lumbee River Legal Services; and
Whereas, Julian T. Pierce spent his entire legal career advocating, in and out of the courts, for equal justice for all; and
Whereas, Julian T. Pierce was committed to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of his people, and spent many years working to win federal recognition for the Lumbee tribe; and
Whereas, in 1988, Julian T. Pierce sought to become the first Lumbee member of the judiciary, but his campaign was halted when he was murdered at the age of 42; and
Whereas, the results of the election showed Julian T. Pierce received 10,787 votes to his opponent's 8,231 votes; and
Whereas, Julian T. Pierce, in his brief life, demonstrated that the law could be used to positively impact the lives of poor and disenfranchised people in his community and this State; and
Whereas, Julian T. Pierce remains a role model to many in the Lumbee community, as well as the greater Pembroke area, because of the struggles he overcame to become a lawyer, the battles he fought on behalf of his people and his clients, and the integrity, perseverance, and motivation he showed even in the face of personal danger; and
Whereas, Julian T. Pierce was so beloved by his family, friends, community, and colleagues that even 27 years after his death, efforts are made each year to commemorate his life by funding scholarships, awards, and projects in his name, and by efforts to continue educating others about his efforts to ensure equality for all; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives honors the life and memory of Julian T. Pierce for his efforts to ensure that every citizen received equal justice under the law, and his dedication to preserving and honoring the history and culture of the Lumbee Indians.
SECTION 2.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the family of Julian T. Pierce.
SECTION 3.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.