Triangle Native American Society Inc

Hi!

My name is Reed, and I am a high school junior and a member of the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina. Since 2022 I have raced in cross country and track, and this year I decided I want an extra challenge… I signed up for my very first half-marathon!

This winter, I will train for the Oak Island Half Marathon in NC on February 15, 2025, where I will combine two of my passions and run as an (unofficial!) charity runner.

I chose to raise funds and awareness for the Wake County Title VI Indian Education Program through their parent committee! This is an incredible organization that serves urban Native American students in my county, supporting specific educational and cultural needs of Native kids (around 70% of Natives live in urban areas). This federally funded program also creates community since we live away from our tribes and usually do not attend the same schools.

Native American students represent around 1% of the total K-12 student population in the United States; however, we face significant educational challenges including lower graduation rates, higher dropout rates, and a wider achievement gap compared to their peers, often attributed to factors like socioeconomic disparities and lack of culturally relevant curriculum within schools. Indian education programs around the country help Native youth overcome these statistics.

I have been part of this organization for over 11 years and have participated in events where we learn more about our traditional culture from drumming, dancing, and beading, to academic focused activities like book clubs, tutoring, test prep, and STEM workshops. We have opportunities to speak to the school board and other committees to improve awareness, representation, and ensure appropriate education on Native history and contemporary issues.

I have been the only Native American student in my public school classrooms. It means a lot to me to have a group of students and parents who share my culture and experiences.

Your support can help Indian Education bring more cultural and educational opportunities to Native students in my area!

Thank you so much,

Reed

Check out my Instagram @reed_m_e for more information and updates.

https://www.wakecountyindianed.org/home