Let's Talk About Race

Community & Conversation during Black History Month

On Saturday, February 22, we invited the Red Bank community to celebrate and highlight African American literature and voices at Red Bank’s National African American Read-In.

The National African American Read-In (AARI) is a groundbreaking effort to encourage communities to read together, centering around African American books and authors. This year, our Let’s Talk About Race committee partnered with T. Thomas Fortune Foundation & Cultural Center (TTFFCC) to host AARI at the Red Bank Public Library.

With more than 20 attendees in our Meeting Room, the Read-In began with a welcome and introduction from Library Assistant Claire, who shared more about AARI. Then, Fortune Tellers kicked off public participation with two powerful poems, reading Let America be America and Still I Rise.

After, audience members were welcome to read passages, poems, children’s book, even lyrics from a Black author. To everyone’s delight, our first reader was a young reader, Reza, who happily read the first chapter from one of his favorite books, Stunt Boy, in the Meantime. Following this, adult patron James delivered a strong and heartfelt reading of Malcolm X, bringing more than one audience member to tears.

Our afternoon continued with familiar faces in the Red Bank community, such as Lynn Humphrey, archivist at TTFFCC; Gilda Rogers, executive director of TTFFCC; and Sid Bernstein, co-founder of Citizens for a Diverse and Open Society.

As fellow co-founder of the Citizens for a Diverse and Open Society, Gilda reiterated why programs like AARI are so important, “Everyone’s history is a precious gift.”

Readings continued with a mix of materials, from a passage written 90 years ago to two children’s books to the lyrics of Winter in America, a 1974 song.

Don’t judge a book by it’s cover

Patty Whyte, volunteer chair of Let’s Talk About Race, was one who chose to read a children’s book.

Anansi the spider: a tale from the Ashanti is a folklore story that originates in West Africa. Despite being a children’s book, Patty’s choice had “deep lessons that some of us adults need to hear.”

I find the African American Read-In event a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the many expressions of storytelling, from prose to poetry to song. I always learn something new at these events and I’m looking forward to next year’s Read-In!
— Patty Whyte, volunteer chair of LTAR

Throughout the program, patrons chatted about reads and recommendations, including ways of using RBPL and TTFFCC to dive deeper in Black history—beyond February.

Wrapping up Black History Month at RBPL

Just because February is ending, doesn’t mean we stop highlighting diverse voices and stories. In the words of author N.K. Jemisin, How Long 'til Black Future Month?

  • Explore more with your library card at redbanklibrary.org/24-hour-library

    • Watch documentaries, indies, blockbusters, and cinematic stories about African American experiences; check out movies made by Black filmmakers with free streaming services Kanopy and Hoopla.

    • Dive into individual, local, and state history with access to databases like JerseyClicks, Literary Reference Center, Newspaper Source Plus.

    • Encourage even more learning with interactive resources like Points of View Reference Center, Middle Search Plus, Primary Search, and the award-winning encyclopedia World Book.

    • Tour the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center for an insightful look at the evolution of racial equality in America through a historic timeline. It opens the door to a historical treasure trove in person and on Zoom.

    • The Red Bank Community Engagement & Equity Committee meets in the Library’s West Room every 3rd Wednesday from 6:30-7:45PM. All are welcome to join as RBCEEC works to make Red Bank inclusive, safe, and rewarding for all. Next Meeting is 3/19.

    • Interested in supporting our Let’s Talk About Race committee? Email redbanklibrary@gmail.com.

    • Utilize HeritageQuest, a genealogical resource from Ancestry, in the library.

    • Attend our programs; free to everyone, no card required. Visit our online calendar for up-to-date details.

    • Dive into Red Bank’s history with our Local History digitized resources and publications like The Echo, “the oldest colored paper in New Jersey.”

    • Visit our YouTube channel for Miss Sira’s Family Story Time on Race & Diversity.

    • Check out—or just browse—one of the many books on display in on our Main Floor and Children’s Room to celebrate Black voices and stories—this month and beyond.

Let's Talk About Race: Land & Legacy

On Tuesday, November 26, our Let’s Talk About Race program welcomed three guests to the Red Bank Public Library for Land & Legacy—a constructive conversation, led by Truth 2 Power and Sandhill Band Lenape Tribal Members, on respecting and preserving their ancestral land in New Jersey.

  • Norris “War Turtle” Branham is a Sandhill Band Lenape and Cherokee Council Member, who serves as the Director of Visual Media and Digital Content for the Federation of Aboriginal Nations of the Americas (FANA) in addition to his work as SandHill Band Tribal Historian and Documentary filmmaker.

  • Carrie Jones is a mother of six, member of the NJ Sandhill Band of Lenape & Cherokee Indians, and family history keeper determined and driven to secure her family's history and land.


  • Brooklyn Demme is an educator and filmmaker who learned in the field with his father and mentor Jonathan. In 2020, Brooklyn formed Truth 2 Power (T2P), which brings people together at the intersection of education, community, and film.

After technical difficulties (we apologize and are sorry we don’t have a Zoom recording!), the program kicked off with the screening of two short films.

We first watched Protection Not Protest: The People of Standing Rock—directed by Academy Award Winner Jonathan Demme in 2016—and available to watch online.

Following that, we screened Diligence on Red Sand—directed by Brooklyn Demme in 2024—also available online. This documentary features Sandhill Band of Lenape & Cherokee Indian council members Carrie Ruffin Jones & Norris War Turtle Branham working diligently to honor and defend their inheritance.

After, Norris “War Turtle” Branham and Carrie Jones took the floor to share their personal stories.

Norris spoke about the Sandhill Band roots and origins as well as Red Bank’s Indigenous history. Norris also discussed the importance on preservation of Native American Indian history and shared details on his work, Turtle Gang Edutainment, which provides a platform for Indigenous voices.

Carrie spoke about her continued efforts to preserve local land featured in Diligence on Red Sand and her legal fight along the way. But, as Carrie said, “My story was being written, it just wasn’t being told.”

Enter Brooklyn. With Brooklyn behind the camera, Carrie and Norris had someone sharing their story with a larger audience. Now, Brooklyn’s films have been screened at multiple film festivals, including the Indie Street Film Festival in Red Bank.

And, of course, with patrons at the library. Carrie and Norris both emphasized the importance of libraries serving as meeting spaces, allowing them to share their story with an active audience.

Carrie also updated the audience on her legal battle, and recent victory. For them, it’s just the beginning. To learn more about Truth 2 Power and stay up-to-date with their work, visit their Instagram.

Native American Heritage Month

Did you know November was officially declared “National American Indian Heritage Month," now more commonly known as Native American Heritage Month, in 1990?

There is so much to learn and understand about Native American Heritage Month, and the Red Bank Public Library aims to provide a platform for our Native community members to share their culture, art, traditions, and ways of life.

Let’s Talk about Race hosts Land & Legacy

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, Let’s Talk About Race is proud to present Land & Legacy.

november storywalk

This month, we’re sharing Giving Thanks by Chief Jake Swamp. This book celebrates Native traditions and reminds us to be thankful for the beauty all around us.

  • Visit Riverside Gardens today to enjoy this special book on your own time.

Tune in to our thanksgiving videos

Miss Judy has prepared and presented two incredibly educational and information videos on Thanksgiving. Watch these videos—available on YouTube and Facebook—anytime you want!

Check out our displays & Read more

  • We’ve added a wonderful display with facts, pottery, and more for patrons.

  • Our monthly book display features Native American voices and stories. Stop by to check out one that catches your eye!

Continuing learning on your own with World Book Online

Your Library card grants you access to an entire world; right online!

  • World Book Online provides early learning and student resources such as digital encyclopedias and articles, educational games, ebooks, interactive timelines, and more.

  • During November, they’re sharing resources to support Native American Heritage Month. Visit redbanklibrary.org/student-resources to access and explore.

Let's Talk About ... Affordable Housing

Our popular program Let’s Talk About Race is back …

and we’re bringing it to you in-person and via Zoom!

Join us on Tuesday, May 28 as we host two incredible speakers from the Affordable Housing Alliance for a conversation on Affordable Housing.

Whether you join us in-person or online, our May Let’s Talk About Race program will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of affordable housing. Led by Chief Executive Officer Randi Moore and Chief Program Officer Toi Collins, this conversation will break down the latest legislation on New Jersey housing and dive into the historical context of housing segregation.

Visit us online and register to save your seat, or click here to join us via Zoom.

The Affordable Housing Alliance’s mission is to improve the quality of life for all NJ residents by developing and preserving housing, offering services to maintain housing affordability, and more. To learn more about their work and services visit them online at https://housingall.org/.