{"value"=>"<p>Pastor Weston became the first African American member of Columbia University's board of trustees in 1969. He kept files reflecting routine board service matters as well as his concerns as a community leader in Harlem and his role as an alumnus of the university. Weston saw value in fostering cooperation among the church community, the Harlem neighborhood, and the Columbia campus. He used his position as a board member to advocate for affirmative action in student admissions, the hiring of more minority staff, and the greater involvement of minority-owned contractors on campus construction projects. He encouraged the university to bank with Carver Federal Savings Bank and acted as an advisor regarding the university's community real estate investments. These files document Weston's activity on numerous committees within the university board of trustees throughout the 1970s, including the Committee on Community Affairs; the Executive Committee; the Nominating Committee; the Committee on Educational Policy and the State of the University; the Research Administration Committee; and the Honors Committee. Trustees' agendas, schedules, meeting minutes, and notes are included. The files also reflect Weston's interest in Columbia University Press and Pulitzer Prize nominations.</p>"}