Empowering History: Wesleyan College Senior, Alondra Jordan, Wins Prestigious Douglass Astolfi Grant for Black History Research

At Wesleyan College, students make an impact in the world around them every day; as the 2025 recipient of the Douglass Astolfi Grant, senior Alondra Jordan is a prime example of just that.

This grant will empower Jordan, a History, Politics and Global Affairs major, as she heads to New York to continue her archival research on three prominent figures of the Black Panther Party. 

“I decided that it was really, really important to talk about and shed light on that part of history, and I'm super grateful to be able to spread my research to a broader community,” Jordan said.

Jordan’s research will impact the body of knowledge on the Black Panther Party, uplifting Black history and reducing the stigma created around coverage of the topic.

The Astolfi Grant is presented to aspiring historians presenting across all mediums at the conference. Application for the grant requires the submission of a research proposal, presumed research expenses and a letter of support from a faculty member at the student’s institution. The award is granted to the undergraduate applicant with the most exemplary proposal to encourage further research. 

Jordan expressed how the grant has profoundly impacted her educational ambitions and the unique ways it has shaped her experiences as a young woman in her field, crediting the invaluable support of Dr. Brandi Simpson Miller, whose encouragement played a pivotal role in motivating her to submit her proposal, overcoming her initial hesitation. 

“She completely encouraged me to take it upon myself to apply for the scholarship and really be proud of my paper and not be afraid to showcase it,” Jordan said.

She emphasised the immense growth she experienced in her ability as a writer, academic and individual upon being granted the award. She expressed the shock she felt hearing her name called at the conference as she was presented the award. 

“To have people to recognize you and actually like to stand out in front of a crowd, it really does make a difference,” Jordan said. “ It makes you more confident.”

Jordan hopes her research will encourage individuals to continue pursuing coverage of hard history in order to promote Black history, voices and stories.

Jordan’s accolades ascend beyond just receiving this distinction; Outside of her huge achievements in academics, she serves as President of Power and Protest Society and interns with the Wesleyan Communications team, well-known and loved for her ”Girl on the Quad” series. After graduating from Wesleyan this Spring, she intends to pursue a future in news broadcasting. We couldn’t be more proud of Alondra and the hard work, passion and dedication she gives to everything she is involved in.