The 20th century saw remarkable advancements in chemistry, with many scientists pushing the boundaries of innovation. Among them was Dr. Percy Lavon Julian, a Black chemist whose groundbreaking work revolutionized medicine and industry. From synthesizing essential medications to pioneering new uses for soybean oil, Julian’s discoveries transformed lives and made treatments more affordable. While Julian’s contributions reached far beyond Oak Park, his legacy remains deeply embedded in the community, and today, efforts are underway to commemorate his remarkable life through a dedicated streetscape project.
Born in 1899 in Montgomery, Alabama, Percy Julian was the grandson of enslaved people and grew up in a time when segregation and racial discrimination made opportunities for African Americans exceedingly rare. Despite these challenges, Julian displayed a relentless pursuit of education. As a child, he only had access to schooling up to the eighth grade, but his thirst for knowledge drove him to seek more. He was eventually admitted to DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, where he faced significant academic hurdles due to his inadequate high school education. Nevertheless, his brilliance shone through—he not only caught up but also graduated as valedictorian in 1920. While at DePauw, he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, a prestigious honor society recognizing academic excellence.
After earning his undergraduate degree, Julian continued his academic journey at Harvard University through an Austin Fellowship, where he completed a master’s degree in organic chemistry. Although Julian completed his master's degree at Harvard, he was denied the opportunity to continue to a Ph.D. there, reportedly due to racial discrimination. He took teaching positions at Fisk University and West Virginia State College, historically Black institutions dedicated to educating African Americans at a time when few universities would accept them.
Determined to further his education, Julian traveled to Austria, where he earned his doctorate from the University of Vienna. Studying abroad was a rare and monumental achievement for an African American during this time, and it solidified Julian’s place among the most promising scientists of his generation. Upon returning to the United States, he accepted a faculty position at Howard University, furthering his impact as an educator and mentor to aspiring Black scientists.
Dr. Julian’s work in chemistry changed the medical world. He made remarkable advancements in steroid chemistry, finding innovative ways to synthesize essential medicines from plant-based sources. His contributions revolutionized medicine and paved the way for more affordable and accessible treatments. Some of his most significant breakthroughs include:
While working at DePauw University, Julian and his colleague Josef Pikl successfully synthesized physostigmine, an alkaloid derived from the Calabar bean. This compound had long been used to treat glaucoma, but its availability was limited due to challenges in extraction. Julian’s pioneering work made it possible to mass-produce physostigmine, drastically reducing costs and expanding treatment accessibility for those at risk of blindness.
In the 1930s and 1940s, Julian played a key role in hormone synthesis, particularly through his research on sterols found in soybean oil. He discovered a method to extract stigmasterol, which could be converted into progesterone and other sex hormones. This breakthrough was instrumental in the development of treatments for miscarriages, hormone-related disorders, and birth control. His work also drew attention from pharmaceutical companies, leading to further research in steroid synthesis.
Julian’s most widely recognized contribution was his pioneering work in steroid chemistry, which provided essential intermediates for the mass production of cortisone. His innovations made these treatments significantly more affordable and accessible for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, severe allergies, and skin conditions. His breakthroughs significantly reduced the cost of these life-changing medications.
Beyond medicine, Julian’s innovations extended into industrial chemistry. During World War II, Julian played a key role in the large-scale production of Aero-Foam, a soy protein-based fire retardant used by the U.S. military to extinguish oil and gasoline fires aboard naval ships. This invention was critical in protecting lives and military assets during wartime, further showcasing his versatility as a chemist and problem-solver.
Due to his numerous contributions, Julian became a respected figure in the scientific community. He was a member of the American Chemical Society, was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, and in 1973, was elected to the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine (now the National Academy of Medicine) in recognition of his contributions to medical chemistry and pharmaceutical advancements.
Despite his undeniable expertise, Julian faced constant racism and discrimination in his career. Even after becoming the Director of the Soya Division at Glidden Company, he was frequently denied housing in white neighborhoods. In 1950, before Julian and his family even moved into their Oak Park home, a firebomb was thrown at the house. Later, their home was attacked again when gunshots were fired at it—a stark reminder of the racial tensions of the era. However, Julian remained undeterred, continuing his scientific work while advocating for civil rights and educational opportunities for African Americans.
Throughout his life, Julian fought for equality in education and the workplace. He was an outspoken advocate for STEM opportunities for Black students and worked to eliminate racial barriers in the scientific community. His determination and advocacy helped clear the way for future generations of Black scientists.
In 1954, Julian left Glidden to start his own company, Julian Laboratories, based in Franklin Park, Illinois. His firm specialized in steroid synthesis, making treatments for arthritis, birth control, and hormone deficiencies more affordable. His success was groundbreaking—not only because of his scientific achievements but also because he was an African American business owner in a deeply segregated industry.
Julian’s expertise and business acumen led him to sell his company for millions of dollars, allowing him to dedicate more time to civil rights activism. He served on various boards, educational institutions, and advocacy groups, championing equal education and employment opportunities for Black Americans. Later in life, he was diagnosed with liver cancer, but he continued his advocacy and mentorship efforts until his passing in 1975.
Julian’s legacy is one of perseverance, innovation, and advocacy—a true testament to his brilliance and determination. His contributions continue to shape the fields of medicine, chemistry, and civil rights, ensuring that his impact endures for generations to come.
Percy Julian’s contributions extended far beyond the lab; his presence in Oak Park left a lasting impact. To honor his legacy, the Village of Oak Park is creating the Percy Julian Streetscape on Chicago Avenue, a project aimed at preserving his memory and inspiring future generations.
The Percy Julian Streetscape Project will be designed to publicly recognize Julian’s achievements and ensure his contributions are not forgotten. Key features will include:
Gateways, banners, and wayfinding signs showcasing Julian’s life and work.
Public art and interactive exhibits to engage visitors with his scientific contributions.
An outdoor exhibit integrating immersive and educational experiences about Julian’s impact.
Potential augmented reality features allowing visitors to engage with Julian’s story using technology.
Dr. Percy L. Julian, an often forgotten genius, was a scientific pioneer, civil rights advocate, and an inspiration to generations of African Americans in STEM. His innovative work with steroid chemistry and medicine made life-changing treatments more accessible and affordable. Despite facing significant racial obstacles, he broke through barriers with intellect, resilience, and determination.
Today, Oak Park proudly honors his legacy through the Percy Julian Streetscape Project, ensuring that his achievements remain celebrated for generations to come. Whether you’re a resident or visitor, this project serves as a powerful reminder of perseverance and excellence—a fitting tribute to a man whose work changed the world.
* Image courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution.