In 1939, the Dongs, a Chinese American family in Coronado, California, were unable to rent a house due to racially restrictive housing laws. Emma and Gus Thompson, a Black entrepreneurial couple, allowed the Dongs to rent and eventually buy their Coronado property. To thank the Thompsons, the Dongs are donating $5 million to Black college students using proceeds from the sale of the house. The Dong family will also work to have San Diego State University’s Black Resource Center named after Emma and Gus. The Dong family's Coronado properties, including the Thompsons' original home and an apartment complex, are estimated to be worth $8 million. The Dongs plan to donate $5 million of the proceeds. The gesture is seen as a way to honor and recognize the impact of one family's help in the face of racial discrimination. The Dong family's decision to give back to the Black community is seen as an example amid the national conversation about reparations. The donation coincides with California lawmakers' introduction of 14 reparations bills. The Dong family's decision holds up a mirror to society, challenging the ongoing debate on reparations.
Efforts are underway to replicate San Diego's iconic 'Black Family' statues, created in 1974 by artist Rossie Wade. The original statues, symbols of strength and pride for the Black community in Southeast San Diego, were placed on a college campus and in Mountain View Community Park. After years of deterioration, the statue in the park was removed, leaving only a brick base and faded plaque. Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber secured a $195,000 state grant to recreate the statue. The first replica, made of steel and standing at 6 feet tall, has been completed by welding students at San Diego College of Continuing Education Cultural Complex. The statue features skinny figures in the colors of black, brown, white, yellow, and red, symbolizing racial unity. The welding students, from various ethnic backgrounds, worked together on the project. The first replica will be placed on the college campus, and a second, taller replica will be built and placed back in Mountain View Community Park. The statues represent Black education, wealth, and prosperity in Southeast San Diego.
[211a7b06][5c9a02a6]