The Ramapough Lenape continue to struggle for recognition at the federal level. Some of the difficulty lies in the fact that they have very little to no recorded history of their own. It is often told by outsiders, which makes it difficult for them to “prove” that they are, in fact, Native Americans. Now, Ramapo College professor Neriko Doerr is working with the tribe on being their own historians and telling their own story.
NJ’s native tribes understand the importance of telling their own story
Correspondent
Raven Santana is an award-winning journalist with a passion for serving New Jersey’s diverse communities and a highly respected member of her own. Santana has served as correspondent/sub-anchor for NJ Spotlight News since 2018. She’s reported on the state’s business climate, health care issues, undocumented workers legislation and more. She also hosts New Jersey Business Beat with Raven Santana on NJ PBS. The first woman of color in that role, she has made it a mission to focus on often-overlooked aspects of business, from BIPOC ownership to gaps in equity and inclusion. Her recent accolades include being recognized in 2023 as part of COLOR Magazine's Power 40 Under 40 list, and in Perth Amboy Free Public Library’s 2nd Annual Women’s History Month Celebration, where she received a mayoral citation and the NJ Senate/General Assembly presented her with a Joint Legislative Resolution. She also serves on The WNET Group’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion council and is vice president of The Second Street Youth Center, based in Plainfield.