Councilmember Michael Johnson's
Arizona Informant Column
March 31, 2004

Black pioneers opened doors, overcame obstacles

The scene was a Who’s Who of local African-American pioneers and heroes.

I’m referring to the 100 Black Men of Phoenix’s Annual African American Achievement Awards wherein eight community leaders were honored at a banquet held at the Hyatt Regency.

This year’s honorees are Georgie Goode, Mel Hannah, Goldye Hart, LaMar Hassan, Charlene Howard, Coy Payne, Jean Williams and Travis Williams for their outstanding achievements and leadership in Arizona .

Some of our youth may not be familiar with the all of the names, but it’s without question that today’s youth are better off because of the struggles, sacrifices and battles these pioneers endured.

They made significant inroads in politics, education, housing, community development, media and cultural arts, to name a few.

Here’s a brief salute to these remarkable individuals:

Georgie Goode was the first African American woman to serve on the Phoenix Union High School District Board of Trustees. She is the wife of former Councilman Calvin C. Goode, and is respectfully referred to as the first diplomatic and poised lady of Phoenix .

Mel Hannah was born in Winslow, Arizona and worked for the railroad company. He graduated from what was known then as Northern Arizona State Junior College. He served for 12 years as the first black elected official to the Flagstaff City Council and served one term as the Coconino County Supervisor. He was the first African American man to serve on these two visible levels of local government.

Goldye Hart was the first African American woman principal in the Roosevelt Elementary School District. She and her husband participated in chartering the first African American life insurance company in the state. She also has served on several boards, commissions and professional organizations.

LaMar Hassan’s construction talents and skills paved the way for African American builders. His business eventually blossomed into LaMar and Sons, a highly respected builder in the community.

Charlene Howard is the first African American woman evangelist in Phoenix. She’s made South Phoenix her home for over 40 years, and has been an advocate for equity in public services and funding for neighborhood improvement.

Coy Payne became the first African American man to be elected as Mayor in the City of Chandler, where he previously had served on the City Council. Ironically, Coy as a teenager had to travel to Phoenix to attend high school because Chandler did not allow African Americans in their schools.

Jean Williams became Arizona’s first African American woman judge. In the 1960s, she served as an attorney for Martin Luther King, Jr., and later received numerous awards for her outstanding legal work.

Travis Williams is a renowned businessman, leader and community advocate. He and his family are credited for developing the first homes for African Americans in South Phoenix. He worked for the City of Phoenix Human Services Department and is credited for fighting the war against poverty in South Phoenix. The newly built human services building in South Phoenix located on Tamarisk and South Central Avenue was named in honor of Mr. Williams.

Again, we salute you and the significant contributions you have made to our community.

Michael Johnson is a Phoenix City Councilmember who represents District 8. His office can be reached at 602-262-7493 or at michael.johnson@phoenix.gov via e-mail.