CHANGEMAKERS

Enola D. Maxwell was born on August 30, 1919, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Clemus and Lena Maxwell. After her mother’s move to San Francisco, Maxwell followed in 1949 with her children, Barbara and Ronnie. Racial discrimination shrouding the atmosphere of the south motivated her to move to the west. Continue reading “ENOLA D. MAXWELL”

Rev. James McCray served as a senior minister at Jones Memorial United Methodist Church from 1982 until 2002 and was an integral figure in the construction of the new Jones Memorial Church in the Western Addition. Continue reading “REV. JAMES McCRAY, JR.”

Born on January 14, 1943, Lulann Sapp McGriff would become known as one of the most prominent civil rights leaders in San Francisco, as well as a defender of educational rights and equality. Despite being from Los Angeles, McGriff grew up in the Ingleside neighborhood of San Francisco which allowed her to fully understand the issues of her community. Continue reading “LULANN McGRIFF”

Isiah ‘Ike’ Nelson III is remembered as an amazing police officer and a hero. Born and raised in San Francisco, Nelson attended City College and received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in public administration from Golden Gate University (Maatz). He and his wife, Dorian Nelson, had two sons, Gabriel and Anthony. Continue reading “COMMANDER ISIAH NELSON III”

Throughout her years of dedication and hard work, Eva Paterson has become an outstanding leader who actively works for change in her community. Paterson’s years of persistence, along with her courage, grit, and fortitude have helped her break down many racial barriers. She has received numerous awards and has acted as a catalyst for many social movements. Continue reading “EVA PATERSON”

Leslie Burton Payne, commonly known as Les Payne established himself as a noteworthy changemaker through his rehabilitation work with incarcerated youth. This was primarily as a dedicated officer of the California Youth Authority, and his active membership in both the Lions’ Club and the Commonwealth Club. Continue reading “LES PAYNE”

Dr. William Pierce, a psychologist and researcher associated with the Westside Community Mental Health Center, was one of the first researchers to attempt to dispel the racist notion of inherent white superiority in relation to intelligence. In addition to his work at the West Side Community Mental Health Center, Pierce has used his professional standing to advocate for the fair treatment of African Americans. Continue reading “DR. WILLIAM PIERCE”

Alex Pitcher was an African American lawyer and civil rights activist whose legacy will forever be remembered. He has made contributions to African American rights, specifically within education, that still hold great importance to this day. Born in the 1920s, Pitcher was raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he became one of the first African American lawyers in the state. Continue reading “ALEX PITCHER”