Lumbee Indians and members of the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs came together on the grounds of the state capital Wednesday after comments made on a popular local radio show.
RALEIGH -- Lumbee Indians and members of the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs came together on the grounds of the state capital Wednesday after comments made on a popular local radio show.
"We've always become enraged at the things he says, but in particular because he attacked our tribe,” said Beth Jacobs in regards to the crew at the “Bob and the Showgram” show on G105, WDCG-FM in Raleigh.
Bob Dumas, the long-time host of the show, talked with co-hosts and an intern at the station about the interns upcoming marriage to a Lumbee Indian. "This is the God's honest truth...now I mean you can look at the statistics,” he said while on the air. “Indians are lazy. Do you know that before you get married?"
Continued Mike Morse and “Kentucky” Kristin on the radio show, “After you guys get married are you going to have a teepee warming party? I hear Pottery Barn is making really great stuff for teepees these days."
After this, the N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs called on not only Lumbee tribe members, but all Native American tribes in the state to boycott G105, the station’s parent company Clear Channel, and their advertisers.
"It was surprising and disgusting to me conversations that he had,” said Jacobs. “He created a pretext of factual information."
The show’s talent was suspended for three days. For many Lumbees, this was not enough.
Added Gregory Richardson of the N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs, “Statements such as those made by media personalities on G105 are evidence that the institution of racism is ever present."
WDCG-FM station manager Dick Harlow issued an apology on the air and on the station’s web site, saying “WDCG apologizes to any listener that may have found remarks or recordings played Tuesday, April 1, 2008, during “Bob and the Showgram” to be offensive, derogatory or insensitive. WDCG does not condone inappropriate behavior, language or sensitive remarks.”
The show’s talent was suspended for three days. For many Lumbees, this was not enough.
"Bob has a three day vacation -- with pay as far as I know. How is that an apology? If Bob wants to apologize to the American Indians and Lumbees, come to our face and apologize,” stated Jimmy Goins, chairman of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.
Added Jacobs, “We’re not going to stop until [they’re] off the air.”
The Commission of Indian Affairs is also calling for the FCC to investigate Clear Channel Communications. The group asked that Clear Channel donate $50,000 over 10 years to UNC Pembroke.
Dumas has been suspended at least four other times for comments and radio stunts at G105. He and his co-hosts will return from suspension Monday morning.