The Paul Robeson House of Princeton

04/30/2026

04/15/2026

Meet the 2026 Robeson Scholars & Fellows!

We’re proud to introduce this year’s cohort - an extraordinary group of young leaders advancing change through advocacy, innovation, the arts, athletics, and civic engagement.

From California to Georgia, Tennessee to right here in New Jersey, they represent a powerful cross-section of talent, perspective, and purpose.

Grounded in the spirit of Paul Robeson’s New Idealism, this year’s Scholars and Fellows are already putting their values into action—expanding access to justice, uplifting underserved communities, advancing global citizenship, and using their voices to challenge inequity and inspire change.

With another highly competitive application cycle, these individuals stood out for their leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to building a more just and inclusive world.

04/02/2026

This April marks the first anniversary of Robeson Day in New Jersey, a long-awaited recognition of the extraordinary life and enduring impact of Paul Robeson.

To celebrate, The Paul Robeson House of Princeton invites you to join a series of meaningful events throughout the month. Together with our community partners, we will gather in reflection, dialogue, and celebration.

With deep gratitude to our valued community partners:
Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church
Nassau Presbyterian Church
Arts Council of Princeton
Senator Andrew Zwicker

03/24/2026

Join us for a special screening of Raising Aniya at the Princeton Public Library.

Sunday, March 29th 1:15 PM
Princeton Public Library
Community Room

Register (link in bio): https://princetonlibrary.libnet.info/event/15958073

Screening will be followed by short panel discussion and activity moderated by Dr. Joy Barnes Johnson of the Paul Robeson House of Princeton.

Panelists include: Brigitte Jean-Louis of the YWCA Princeton, Tomia MacQueen of Wildflower Farm and Paul Robeson House of Princeton Fellow, Ariyah Lamin.

___________

Aniya Wingate is a young dance artist in Houston, Texas, who embarks on a journey to heal her spirit and find her voice after being displaced by a hurricane. With guidance from her mentor, Walter Hull, Aniya investigates impacted communities on the Gulf Coast and develops a dance performance inspired by her experiences and the complex legacies of environmental injustice. Family, religion, sexuality, and mental health collide as she strives to transform dark histories into beautiful expression and movement. Through intimate observational cinematography, evocative dance sequences, and a haunting score, Aniya’s story traces the agony and the ecstasy of growing up, while revealing the power of art and community.

Watch the trailer: https://vimeo.com/1093755788?fl=pl&fe=sh

02/16/2026

https://www.tapinto.net/towns/princeton/sections/spotlight-on-princeton/articles/on-the-princeton-podcast-kevin-wilkes-shares-backstories-of-the-triumph-brew-pub-project-and-his-mission-to-restore-paul-robeson-s-birthplace

Thank you, Princeton Design Guild, Mark Freda for Princeton, Princeton Podcast!

Princeton, NJ – The name of architect and builder Kevin Wilkes shows up in all sorts of stories around town these days.Wilkes played an instrumental role in the conversion of the old Palmer Square...

02/13/2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 Robeson Scholars & Fellows program: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfnhSePjnwQPiS0ou0bJ9bO-WgeZd4jxbIcf5YsOCg6qBrwTw/viewform

This national program honors the life and legacy of Paul Robeson by uplifting youth and young adults ages 15+ who demonstrate leadership, creativity, and commitment to justice.

Selected participants receive mentorship, public recognition during Paul Robeson Week, and a platform to share their scholarship, talent, and community impact.

Deadline: March 15, 2026

01/26/2026

https://www.tapinto.net/towns/princeton/sections/spotlight-on-princeton/articles/help-reclaim-a-national-legacy-the-paul-robeson-house-of-princeton

Thank you, Princeton Design Guild!

Princeton, NJ -- Fifty years ago today, January 23, 1976, Paul Robeson died in Philadelphia. Born in Princeton, in a modest house at the corner of Green and Witherspoon Streets, Robeson became a...

01/16/2026

https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20260115-how-the-1950s-red-scare-erased-a-us-icon?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us

Paul Robeson was a superstar of the stage and screen, a talented football player and a music hitmaker. Then came a dramatic fall from grace.

11/18/2025

Meet Ariyah Lamin, a Princeton Day School student and founder of Riyal Beauty. Ariyah turned her own experiences with eczema and psoriasis into a mission to make skincare—and healthcare—more inclusive and affordable for communities of color.

Guided by the same spirit of purpose and uplift that defined Paul Robeson’s life, she’s using science as a bridge to equity and healing. Ariyah dreams of becoming a dermatologist who not only treats skin, but restores confidence and access for all.

09/16/2025

✨ Robeson 2025 Fellow Spotlight: Shay Walker

“Environmental justice is not just about saving the trees—it’s about saving people.”

2025 Robeson Fellow Shay Walker (they/them) invites us to take a deeper look at how environmental decisions—past and present—shape life in our cities. In their moving TEDx Talk, Shay explores how unequal access to clean air, safe water, and green space affects the health and dignity of entire communities.

With clarity and compassion, Shay connects the dots between environmental policy, community health, and racial equity—urging us to reimagine urban planning through the lens of justice and care.

Their talk is a call to awareness, empathy, and action. It's about building neighborhoods where everyone—regardless of zip code—can thrive.

🎥 Watch the full TED Talk:
▶️ https://youtu.be/Obik7PWaKCU?si=SyjxEMKLq6FdZHFC

When coming to college, I was astounded by the easy access to public transportation, public parks/green spaces, and fresh foods even while living in a city. ...