Oral History with José Pabón

José Pabón, a Princeton University graduate, shared his experiences and insights about Princeton’s history. He highlighted the town’s notable figures like Christopher Reeve and Paul Robeson, and recounted a moving story about James Collins Johnson, a freed slave who sold lemonade to students post-Civil War. Pabón reflected on Princeton’s traditions, both positive and negative, and emphasized the importance of overcoming past racial injustices. He also discussed the 250th of the U.S., expressing concern about current political divisiveness and the need for vigilance to preserve the republic.