Percy Julian

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19-Jan-2023
MH Author


Percy Julian was an African American chemist and inventor who overcame great hardship in his early life to become one of the most accomplished and respected figures of his time.

Julian was born in 1899 in Alabama, the grandson of enslaved people. Despite the end of slavery, he and his family faced severe poverty and discrimination in the years that followed. Despite these challenges, Julian was determined to pursue an education and worked tirelessly to achieve his goals.

Julian had a passion for science and attended DePauw University in Indiana, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry in 1920. He then went on to earn a Master's degree from the University of Vienna in Austria, becoming one of the first African Americans to earn a degree in chemistry from a foreign university.

After returning to the United States, Julian began working at Glidden Company, where he developed a method to synthesize cortisone, a hormone used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, from soybeans. This was a major breakthrough in the field of chemistry and medicine, as the hormone was previously only available from animal sources and was incredibly expensive.

Julian's work on the synthesis of cortisone led to the development of other hormones and steroids, including progesterone, and also the development of birth control pills. He also developed a foam to extinguish oil and gasoline fires, which was used during World War II.

Julian's achievements were recognized by many organizations and awards. He was awarded more than 130 chemical patents, and was honored with the National Medal of Science by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1973.

Julian's life and work have inspired countless others to pursue careers in science, chemistry, and medicine. He was a trailblazer in his field, and his work had a significant impact on the medical and chemical industry, making him a true legend in the field of science. His legacy continues to be celebrated today, as an example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and a passion for innovation.

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Black Wall Street Thrived

How the greatest black community thrived before its dismantling

Black Wall Street, also known as Greenwood Avenue in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was a bustling hub of African American-owned businesses during the early 20th century. It was a thriving community that served as a model for other African American business districts across the country.

One of the key factors that contributed to the success of Black Wall Street was the strong sense of community that existed among its residents. Despite facing widespread discrimination and segregation, the people of Greenwood Avenue were able to come together and support one another's businesses. This sense of community was not just limited to the business owners, but extended to the consumers as well, who made a conscious effort to shop at and support their neighbors' businesses.

Another factor that contributed to the success of Black Wall Street was the high level of innovation that was present within the community. Many of the businesses on Greenwood Avenue were able to thrive because they were able to offer unique products or services that their competitors could not. For example, the Dreamland Theater was the first movie theater in the city to show "race films," which were specifically made for African American audiences. These films were a hit and helped to drive business to the Dreamland Theater.

Additionally, the businesses on Black Wall Street were able to form strong partnerships with each other, which allowed them to pool their resources and work together to create a more competitive market. This was especially important for businesses that faced discrimination from their white counterparts, as it allowed them to build a strong and self-sufficient community that was able to withstand economic challenges.

Overall, Black Wall Street was a remarkable example of the power of innovation and community in the face of adversity. Despite facing widespread discrimination and segregation, the businesses on Greenwood Avenue were able to thrive and become a model for other African American business districts across the country.

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