African-American medical pioneer's story often goes unsung

[Blue_Tires]

Feburary is the month in which we honor African- American achievements. Although there are countless contributions throughout our lives that African-Americans have made, one individual, I believe, warrants special recognition.

This scientist took a simple product that is grown in most fields throughout Alabama and was able to synthesize or make amazing things from it. No, I am not talking about George Washington Carver and what he did with the peanut and potato plants.

The scientist I am referring is Dr. Percy Lavon Julian. Julian was born and raised right here in Montgomery. Born on April 11, 1899, he attended Alabama State Laboratory High School on the campus of Alabama State University. Julian's research led to the development of products that have changed and continue to impact the lives of many individuals, not only in Alabama or in the U.S., but around the world.
His research with the soy bean led to the development of a substance called the soya protein.

This protein became the foundation for what is known as "aero-foam". This foam is most commonly sprayed on airplanes that have crashed after coming in from battle. Any pilot who was able to walk away from a crash landing without the plane exploding owes his life to Julian.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20110215/LIFESTYLE/102150320/African-American-medical-pioneer-s-story-often-goes-unsung