Honor Native American Heritage Day With Film Screening, Presentation

RED BANK, NJ — For this year’s Native American Heritage Day, the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center will host a special event spotlighting the intertwined histories of Native American and African American populations in Monmouth County.

Starting at 2 p.m. on Nov. 29, the center will screen the premiere of “Entwined for Survival: Monmouth County’s Native American People & the Black Enslaved Population.”

The film, produced by the Cultural Center, reveals the deep-rooted connection between the Lenni Lenape tribe and Monmouth County’s African American community.

Through personal narratives and historical records, the documentary explores how the two communities bonded through shared struggles, blending cultures and overcoming adversity.

“We are thrilled to share this important film and highlight the powerful, often overlooked relationship between Native Americans and African Americans in our region,” said Gilda Rogers, executive director of the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center. “These stories of resilience and connection are at the heart of Monmouth County’s diverse history.”

Following the screening, attendees will be able to hear a historical presentation from Claire Garland, the executive director of the Sandhill Historical Society.

Garland will provide a deeper exploration into the Lenni Lenape people, and focus on their historical presence and ongoing legacy in Monmouth County. The presentation will include insights into the tribe’s culture, contributions to the local community and their enduring connection to the land.

The film screening is set to begin at 2 p.m. on Nov. 29 at the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center in Red Bank. Attendance is free, but registration is required.

For more information, you can visit the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center website.

The T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center is located at 94 Drs. James Parker Blvd., Red Bank.