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UID:1-141@250.mercercountynj.gov
DTSTART:20260315T140000Z
DTEND:20260315T160000Z
DTSTAMP:20260218T160929Z
URL:https://250.mercercountynj.gov/events/acp-open-mic-afternoon-to-celebr
 ate-witherspoon-jackson-neighborhood/
SUMMARY:ACP Open Mic Afternoon to Celebrate Witherspoon-Jackson Neighborhoo
 d
DESCRIPTION:The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) invites the public to an af
 ternoon of heartfelt storytelling\, community connection\, and reflection 
 at an Open Mic Event on Sunday\, March 15\, from 2-4pm\, celebrating the W
 itherspoon-Jackson neighborhood\, Princeton’s 20th historic district.\n\
 nThe program will begin at 2pm with book signings\, followed by remarks fr
 om ACP Executive Director Adam Welch and a conversation with the Rev. Greg
 ory S. Smith\, Evelyn Turner-Counts\, and Aaron Fisher. Following the disc
 ussion\, performers are invited to participate in an open mic session\, sh
 aring spoken word pieces and poetry inspired by the spirit of the Withersp
 oon-Jackson community.\n\nReflections from a Vibrant Past Volume 3 by Rev.
  Gregory Smith is the next in the series featuring a collection of poetry 
 and essays inspired by the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood\, capturing th
 e voices\, histories\, and lived experiences of its residents. Through viv
 id language and evocative imagery\, the book offers an intimate portrait o
 f a community shaped by resilience\, memory\, and pride.\n\nFisher describ
 es the work as “a powerful and intimate tribute\, this collection gives 
 voice to Black Princetonians with honesty\, pride\, and deep emotional res
 onance.”\n\nSmith reflects on the project\, stating\, “I am pleased to
  join with two fellow community friends in the production of this third bo
 ok of poetry\, depicting the lives and characters of the Witherspoon-Jacks
 on community.” He adds\, “This book forced me to revisit stories and m
 emories of people that lived on the edges of my mind for many years. I oft
 en wondered\, ‘What purpose does it serve?’ Now I know. I hope this bo
 ok inspires readers to reflect on their own life stories and the people wh
 o made it possible for them to become who they are today.”\n\nTurner-Cou
 nts also shared her enthusiasm for the collaboration\, saying\, “I feel 
 thrilled and honored to collaborate with these two talented gentlemen in t
 his endeavor.”\n\nACP Executive Director Adam Welch will release his new
  book\, Paul Robeson Place: How a Street Got Its Name\, and rerelease his 
 zine Witherspoon-Jackson Neighborhood: Revised and Expanded. Also availabl
 e for purchase will be Welch’s The Witherspoon-Jackson Neighborhood: How
  One Community Changed Princeton.\n\nThe event is free and open to the pub
 lic\, inviting community members\, readers\, and supporters to celebrate t
 he release of this meaningful new volume and the stories it preserves.\n\n
 Witherspoon-Jackson is a community rich in cultural and historical signifi
 cance. Throughout the years\, the W-J Neighborhood has been a vital part o
 f the fabric of our town\, with its important legacy kept alive\, in part\
 , through the work of the Arts Council of Princeton.
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