Black Indians: An American Story is a distinguished documentary which presents the rarely-told story of the racial fusion of Native and African-Americans. It is a story which literally begins with the birth of America, in the presence of the mixed-race Boston Massacre martyr Crispus Attucks, and which follows the deadlier aspects of the 19th century through the Seminole War (where runaway slaves joined Seminole warriors in Florida in armed conflict against the invading U.S. Army) and the expulsion of the Cherokee nation on the infamous Trail of Tears (where black Indians within the Cherokee orbit faced the no-win choice of either leaving with their brethren into forced exile or staying behind to live in slavery).

Since 1998, Rich-Heape Films has produced a series of videos dealing with genealogy, health issues, and traditional Indian storytelling. Black Indians is the latest in this Circle of Life collection.

"This film affirms to African Americans that it's OK to come to the surface and say, 'Yes, I'm part Indian. "They're not giving up their blackness; they're just recognizing their Indian heritage." James Earl Jones narrates the film and the Neville Brothers provided music because they felt the neglected story needed telling. Why collaborate on such a film? "My answer is very simple: I'm part Cherokee through my grandmother," Mr. Jones says.

The Neville Brothers have been told all their lives that they have American Indian heritage. So Cyril Neville and his brothers, whose music is an amalgamation of jazz, R&B, and reggae, provided the music. "The Great Spirit who moves through all things meant for the Neville Brothers to do this," says the percussionist from his home in New Orleans. "It was a blessing to be involved because it helped answer questions I've been wondering about all my life." The film is healing, Mr. Neville says, and helps people like him understand their sometimes confused backgrounds. "When you know the truth, it sets you free. As another citizen of the First Nation said, 'The truth may sleep, but it never dies.' "