James Earl Locklear (Lumbee) is originally from Red Springs, North Carolina. He migrated to Baltimore when he was 17 years old and now considers Maryland home. He likes to wear American Indian-style bolo ties and ball caps, which sometimes spark questions from strangers. He enjoys sharing about his heritage. He is proud of his people and says it’s important to represent who you are. 

For the last 21 years of his career as an industrial painter, James Earl owned his own successful business, Native American Painting, Inc. He attends South Broadway Baptist Church and enjoys walking Eastpoint Mall with friends. He doesn’t think there will be an  Indian community in Baltimore in 10 or 20 years due to a lack of support, but he hopes the community will grow and that people will return to church. 

He also hopes people will begin to show more love for one another.