Support the Menokin Descendant Documentary!
Help bring the voices of the past—and present—to light
We are thrilled to announce that production is officially underway for our 30-minute documentary film, directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Lorenzo Dickerson!
This powerful film tells the story of the Menokin Descendant Collective—descendants of the enslaved families who lived and labored at Menokin. With the leadership of genealogist Bessida Cauthorne White, more than 150 descendants have been identified. The documentary explores the journey of uncovering ancestral connections, building community, and reclaiming our place in the American story.
Where We Stand
Thanks to generous supporters, we’ve raised $85,000 of our $99,500 goal—just $14,500 away from fully funding this project!
Your gift helps us:
Complete post-production editing and sound design
Organize screenings and community discussions nationwide
Develop educational materials for schools and institutions
Ensure descendant-led storytelling remains central
Make Your Gift Today
Your donation goes directly toward post-production and outreach efforts that will bring this film to communities, schools, and cultural institutions across the country.
Safe & Secure Location via Kindful
To mail a check, please send it to:
Menokin Foundation
P.O. Box 1221, Warsaw, VA, 22572
In the memo of the check, please add “for the Descendant Documentary”.
Excerpt from storyline by Kamala Lane, descendant of Amanda Beverly & Stafford Gordon
In interviews, MDET staff and newfound descendants share their hopes for the next steps,
including their expectations for the upcoming Descendants’ Day. They also are transparent
about any concerns, worries, and setbacks they may have. Will more descendants return?
Will we uncover missing information about the people enslaved at Menokin? Or have we reached
a dead end?
We return to the Remembrance Structure in the daytime. A time-lapse occurs and within seconds,
we see the scene go from daylight to dusk to nighttime. But now in the quiet field shrouded in
night, the Remembrance Structure is all aglow with promise.
