Celebrating Robeson 125
Make ROBESON a HOUSEhold Name
Join the Paul Robeson House of Princeton and our esteemed community partners as we honor the memory and legacy of Paul Robeson on his 125th birthday.
From April 1st to April 15th, 2023, we invite you to be a part of our vibrant two-week celebration.
COIN CAMPAIGN
As we approach the 125th birthday of the legendary Paul Robeson on April 9th, we invite you to join us in honoring his incredible legacy with a unique fundraising campaign!
Our goal is to raise $5,000, and we need your help to make it happen! Your generosity will enable us to continue our vital work in the community, preserving the legacy of Paul Robeson and empowering the next generation of leaders and changemakers.
Here’s how it works:
- Donate the equivalent of 125 nickels ($6.25)
- Donate the equivalent of 125 dimes ($12.50)
- Donate the equivalent of 125 quarters ($31.25)
- Donate the equivalent of 125 dollars ($125)
- Donate any amount of your choice
2023 ROBESON FREEDOM GARDEN
The Arts Council of Princeton’s Robeson tomato mural currently on Spring Street in Princeton. Many thanks to the Arts Council of Princeton, and the incredible sponsors: NOFA NJ, Send Hunger Packing Princeton, Princeton University Office of Community and Regional Affairs, and Kucker Haney Paint Co.
Read about our Robeson Freedom Garden campaign in Town Topics.
A guiding principle of the Robeson Freedom Garden is honorable harvest. “Honorable harvest – to take only what is given, to use it well, to be grateful for the gift, and to reciprocate the gift.”
We will gather in September 2023 to celebrate Robeson tomato gardens planted in the 2023-24 growing season. We invite every citizen to join us in this campaign of dignity and freedom that celebrates community and collective action toward reaching the goal of making ROBESON a HOUSEhold name.
PODCAST
The Paul Robeson House of Princeton proudly presents conversations with students, community members, leaders and mentors who have served in the areas of activism, athleticism and/or the arts. Honoring areas of Robesonian legacy, we will share their perspectives on important topics.
Latest episode now live!
Episode 5 – Conversations about Robeson Day of Play & Tenor Lawrence Brownlee: Our February/March 2023 Episode spotlights conversations with Princeton Middle School Principal Jason Burr, Robeson Scholar Asma Qureshi and World Renowned Tenor Lawrence Brownlee.
THE ROBESON HOUSE
The “Paul Robeson House,” is a residential property located at 110 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ, where Paul Robeson was born. It has been the focal point for advancement of the African American community in the Princeton area for over a century.
It was the residence for Reverend Drew Robeson and his family when he was appointed pastor of the Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church in 1879. The property later transferred to private ownership and became the “first residence” for many migrant workers, domestics, and laborers that came to Princeton. Through the years, it has served as a gathering place and service center for neighborhood residents. Many of the new residents settled in the Witherspoon-Jackson community and became the driving force for social, educational, and civic advancement of the community.
COMMUNITY VOICES
Rozyln Anderson Flood
Board Member
As Paul explained, “The artist must elect to fight for freedom or slavery. I have made my choice. I had no alternative.”
Dr. Joy Barnes-Johnson
Board Member
As an idea, the house serves as a center within a historic district known to be a friendly neighborhood in its community. The complexity of Robeson’s work to address economic, aesthetic, and political freedom can be explored by all who will come.
Kevin Gift
Board Member
Paul Robeson used his abundant God given talents to turn a vision for world peace and human equality into reality. Our world is better today due to his positive influence and efforts.
Jeffrey Yuan
Board Member
Don’t go along to get along. Be willing to sacrifice to do what you know is right.