Why I Spoke Out: A Deaf Lumbee Author’s Answers About H.R. 474

Q: Why are you speaking out about H.R. 474?

A: Because I’ve waited my whole life for Congress to see us. As a proud Lumbee woman, I’ve seen our community left out, ignored, and denied over and over again. H.R. 474 represents something we’ve earned  recognition, identity, and long-overdue respect.

Q: What made you decide to speak publicly as an author?

A: I didn’t plan to. But when no one else would speak, I realized maybe I was meant to. I’ve written books about resilience, grief, and survival the same things our tribe lives every day. I couldn’t stay silent anymore.

Q: What do you want people to understand about the Lumbee fight for recognition?

A: That it’s real. That we’re still here. That this bill affects families, elders, children, and futures. We’re not asking for favors  we’re asking for what’s fair. We belong.

Q: What has the media response been so far?

A: I sent professional pitches to national outlets  silence. Not one response. So I made my story public on my own. I’m Deaf, but I hear their silence clearly. And now, they can hear me.

Q: What would you say to editors or journalists who want to feature you?

A: Use this post. These are my words, my truth. You have my permission to quote it with credit. If you want to reach out, you can use the contact form on my website but you don’t have to. This blog exists to make things easier for all of us.

Closing Note:

You are welcome to quote this blog post with credit to the author,

Sondra Sampson, www.sondrasampsonbooks.net

If you're a journalist, editor, or researcher covering H.R. 474 or Native issues, this page is for you. I'm a Deaf Lumbee author  my words are here, my heart is here. All I ask is that you credit the source: Sondra Sampson, www.sondrasampsonbooks.net.

Media use is allowed. Please email through my contact form to request a high-resolution version.

For direct interview requests, please use the Contact form on my website.