[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 21 (Monday, February 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E252]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF PERCY LAVON JULIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. JOHN LEWIS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 30, 2007

  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam Speaker, today we honor one of the most 
accomplished scientists of the twentieth century; a man who would not 
be deterred by racial bias. Today we honor the life and research of Dr. 
Percy Julian.
  Dr. Julian worked tirelessly, and won acclaim for his work in organic 
chemistry. A brilliant chemist, Dr. Julian developed a treatment for 
glaucoma, a new process to produce cortisone, and a fire retardant used 
by the US Navy, which saved countless American lives during World War 
II. Throughout his distinguished career Dr. Julian was awarded an 
impressive 105 patents. His many scientific accomplishments led to his 
election as a member of the prestigious National Academy of Sciences in 
1973.
  Dr. Percy's contribution to the study of science is remarkable, yet 
we cannot forget the racial barriers that Dr. Julian was able to 
overcome. Born the grandson of Alabama slaves, Dr. Julian was a civil 
rights pioneer. Dr. Julian was forced to fight through racial prejudice 
and intimidation to establish himself as a pre-eminent chemist. Let us 
not forget, as the first African-American family to live in the Chicago 
suburb of Oak Park, the Julian house was fire-bombed in 1950. And 
again, on June 12, 1951, the Julian house was attacked, this time with 
dynamite. Yet, through it all, we should not forget the courage he 
displayed and his perseverance.
  We, as a nation, owe much to Percy Julian and it is a privilege to 
honor him today.

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