Pembroke, NC - New Sunrise Productions is proud to announce the re-release of the album "Proud to be a Lumbee" on CD. Originally recorded in 1979 by world-renowned recording artist Willie French Lowery and a group of Lumbee children, it is now available once again by popular demand. It will be available at the 36th annual Lumbee Homecoming and is already available for purchase from various area businesses.

For over 30 years, Willie French Lowery has visited schools in Robeson County and across the nation, teaching valuable lessons through the gift of song to children of all races. He composed the album while an Instructor at the Lumbee Regional Development Association's Center for the Arts program. He didn't have to ask for any volunteers when it came time to record. "These children who were attending the Center for the Arts came up to me and wanted to be a part of the project," Lowery states. "It made me feel really good; those kids inspired me."

The album is dedicated to the memory of Janie Maynor Locklear, an influential woman who helped guide the children who attended the Center in many ways. It features Lowery on lead vocals and playing the guitar. Miriam Oxendine is featured on vocals and piano. Seven children were inspired by Lowery and wanted to be a part of this project: Corey Lowery, Maurice Lowery, Teresa Tyler, Melinda Locklear, Teresa Locklear, Connie Lowery and Clint Lowery. This album truly touched the hearts of many. Although these children are now adults, their contributions to the album are very important to this day.

At the time of the first release it was played in schools, daycare centers and around the nation. Many times Lowery would go into the schools and to his amazement, the children would sing these songs to him! "I remember playing the album for my children in the daycare," one director states. "I look forward to playing it for the generation which I now have in my facilities. I played the original album for some of their parents."

Although the album was originally made to celebrate Lumbee heritage, it is now a group of songs for all children and people from all walks of life. It includes several special songs for children entitled "This World You Know God Made It," "Henry and Rhoda's Love Song," "Rowing Down Lumbee River" and "Let Us Meet Where the Rivers Run Cold." The history of the Lumbee Indians is featured in the songs "Old Main," "Lumbee Leaders," "Lumbee Homecoming," and "Henry Berry Lowery is My Hero."

"Parents can sing these songs with their children and sing about something good," Lowery continues. "You can really hear the children singing and enjoying themselves as all children should be able to do." Many of the children who were once students at the daycare centers are buying these CDs so that they can share Lumbee pride with their children.

Lowery's songs are also performed on the album "Tribute to Old Main" and on the soundtrack from the outdoor drama "Strike at the Wind!" Both recordings will be released on CD in the near future to an eager audience.

This is a limited edition of this album. It is currently on sale in Pembroke at Eaglefeather Arts & Crafts, Sheff's Seafood, Native Herbs, UNCP Bookstore, Native American Resource Center at UNCP, Ride the Wind Gas Station- Hwy 710, and the Subway Store on Prospect Road. CDs will also be available at a booth at this year's Lumbee Homecoming Parade on July 3. You can also purchase one with a credit card at http://www.willielowery.com. For more information please call Malinda Maynor at 521-9513, Cookie Clark at 522-6464 or 521-9076, or visit Willie's website at http://www.willielowery.com.