RCC Foundation Receives $24,000 donation from Julian T. Pierce Memorial Initiative

The Robeson Community College Foundation was bestowed with a $24,000 gift from the Julian T. Pierce Memorial Initiative on Thursday, October 28. The money donated will go towards scholarships for students, in continuing the legacy of Julian T. Pierce to support education and equality for all people. The money was raised during the 8th Annual Julian T. Pierce Memorial Art Dinner held earlier this year in August.

“We are thankful for the continued support in honor of Julian,” said Lisa Hunt, assistant vice president of foundation and grants at RCC. “He was a remarkable man with great vision, and the money raised will help to continue his legacy for generations to come.”

Pierce was a lawyer and civil rights activists, fighting for equality for the Lumbee Tribe of which he was a member, and for all individuals. In 1988, he ran for Superior Court Judge, a new judgeship created by the North Carolina General Assembly for Robeson County. In March 1988, just a few weeks before the election, Pierce was tragically killed in his home. It was determined that Pierce actually won the election that year, posthumously, by more than 2000 votes.

The memorial dinner was started by Lumbee Tribal Chairman, Harvey Godwin, who served as the campaign manager for Pierce during his run for Superior Judge, as a way to honor the man, whom many would attest had made such a difference in his community.

“Julian was an activist for all people,” said Jessica Bullard, foundation director at RCC. “He advocated for others to receive resources they needed, whether that was education, legal assistance, or healthcare.”

Pierce is remembered for his work to inspire great social change in the community. He founded the Lumbee River Legal Services and Robeson County Health Care Corporation. He was instrumental in integrating Robeson County’s schools into one school system to provide quality education for all.

“Having been involved with the Julian T. Pierce committee for several years, I appreciate the work and support that goes into the Julian Memorial Initiative,” said Jessica Bullard. “Now that I am the new Foundation Director at RCC, I know this donation will assist in funding multiple scholarships to students in need, fulfilling Julian’s vision and legacy.”

In the years since his death, many people have been inspired by his life to enter the professional fields where minorities have been historically underrepresented.

“Robeson Community College is very appreciative of this endowment,” said RCC President Melissa Singler. “To date, we have received more than $110,000 in scholarship funds from the Julian T. Pierce Memorial Initiative, which have helped countless students from all walks of life over the years and continues to assist students in getting a quality education, as they pursue their hopes and dreams, something that I believe Julian Pierce would be proud to know.”

The 2021 Julian T. Pierce Memorial Art Dinner raised over $60,000 in support of scholarships. The University of North Carolina at Pembroke, where Pierce received his bachelor’s degree, received $24,000, and North Carolina Central University School of Law, the institution where Pierce earned his juris doctorate, was the recipient of $2,000.