Caucus scholarships

A statement from the head of the N.C. Legislative Black Caucus Foundation revealed that relatives of five state legislators received scholarships from it.

The June 28, 2007, statement from Rep. Alma Adams, the foundation's chair, said that "roughly one-tenth" of the scholarships provided in 2005 and 2006 went to the relatives of five legislators. It also said that the foundation gave away $28,000 in 2005 and $26,000 in 2006.

The statement says the checks were sent directly to the colleges, as in previous years.

However, in 2005 and 2006, the foundation "solicited and received" recommendations for students from members of the black caucus. Previously, the schools had made the decision.

"To the best of the Foundation's knowledge, the scholarship funds benefited students with financial need and academic promise, and there was no intention to improperly benefit a legislator," Adams writes.

The letter says $12,000 in scholarships was given out in 2007, none of which went to relatives of legislators.

The letter does not name the five scholarship recipients, but they are Adams' daughter, the son of Rep. Larry Womble, the daughter of Rep. Jean Farmer-Butterfield, the granddaughter of Rep. Earline Parmon and the grand-niece of Rep. Beverly Earle.