Thank You for Making the 2025 Paul Robeson Arts Festival Unforgettable!

We’re still reflecting on the joy, depth, and community spirit shared at this year’s Paul Robeson Arts Festival. Hosted by the Ubuntu Cultural Pavilion, this three-day event was a vibrant celebration of African American history, local culture, and the enduring legacy of Paul Robeson—right in the town where he grew up. Together, we sang, remembered, created, laughed, and danced. And it couldn’t have happened without you.

Day 1: History in Performance

We opened with two extraordinary stage productions: The Underground Experience, created by Muhamad Jalloh and Young Paul Robeson Sings, written and directed by Marshall Jones III, starring celebrated actors Dion Graham and Stephen Conrad Moore accompanied by pianist, Carl Laventure. Each 45-minute performance brought history to life, offering multiple opportunities for guests to experience the artistry and resilience of our ancestors. One audience member reflected, “It was very real. I cried. It was a family event, and everyone—no matter their age—came away with something.”

Day 2: A Sacred Gathering

On Friday, we gathered for a community photo shoot at the historic St. Thomas AME Zion Church, founded in 1858. We brought the community together to reenact a St. Thomas congregation photo taken in 1911 when Rev. William Drew Robeson, served as its pastor.

Joined by members of St. Paul and Shiloh, we honored this sacred space’s place in Black history and its ties to Paul Robeson’s upbringing. There was a shared sense of pride and possibility, with whispers of making this moment an annual tradition. Deep thanks to Rev. Donna Stewart, pastor of St. Thomas, for her leadership and welcome.

Day 3: Creativity, Community, and Surprise Moments

The final day was a joyful and moving celebration of community talent. We highlighted the creative works of Mary Ann, Sarah, and Car Marie, with a lively afternoon of music, poetry, art, and hands-on crafts for all ages.- The Young Picassos, a steel pan ensemble, energized the crowd with infectious rhythms and spirited dancers.- Herrin the Poet delivered powerful spoken word performances, blending emotion and artistry in ways that left the audience spellbound.- The Freedom Quilt Exhibit, featuring stunning quilted works by Tina the Quilter, drew special attention. Her pieces wove together stories of Black history, faith, and freedom, offering many guests a quiet space for reflection on ancestral legacies.

One of the most unforgettable moments came with a surprise performance by Christine Dixon, who brought Harriet Tubman (HarrietTubmanherself) to life in a one-woman show. Funny, heartbreaking, informative, and profoundly moving, the performance touched everyone present. “It captured every emotion,” one guest shared.

With Deep Gratitude

This festival would not have been possible without the generous support of the LAP Grant from the Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey Council on the Arts. We are especially grateful to the RVCC Paul Robeson Institute for Social Justice for their partnership, in-kind support, and unwavering belief in the importance of this work.