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Pioneering Black golfer John Shippen will be honored by N.J’.s T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center

John Shippen, the first American-born professional golfer and a pioneering Black athlete, will be the focus of an upcoming program hosted by the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center in Red Bank, N.J
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John Shippen T. Thomas Cultural Center
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John Shippen, the first American-born professional golfer and a pioneering Black athlete, will be the focus of an upcoming program hosted by the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center in Red Bank, N.J. The event will be part of the Center’s acclaimed “On A Sunday Afternoon” series. It will take place on Sunday, September 21 at 1:00 p.m. and feature a presentation by Thurman and Ruby Simmons, founders of the John Shippen Foundation.

T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center Honors John Shippen

Shippen’s legacy is a cornerstone of American sports history. Born to formerly enslaved parents, he rose from caddie to competitor, making history at the 1896 U.S. Open. His affiliation with the Shady Rest Country Club in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, one of the first Black-owned country clubs in the United States, further underscores his role in expanding access and representation in golf.

Preserving Black History Through Local Storytelling

The program is part of the Center’s ongoing History in Your Backyard initiative, which highlights overlooked Black historical figures whose contributions shaped the American narrative. Through educational programming and cultural engagement, the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center continues its mission to preserve and elevate Black history at a time when such stories face increasing marginalization.

“Even in times like these, when the history of Black people is being removed from schools and public places to diminish our relevancy, we’re not going anywhere,” said Gilda Rogers, Executive Director of the Center. “Black people are the soul of this nation, and we’ve seen it imitated time and again and served as American culture.”

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John Shippen Event Details

  • Event Title: The John Shippen Story – “On A Sunday Afternoon”
  • Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025
  • Time: 1:00 PM
  • Location: T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center, 94 Drs. James Parker Blvd., Red Bank, NJ

RSVP: To reserve a seat, email [email protected]

For more information, please visit https://www.tthomasfortuneculturalcenter.org/

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Unheard Voices, an award-winning, family owned online news magazine, began in 2004 as a community newsletter serving Neptune, Asbury Park, and Long Branch, N.J. Over time, it grew into a nationally recognized Black-owned media outlet. The publication remains one of the few dedicated to covering social justice issues. Its honors include the NAACP Unsung Hero Award and multiple media innovator awards for excellence in social justice reporting and communications.

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