The Joint Effort Safe Streets Program has announced honorees to be recognized during its 10-day celebration of the Witherspoon-Jackson (W-J) Community of Princeton beginning next week.  Honoring the historic role of the black church will be the focus of this year’s event-filled festival, which is titled “Looking Back & Moving Forward.”

“All of this year’s award recipients have made significant contributions to the Witherspoon-Jackson and Princeton community and are more than worthy of this recognition,” said Princeton Councilman Lance Liverman.  “The recognition of the historic role of the black church in Princeton is amazing and long overdue.  The history of these four black churches are stories of faith, leadership, and community service and need to be told to current and future generations.  The individuals and organizations being recognized give continuously to Princeton through their service and contributions to the community.”

Robert Rivers and Mildred Trotman will receive the Paul Robeson Spirit Award.  The Witherspoon-Jackson Citizens of the Year will include Lance Liverman in the field of government; Yina Moore and Leighton Newlin in community service; Shirley Satterfield, Larry and Fern Spruill, and Tommy and Joanne Parker in education; Frances Broadway Craig and John Broadway in business; Alvin McGowen and Dosier Hammond in housing; and Gail Everett and Darius Young in sports and wellness.

In addition, Mr. Rivers and Linda McDermott will receive the Jim Floyd Lifetime Achievement Award; McCaffrey Foods, Mr. Hammond, and the Unity Choir of the First Baptist Church of Princeton will receive Mildred Trotman Community Service Awards; and Elizabeth Kim and Kathryn Watterson will be honored with community service thank-yous.

“The African American Church has played such an important role in the social, economical, and emotional development of the community,” said the Rev. Gregory Smith, whose father was pastor of the Mount Pisgah African Methodist Church on Witherspoon Street from 1971 to 1981.

Mr. Smith, currently pastor of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Willingboro, continued, “The churches were the focal point for community life, the first place where people of color had leadership roles.  That was where families came together to celebrate events, and there were political and economic meetings too.  This history plays a significant role in who we are.”

Noting the many challenges currently faced by the church, Mr. Smith added, “The world has changed, but the foundation of people coming together to share their faith continues.  The church has a responsibility to find a place in all these changes.”

As part of the Joint Effort celebrations, an ecumenical service in the Miller Chapel of Princeton Theological Seminary at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 6 will recognize the four black churches of Princeton and their oldest members. The churches include Mount Pisgah, founded in 1832; Witherspoon Street Presbyterian, founded in 1840 as The First Presbyterian Church of Colour; First Baptist Church of Princeton, founded in 1885 as Bright Hope Baptist Church; and Morning Star Church of God in Christ, founded in 1941.

The event will focus on the African American community, but Mr. Smith emphasized, “This is something we all can celebrate.  The church and how it has enhanced people’s lives is indicative of what we all have experienced through faith.”

In addition to the individual honors, on Friday, August 11 at the First Baptist Church there will be a “Special Salute to Black Seniors and Every Member of a Princeton Black Church.”  John Bailey, lead organizer and co-founder of Joint Effort Safe Streets, will speak that evening on ”What Does It Mean To Be Black in America Today: A Message from our Ancestors to My Community.”

A Time Capsule Ceremony on Saturday, August 12 at 9:30 a.m.at the Waxwood Apartments on Quarry Street, formerly a segregated African American school, will be another highlight of the 10-day celebration.  The capsule, a metal box containing pictures, letters, and other memorabilia from black churches and families, will be buried and remain for 50 years, to be opened in 2067 by residents and future generations of Princeton and the W-J community.

Ms. Satterfield, co-founder and president of the Witherspoon-Jackson Historical and Cultural Society, noted the importance of keeping alive the history, particularly the contributions of African Americans, of the Princeton community.  “When the time capsule is opened in 2067, the people will see what has been accomplished in the 50 years prior.  We want people to know the rich history of the community.  Our families were servants who sustained Princeton.  They were domestic people and also professionals, lawyers, teachers.  When the capsule is opened people will see what has gone on and how important it is that we’re here.”

Following the Time Capsule Ceremony, Ms. Satterfield will lead her renowned Witherspoon-Jackson Community Walking Tour, highlighting the African American experience in Princeton.