CHANGEMAKERS

Born on March 28, 1931 in Eddy, Texas, former Superior Court Judge John Dearman became widely known for being humble in the court, once even advising a fellow judge to “keep one’s ego in check” and to never refer to oneself as “Judge” (Cahill). Continue reading “JUDGE JOHN DEARMAN”

Robert ‘Bob’ Demmons was born in Dallas, Texas, in 1940 and moved to San Francisco in 1942. Fire Chief Demmons ushered in an era of equitable governance to the San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD). His commitment to achieving racial and gender equality remains an outstanding example of city leadership. Continue reading “FIRE CHIEF BOB DEMMONS”

Claude T. Everhart was born in San Francisco in 1952, graduating from Lowell High School in 1970. During his high school years, Everhart joined the Black Panther Party, where he was active in a variety of political demonstrations, the San Francisco State College strike, and the Panthers’ Free Breakfast Program. Continue reading “CLAUDE T. EVERHART”

Richard Finis became San Francisco’s first African American full-time police officer in 1947. In the 1940s, black police officers in San Francisco were often temporarily employed to fulfill the shortage of officers who had gone overseas to fight in World War II or serve in the military after the war (Rojas). Continue reading “RICHARD FINIS”

Thomas Fleming will be remembered as an individual who devoted his life to combating racism through use of a free and fair press. Fleming was able to educate the people of San Francisco and the nation on black history and black community events and also demonstrated the importance of including black voices in the press. Continue reading “THOMAS FLEMING”

H. Welton Flynn may not have been a San Francisco native, but he was extremely influential in shaping the city’s legacy. Originally from South Carolina, Flynn moved to San Francisco after returning from World War II. He attended Golden Gate College and graduated with a degree in Accounting. Continue reading “H. WELTON FLYNN”

Terry A. Francois was a civil rights lawyer who made history as chapter president for the NAACP and as the first African American man to be appointed to San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors in 1964. Although Francois earned a prominent place in the history of the Fillmore, he was originally from New Orleans.  Continue reading “TERRY FRANCOIS”

Wayland C. Fuller was a son, father, pharmacist, and community leader. Fuller committed his adult life to helping underprivileged communities and spent many years assisting the people of Bayview–Hunters Point. He lived a quiet and philosophical life and his legacy lives on in the communities that he assisted. Continue reading “WAYLAND C. FULLER”