PROGRAMS
Where Do We Go From Here
On MLK Day 2026, The Paul Robeson House of Princeton convened educators, scholars, and community members for our annual Teach-In & Curriculum Exchange under the theme “Where Do We Go From Here?”
Marking the 250-year anniversary of the United States and drawing inspiration from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Why We Can’t Wait, this year’s Teach-In explored the enduring legacies of Paul Robeson, Dr. King, and the historic leadership of Alpha Phi Alpha. Together, we examined how their moral courage, intellectual rigor, and commitment to human dignity continue to shape the work of educators today.
Borderline
Paul Robeson, an All-American athlete, scholar, esteemed baritone, stage actor, social activist, and fellow Princetonian, was a pioneering figure in the burgeoning film industry. Working outside of the studio system, he achieved prominence as a leading movie star and portrayed positive representations of Black characters on-screen. BORDERLINE is a noteworthy entry in his filmography, showcasing Robeson and his wife Eslanda as lovers entangled in a complex web of interracial relationships. This silent film uniquely combines avant-garde, experimental techniques with elements of domestic melodrama. Initially believed to be lost, it was rediscovered in Switzerland in 1983 and subsequently restored by the George Eastman House.
Native Land
Made by Paul Strand and Leo Hurwitz, this visually stunning yet politically charged film marked Robeson’s transition from mainstream cinema to socially progressive filmmaking, solidifying his role as both an artist and an activist. His commanding narration and moving songs underscore the film’s urgent call for justice.
Powerful Text That Change Us
Our recent Annual Teach-In & Curriculum Exchange brought together educators, students, and community members for a thought-provoking exploration of “Powerful Texts That Changed Us.” This year’s event featured an inspiring keynote by Dr. Mary Marshall, whose personal journey of resilience and scholarship set the tone for deep reflection on the transformative power of words.
Through engaging discussions, we examined pivotal speeches, sermons, and writings by historical figures such as Paul Robeson, Jimmy Carter, Mary McLeod Bethune, Pauli Murray, and B.R. Ambedkar—texts that continue to shape our understanding of justice, freedom, and global citizenship.
A Conversation with Dr. Barbara Ransby
In our recent webinar, Dr. Barbara Ransby illuminated the profound contributions of Eslanda Robeson, drawing vivid lines between her advocacy for global social justice and the challenges faced by today’s activists. Enriched by the vibrant participation of the Princeton Generational African-American Student’s Association (GAASA), the conversation celebrated Eslanda’s critical role in shaping civil rights movements and underscored her enduring influence on contemporary struggles for equality and dignity. This inspiring session not only honored her legacy but also invigorated our commitment to continuing the fight for justice in our times.
Robeson Tomato Campaign
Seed packets available at the Arts Council of Princeton and the Princeton Public Library
We’re excited to announce the return of our Robeson Tomato seed giveaway, an extension of last year’s popular Robeson Freedom Garden Campaign.
A limited number of free seed packets are available for pickup. We’d love to see your tomato plants grow! Email us at info@thepaulrobesonhouseofprinceton.org with photos or tag us on social media. #robesontomato
Focus on the W: Wives & Women of the American Civil Rights Movement
This teach-in and curriculum exchange was dedicated to exploring and celebrating the pivotal yet often under recognized roles played by women in the Civil Rights Movement. Our goal was to bring to light the stories, struggles, and triumphs of these remarkable women, like Coretta Scott King and Eslanda Goode Robeson, whose resilience and activism have been instrumental in shaping the course of history.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our community partners and guests, whose invaluable contributions made this event a resounding success. Their support and collaboration have been essential in creating a space for learning and reflection, allowing us to honor the unsung heroines of the Civil Rights Movement and continue the legacy of education and activism that Paul Robeson himself championed.
Learning resources:
Black-Asian American Solidarity Professional Development
In the spirit of Robeson’s lifelong dedication to internationalism and cross-cultural understanding, our Black-Asian American Solidarity event delved into the rich histories, shared experiences, and collective resilience of these communities.
Explore these vital connections and work towards a future where solidarity and mutual support are the cornerstones of societal progress. Learning resources: Slide deck
Paul Robeson: Grandfather of Diction, Voice & Representation
The 50th Anniversary of the birth of Hip Hop is an appropriate opportunity to celebrate the legacy of Paul Leroy Robeson as the “Grandfather of Diction, Voice & Representation” using the elements of Hip Hop as the backdrop for his life.
Introducing Paul Robeson to generations of people who have not known his contribution to the American landscape of sociopolitical agency, artistic depth and global citizenship is an important responsibility of the Paul Robeson House of Princeton as we work to Make ROBESON a HOUSEhold Name.
Hip Hop, like the Negro Spiritual, is an American-born art form. KRS-1, like Paul Robeson, is an agent and author of the aesthetic value of their art forms as necessary texts in shaping human rights narratives. This set of learning resources
can be used to gain insight in art, social studies/history, government or other studies within the humanities.
Learning resources: Slide deck
KNOW-ledges | Focus / Process questions |
Kaleidoscopic perspective | What is the legacy of Paul Robeson? How has it changed over time? How is his work connected within the structure of Hip Hop? |
Novel idea | What new information have you gained about Paul Robeson? |
Obvious understandings | What information or conceptions did you have about Robeson prior to the current exploration? What insights do you have now that can be tied to 21st century social justice movements? |
Wonderings and wanderings | What do you want to know more about after this lesson? Whose work do you want to follow? |
Additional Resources
King, L. (2023). Teaching Black History Framework – Center for K–12 Black History and Racial Literacy Education – University at Buffalo. Graduate School of Education. Retrieved August 12, 2023, from https://ed.buffalo.edu/black-history-ed/framework.html
Nusbaum, E. (2020, March 24). Jackie Robinson’s Moving Testimony on Racism and Communism. Time. Retrieved August 12, 2023, from https://time.com/5808543/jackie-robinson-huac/
Siegfried, M. (2009, July 18). HUAC’s Jackie Robinson v Paul Robeson. YouTube. Retrieved August 12, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KN9dPSRtyLQ
Siegfried, M. (2016, February 16). Paul Robeson Speaks! International Peace Arch August 16th, 1953. YouTube. Retrieved August 12, 2023, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=VLCndkx1e10