Witherspoon-Jackson Neighborhood
The ACP’s Paul Robeson Center is located in the Witherspoon-Jackson Neighborhood, a community which was historically African-American. The neighborhood, adjacent to downtown Princeton, is rich in historical significance and over the years has been a vital part of the fabric of our town.
The Paul Robeson Center for the Arts
The building at 102 Witherspoon Street is named for Paul Robeson, the world renowned singer, actor, and human rights activist born in the house across the street. The building was, for many years prior to desegregation, home to the all-Black Witherspoon YMCA. It also served for a time as a community center for the W-J Neighborhood, which remained primarily African-American through the 1970s.
In 1982, the ACP acquired the building from the Borough of Princeton to use as an arts center. At that time, the ACP and the Borough agreed that the ACP would provide free, low cost, accessible programs to the residents of the W-J Neighborhood in exchange for a reduced sales price. Over the years, the ACP has continued to provide a wide range of programs and scholarships to residents of the W-J Neighborhood.
News and Updates
January 2025: ACP is proud to announce the release of two new publications highlighting the significant contributions to the town of Princeton and its residents.
Reflections from a Vibrant Past:
Poetry of the Witherspoon-Jackson Neighborhood
by Reverend Gregory S. Smith
Book Launch + Signing: February 2 | 2pm
This book is dedicated to the countless individuals who have graced the Witherspoon-Jackson community and shared their lives, breath, and souls with us all. This free event will feature readings by Rev. Smith and community members as well as light refreshments, book signing, and conversation.
Proceeds benefit the programming of ACP and the Witherspoon-Jackson Historical and Cultural Society.
the Witherspoon-jackson neighborhood
by Adam Welch
This limited run publication was created in the spirit of a “zine”, drawing on the author’s DIY impulse. This brief socio-pictorial history places digitally colorized historic images alongside research into the Witherspoon-Jackson Neighborhood. As there is not a bountiful volume of literature available on the neighborhood, this adds a “people’s history“ of how it came to be, from 1497 into the present day.
Proceeds benefit the programming of ACP and the Witherspoon-Jackson Historical and Cultural Society. This project was made possible by the Mercer County Historical Commission.