Chinese American Family Donates $5 Million to Black college students: A Transformative Act of Kindness
In a remarkable display of generosity, the Dong family—a Chinese American household—recently made headlines by donating a staggering $5 million to Black college students. But this story isn’t just about money; it’s about the intricate threads that connect families across generations and cultures.
The Thompsons: A Bridge Across Time
1939: A Turning Point
Our tale begins in 1939, a time when racially restrictive housing laws plagued Coronado, California. The Dongs’ parents, eager to find a home, faced rejection after rejection due to their Chinese heritage. But then, like a beacon of hope, Gus and Emma Thompson—a Black entrepreneurial couple—opened their doors. They allowed the Dongs to rent and eventually buy their Coronado property, defying prejudice and helping them achieve the American Dream.
Emma and Gus: A Legacy of Kindness
Emma and Gus Thompson’s legacy resonates through time. Gus, born into slavery in Kentucky, knew firsthand the struggle for freedom and equality. Their act of kindness—welcoming the Dongs into their home—set off a chain reaction that would span decades.
The Dong Family’s Gratitude
A Debt Repaid
Fast-forward to today. The Dongs, forever grateful for the doors opened by Gus and Emma, decided to pay it forward. Lloyd Dong Jr. and his older brother, Ron Dong, plan to donate their portions of the family’s Coronado properties—worth a combined $5 million—to San Diego State University’s Black Resource Center. It’s a way to honor the Thompsons and empower future generations.
A Lasting Legacy
The $5 million donation isn’t just about scholarships; it’s about creating opportunities. The Black Resource Center will bear Emma and Gus’s names, ensuring that their impact echoes through time. Upper-class mentors will guide lower-classmen, professional resources will flow, and success stories will multiply.
The Meeting of Generations
A Reunion on Storied Land
Recently, the Dongs welcomed the Thompsons’ great-grandchildren back to the very home where their lives intersected. The living room, adorned with pictures from a Coronado Historical Association exhibit, felt charged with history. Tears flowed as the families embraced, bridging the gap between past and present.
Emma and Gus Live On
As the Dongs prepare to sell their home, they wanted the Thompsons’ descendants to tour it. The connection was palpable—the presence of ancestors, the weight of gratitude. Few, the great-granddaughter, summed it up: “It’s a bit overwhelming. You don’t hear about these things.”
The Dong family’s gift transcends ethnicity, transcends borders. It’s a testament to the power of compassion, the ripple effect of kindness. Emma and Gus Thompson, once strangers to the Dongs, now live on in the legacy they helped create.
