LUMBEE HOMECOMING 

     Lumbee Homecoming officially started in 1968, the year after Cheryl Ransom (Locklear) was crowned the first Miss Lumbee. It has grown since that initial beauty pageant into one of the largest events held in Southeastern North Carolina. The first Miss Lumbee pageant was held in September of 1967, around the Recreation Center Swimming Pool; now known as the North Carolina Indian Cultural Center. The late R&B music legend Percy Sledge served as a judge for the first pageant.  Now, there are four additional pageants ranging from a Little Miss to a Senior Ms. Pageant. The week-long celebration features a parade, outdoor gospel music concert, food and craft vendors, athletic events, a car show, and dozens of other events,  Lumbee Tribe, UNC-Pembroke, Town of Pembroke, and others have added programs and events to coincide with Lumbee Homecoming, the Kiwanis of Pembroke sponsor the annual 5K run and the Lumbee Warriors Association host the Veterans Military Ball each year. Lumbee Indians from all across the United States look forward to returning home during the fourth of July Lumbee Homecoming festivities year after year.