By Ben Rappaport
By exploring major historical events of his people, 19-year-old Lumbee author Kaden Thompson is bringing his cultural identity to the forefront of his creative work.
The Robeson County native has self published three books in his young career, two of which explore flashpoints of the Lumbee tribe. With each story he examines how events of the past, including the Lowry War and the Battle of Hayes Pond, continue to shape the tribe today.
His first book, “Henry,” was born during the COVID-19 pandemic when Thompson was searching for a way to fill his time. It explores the story of his fourth great-grandfather Henry Berry Lowry, a Robin Hood-esque figure of the Lumbee tribe for his role in preventing forced labor by white supremacists in the 1860s and ’70s.
The story of the Lowry Gang has been reenacted since 1976 in a theatrical production, “Strike at the Wind.” Thompson has performed in the play for six consecutive years, and this year he is playing his most prominent role as Boss Strong. The play had its opening night last weekend and will have more shows this weekend at the Adolph Dial Amphitheater in Pembroke.
Thompson’s second book, “The Battle of Hayes Pond,” is a historical fiction novel that transports readers to 1950s Robeson County. It follows the story of Koda Locklear, a fictional Lumbee boy, as he confronts prejudice and witnesses a historic clash with the Ku Klux Klan. Thompson is currently in the process of adapting the book into a stage play.
From the page to the stage, Thompson views his pursuits as an act of honoring his elders and serving the community. The Border Belt Independent spoke with Thompson during the current run of “Strike at the Wind” about his work and Lumbee heritage. This conversation has been edited for clarity and brevity.
BBI: What began your writing career? How does your identity as Lumbee influence your work?
Thompson: I am a passionate advocate for the community and preserving Indigenous culture. I was never good at writing, but during the pandemic while I was in ninth grade I needed something to keep me busy. I just started writing about Henry Lowry and fell in love with his story.
In 2018, I was in my first production of “Strike at The Wind,” which is about Henry. Seeing his story come to life made me realize this is something and someone more people need to know about. These are stories that need to be in textbooks, but aren’t.
When I was starting out, I didn’t know any other Lumbee authors. I’ve since been connected with several others, but when I began I wanted to be someone the next generation could look up to.
Let’s start with your first book, “Henry.” Who were you trying to reach with that story and what informed some of your creative choices?
My audience is everyone. People can pick it up even if they’re not from Robeson County and understand the story.
When I was crafting my version of Henry Lowry, I thought about the portrayals of him I’d seen in “Strike at the Wind” and the stories of my great-grandmother who was raised by Henry’s daughter. She passed away in 2021, but while I was writing the book I spoke with her a lot about stories that she heard growing up.
In my eyes, Henry Berry Lowry is a Lumbee hero for his role in stopping the transportation of marginalized youth during the Civil War and helping to build Fort Fisher. I think it’s also because of the Lowry War that we got the Croatan Normal School, which led to many Lumbees becoming teachers.
These events that you’re writing about — the Lowry War and the Battle of Hayes Pond — are pretty traumatic in the history of the tribe. Why do you feel it’s important to share these stories even if they’re painful?
A lot of our elders are dying. That comes off as very harsh, but it’s the truth. And a lot of knowledge is going with them because a lot of this is not documented. So my inspiration for writing this is that even after I’m gone, the next generations will be able to know our history. As traumatic as it may be, it’s important to know about the resilience and the formidable spirit of the Lumbee culture.
Writing about these events has given me a deeper personal connection to my heritage, too. These stories are things that grow with me. I never want it to be a static publication; I always want it to grow and evolve.
You’re currently in “Strike at the Wind” as Boss Strong. It’s your sixth year doing the show and your third different role. How have you seen the production change and evolve over time?
The play has been around since 1976, and when it first began it was so critical in cementing Lumbee heritage and culture. It being passed down for so long has given me a better understanding of our culture and of our people. Being out there, you connect with people in a way that I don’t think I otherwise would.
I’ve continued to do the play for so many years because of my connection to Henry Berry Lowry and my firm belief that these stories need to be told. I also love that it’s something for the community. There’s so much violence and crime in Robeson County, so I think anything that can add to the community in a positive way is important.
In the fall you’re going to start as a student at UNC-Wilmington. How do you think Robeson County will stick with you going forward?
I learned a lot in my childhood from my grandparents and my elders. No matter what I do, I can hear my grandpa telling me, “If you do something right the first time, you won’t have to do it again,” which has become something I live by.
Honestly, in college I don’t intend to study writing. I’m planning to study criminal justice. I want writing to be more of a hobby for me so that it continues to feel fulfilling and enjoyable.
What are some stories and topics you’d like to write about in the future?
Lumbee narratives will always be at the forefront for me. I want to tell stories about Julian Pierce, and the tribe’s fight for federal recognition. I’m currently in the process of writing a commentary on the Lumbee petitions for federal recognition.
I’m also working on Project Eclipse, which is a stage adaptation of “The Battle of Hayes Pond.” Being able to flesh out those characters on stage has been really exciting, and I can’t wait for people to see it.
For more information about Kaden Thompson’s work visit www.kadenryanbooks.com or follow him on Facebook.
