I began emailing dozens of editors, journalists, and national newsrooms.

On June 26, 2025, I began emailing dozens of editors, journalists, and national newsrooms. I spoke up as a Deaf Lumbee author, asking them to cover the stalled fight for federal recognition and the story of H.R. 474  a bill that was promised action within 90 days and has now been sitting for over 160.

Then, on July 1, 2025, Lumbee Chairman John Lowery publicly said, “We have a lot of support throughout Indian Country.” His words confirmed what I already knew: this moment matters. Our voices deserve to be heard.

Yet even after his statement  and after my second round of outreach  I received no response.

I contacted:

• People Magazine (public tips & feedback inboxes)
• CNN (story ideas and opinion editors)
• The Washington Post (over 30 editorial staff)
• Native News Online
• AP News, ABC 11, The New York Times, Oprah Magazine, NPR, and others

These were all professional pitches. I shared my story. I shared my books. I spoke from experience, truth, and identity  and the silence I received was deafening.

While the media filled headlines with celebrities and politics, I asked them to see something deeper: a Deaf Lumbee woman standing up for her tribe’s dignity.

They didn’t respond. Not one.

But I’m still here. And I will not be silent.

My voice matters. My story matters. My tribe matters.

H.R. 474 is still waiting. So am I.

-Sondra Sampson