T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center honors Native American Heritage with documentary and educator series

RED BANK, N.J. — This November, the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center spotlights National Native American Month with a powerful tribute to local history and community resilience.

Celebrating National Native American Month

Documentary Illuminates Shared Struggles

The Cultural Center’s latest short film, Entwined for Survival: Monmouth County’s Native American People and The Black Enslaved Population, explores the intertwined legacies of two marginalized communities. Produced in collaboration with the Monmouth County Historical Commission, the documentary anchors the Monmouth County Freedom Stories Series.

Educators, faith leaders, and civic groups are encouraged to stream the film via the Center’s YouTube channel. The video offers a compelling resource for classrooms and community discussions. It honors the enduring contributions of Native American families in Monmouth County.

Professional Development Returns November 14

Later this month, the Center partners with Project Write Now and Two River Theater to host The Art of Social Justice, a professional development series for educators. This year’s theme, “History in Your Backyard,” invites participants to explore overlooked local figures.

Dr. Walter McAfee

Monmouth University Professor Melissa Ziobro will present on Dr. Walter McAfee, the Black physicist whose work on Fort Monmouth’s “Project Diana” helped launch the space age in 1946. His story exemplifies innovation born from perseverance.

Playwright Ngozi Anyanwu Joins the Conversation

Attendees will also hear from Ngozi Anyanwu, whose play The Monsters runs at Two River Theater through November 23. Her work explores identity, memory, and the power of storytelling. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 14.

Registration Still Open

Educators can register at Project Write Now to secure a spot. The series blends history, art, and advocacy to inspire meaningful classroom engagement.

Register here: https://projectwritenow.org/the-art-of-social-justice/