history of banning intermarriage with blacks. SO WHAT'S THE PROBLEM ?

Black lawmakers against recognition of Virginia tribe  Published November 28, 2014  Associated Press

Nov. 25, 2009: Pamunkey Councilmen Jeff Brown, left, and Gary Miles, hold a deer as their Chief Kevin Brown presents it to Gov. Tim Kaine, second from left, during the annual tax tribute from the Virginia Indians to the Virginia governor. Several members of the Congressional Black Caucus are urging the Obama administration to withhold federal recognition of the Pamunkey tribe in southeast Virginia because of its history of banning intermarriage with blacks.

Several members of the Congressional Black Caucus are urging the Obama administration to withhold federal recognition of a Virginia Indian tribe because of its history of banning intermarriage with blacks.
In January, the Interior Department proposed recognizing the Pamunkey tribe in southeast Virginia, which would make members eligible for special benefits in education, housing and medical care -- and allow the tribe to pursue a casino. A decision on recognition, which would be the first for a Virginia tribe, is due by March 30.

 

The Congressional Black Caucus members urged Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and Attorney General Eric Holder to hold off until the Justice Department investigates any discriminatory practices by the tribe. Neither department has responded to the request, made in a Sept. 23 letter, according to a spokeswoman for Mississippi Democrat Bennie Thompson, who signed the letter.

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