Preston Washington ’70 (1948-2003) was the chairman of the Afro-American Society at Williams College and spearheaded the first black protest on campus known as the Hopkins Occupation in 1969.  During this occupation, society members and supporters on campus insisted that their demands for equality and equity for black students were met.  In addition, he was the president of the senior honor society and the class speaker.  His leadership roles in multiple realms within student life was an indicator to his involvement in society beyond Williams College.

 

Licensed to preach at 16, Washington used his religious ambition to bring communities together, especially his own.  As a Harlem native, Washington gave back to his community as a developmental leader, pressing for a rejuvenation of his beloved community in the religious and industrial state.  He also founded House of Hope, a safe haven for single mothers and children, and used the church to voice the importance of taking care of those battling with HIV and AIDS.  Community building and advocating for what is right came natural to Washington, even if it caused some controversy.  The documents displayed give a glimpse to his passionate character within the walls of Williams and beyond.