Percy Julian and his Chicago-based story are extraordinary. His story is about one gifted black man who persevered in science despite many opposing, discriminating forces and became the major force in making the wonder drug cortisone available and accessible to the general population. NOVA, PBS’s premier science series, produced an award- winning film on the life and scientific accomplishments of Percy Julian which aired nationally on over 300 PBS stations on February 7, 2007. The film speaks to his science, human determination, race discrimination and more. Prior to this national broadcast, an abbreviated screening was presented at Chicago’s landmark Chicago Theatre on January 26, 2007. The evening, co-hosted by Mayor Richard M. Daley and the Chicago Public Schools and attended by several thousand attendees, also introduced the In Search of Genius Foundation, established to honor the life and legacy of Percy Julian and to help “level the playing field, so that all children, regardless of their race or life circumstances would have an opportunity to bring their genius into the world”.

A board-of-directors is in formation that will reflect the outstanding skill sets needed to accomplish the above objectives.