Black and Latinx history has been made at an Ivy League.
Princeton University has named two dormitories after two alums Kwanza Jones (Princeton ’93), and José E. Feliciano (Princeton ’94).
The occasion marks the first time buildings have been named after Black and Latino donors in Princeton’s 275-year history — according to a press release.
“We see this gift as the color of commitment. It also demonstrates that people of color belong and we are at the table to help the university to continue to do the work of anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion,” said Jones, according to the press release.
The dedication of the Kwanza Jones Hall and José E. Feliciano Hall follows life and business partners Jones and Feliciano donating $20 million to Princeton.
Additionally, the two previously wrote a letter to Princeton’s President, Christopher Eisgruber, and Vice President for Advancement, Kevin Heaney, addressing racism at the institution. They requested the removal of Woodrow Wilson’s name from the Residential College and the School of Public and International Affairs, the press release details.
“One of the reasons José and I committed more than $20 million to Princeton was to demonstrate that underrepresented people of color, whether Black, Brown, or otherwise, that these people, our people… belong,” Jones shared. “Not that we belong solely as beneficiaries of a Princeton education and experience. But, instead, we belong, as patrons and co-creators of Princeton, and places like Princeton. And, that Princeton, our communities, our nation, and the world is made better because of us.”
In addition to being a symbol of belonging and representation, the location of the dormitories is where Jones and Feliciano had their first date while attending Princeton.
“Today we celebrate the power of possibilities,” said Eisgruber. “We celebrate the generosity and love of two very special members of the Princeton community. And we celebrate what it means to belong.”
