In the 1930s, there were some racists laws that excluded certain people from renting places to live. At that time in Coronado, California, a man who was born into slavery in Kentucky named Gus Thompson, rented a house to the Dongs, a Chinese American family. The Dongs rented the home for 17 years before purchasing it from Gus and Emma Thompson.
The property is now very valuable and the family is showing gratitude by gifting the San Diego State University’s Black Resource Center in honor of the Thompsons and their kindness back in the day. Ron Dong and Lloyd Dong Jr, the sons of Lloyd Dong made the donation.
The Dongs say that the help that their father received from the Thompsons was the break that the Chinese family needed. Mr. Thompson assisted their father with expanding his gardening business and because the home had been built in 1895, he could rent to them because racial housing covenants were not in effect.
The gift that the Dongs have given to the USDS will help more students graduate and advance their careers.