Paul Robeson Institute

The Paul Robeson Institute for Ethics, Leadership, and Social Justice

The Institute was founded in 1999 to preserve Paul Robeson’s legacy in the area where he came of age as an artist, athlete, orator, and scholar. The Institute envisions a global community of diverse cultures that embodies, through attitudes and behaviors, Paul Robeson’s ideals, beliefs, values, and vision for a world of justice and peace.

Our mission is to provide resources and programming in various mediums that embodies the core values based upon Paul Robeson's vision for diverse communities and cultures while offering opportunities for civic participation and strengthening partnerships.

"Art is not just to show life as it is, but to show life as it should be." - Paul Robeson

Paul Robeson (1898–1976) was a New Jersey native who grew up in Somerville and graduated from Somerville High School before becoming one of the most influential artists and activists of the 20th century. A brilliant scholar and athlete, he went on to excel at Rutgers University, where he was valedictorian, and later earned his law degree from Columbia. Robeson became world-renowned for his powerful voice, stage and film performances, and his unwavering belief in equity and human rights. Throughout his life, he used his platform to challenge racism, support workers’ rights, and advocate for global justice, leaving a lasting legacy of courage, talent, and social change.

Youth Achievement Awards

Established in 1990, this ceremony honors high school and middle school students from the African Diaspora (African-American, African-Caribbean, Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC), as well as all students who identify with the morals, values, and leadership of Paul Robeson. 

The awards are given in four areas in which Robeson excelled: Scholarship, the Arts, Community Service and Athletics, as well as special “Renaissance Awards” given to students who excel in a number of disciplines.

Kente Ceremony

The Paul Robeson Institute is proud to participate in the annual Kente Ceremony. The Kente Ceremony serves as a vibrant celebration of heritage and tradition, bringing the Raritan community together in unity and pride. Using the Kente Cloth as a symbol to honor the graduates, this ceremony is a special opportunity for all graduates to participate in a rich cultural program. The ceremony honors those family members and supporters who have helped graduates achieve success at RVCC.

Contact Information

Dr. Windy Paz-Amor is the Director of the Department of Institutional Engagement; You can contact her via email at Windy.Paz-Amor@raritanval.edu.

Tamara Jones is the Institutional Engagement Specialist. You can contact her via email at Tamara.Jones@raritanval.edu.

General inquiries can be made to the Institute email: PaulRobeson@raritanval.edu

The Paul Robeson Institute

Advisory Board

Our Scope

Identify and deliver ways to promote awareness, engagement, and community building around diverse experiences to create a more inclusive, welcome community.
Working in conjunction and in cooperation with other RVCC offices, local and/or regional community, government, cultural, and faith groups that are addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion issues in order to optimize momentum and use of resources for RVCC students and the greater community.
Identify funding opportunities; grants, donors, benefactors.

Advisory Board Members:

Internal Board Members:
- Executive Team Member: Jason Fredericks
- Board Chair(s): Dr. Windy Paz-Amor & Donyea Collins
- Board Member: Lead Designer & Records Keeper: Tamara Jones
- Board Members:
  - Dr. Jaqueline Drummer
  - Lori Moog
  - Professor Ronald Tyson
  - Michelle Amparbin
  - Chandra Caldwell
  - Alex Floyd
  - Student Leader: Black Student Alliance President Ashley Guzman
  - Student Leader: Orgullo Latino President Noah Guillen
External Board Members:
- Scott Cohen
- Dr. Michelle Brisson
- Ben Nanna
- Officer Nazceer Whitley