Final answer:
Percy Julian, an African American chemist, overcame societal barriers to invent Aero-Foam and develop methods to produce important hormones like progesterone from soybeans.
Step-by-step explanation:
Percy Julian, despite being raised in a time and place where black students faced significant educational barriers, became a distinguished PhD chemist. His significant contributions to chemistry include inventing Aero-Foam, a soy protein fire extinguisher used in World War II. Julian is also renowned for his work in synthesizing important compounds from soybeans that led to the mass production of hormones such as progesterone, helping millions of people. His inventiveness and dedication to science exemplify how resilience and ingenuity can lead to groundbreaking achievements regardless of sociopolitical obstacles.