Percy Julian

Percy Lavon Julian was born in Montgomery, Alabama, the grandson of enslaved people. Barred from attending high school in segregated Alabama, he entered DePauw University as a "sub-freshman" — taking high school and college courses simultaneously — and graduated first in his class.

Despite his brilliance, racism barred him from research positions at white universities. He earned his Ph.D. in Vienna and returned to America to make breakthroughs that saved millions of lives. He synthesized physostigmine for glaucoma treatment, developed synthetic cortisone for arthritis, and created mass-producible hormones from soybeans.

Julian held over 130 chemical patents and founded his own pharmaceutical company. His home was firebombed twice by racists opposed to a Black family living in their neighborhood. He persevered, becoming one of the most prolific and important chemists in American history.