Historical Sites
Percy L. Julian Middle School in Phoenix
Percy L. Julian was an American research chemist and a pioneer in the chemical synthesis of medicinal drugs from plants. He was the first to synthesize the natural product physostigmine; and was an American pioneer in the industrial large-scale chemical synthesis of the human hormones, steroids, progesterone, and testosterone,, from plant sterols such as stigtigmasterol and sitsterol.
During his lifetime he received more than 130 chemical patents. Julian was the one of the first African American to receive a doctorate in chemistry. He was the first African American chemist inducted into the National Academy of Sciences, and the second African-American scientist inducted from any field.
Travis L. Williams Family Services Center in Phoenix
Travis L. Williams was born in Tyler, Texas and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. Mr. Williams served as the first Director of the Human Resources Department for the City of Phoenix from 1977 until retirement in 1989.
Mr. Williams was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the National Association of Community Development; Arizona Association of Community action Agencies; and the U.S. Conference of Mayors Human Resources Officials.
Calvin C. Goode Municipal Building in Phoenix
The Honorable Calvin C. Goode was born in the State of Oklahoma, but has lived in Arizona since 10 months of age. He has been a member of Phoenix City Council since 1972, longer than any other person since the City of Phoenix formed this system of government.
The Honorable Goode is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and teaches a course in the evening program at South Mountain Community College entitled: “Owning and Operating a Small Business." Mr. Goode was also a member of the Phoenix City Council.
Lincoln J. Ragsdale Executive Terminal in Phoenix
Dr. Lincoln J. Ragsdale was a native of the State of Oklahoma. Dr. Ragsdale went into the Army Air Force as one of the famous “Tuskegee Airmen” in 1945. He received his wings as a Fighter Pilot with the 332 Fighter Group with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.
Dr. Ragsdale was very active in the community and political affairs. Some of his involvements are: President of the Arizona State University Alumni Association; Chairman of the Municipal Aeronautics Advisory Board; Past President YMCA Board of Directors, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc; American Legion Post 41, and 33rd Degree Mason Masonic Lodge.