Mr. Calvin Coolidge Goode – his name says much more than who was President when he was born. It speaks to the hopes, the dreams, and the aspirations of his parents from nearly 87 1/2 years ago. It tells you that in 1927, in rural Oklahoma, a child could bring great joy, hope and promise for the future no matter the current circumstances, to one day make great contributions to society. That was a period in time when we worked hard and fought hard to achieve life victories both big and small. And during Mr. Goode’s lifetime, his work ethic, courage and vision brought victories that were both plentiful and important. In 1949, he earned two college degrees from Arizona State University. In 1972 he was elected to the Phoenix City Council where he served 22 years. He was the longest serving city council person in the history of the city. He won a great victory for humanity when he passed a city council ordinance that made it illegal to discriminate in employment on the basis on race, physical disability or sexual orientation. He fought many battles and won more victories in the world of education and business, as a long-term employee of the Phoenix School System and as the owner of Goode and Associates, an accounting firm – H&R Block had nothing on Mr. Goode. He had amazing victories to recognize the King Holiday first by the city of Phoenix and eventually by the state of Arizona. His victory over Ward Connerly’s phony Civil Rights Initiative drew national attention.
As the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Tanner Properties, he is an advocate for bringing affordable housing options to seniors. Over 550 units of affordable housing apartments are available to elderly and disabled persons. Every facet of his life has brought about triumphant victories, not only for himself but mainly for his community. We as a community are better off because of these great victories over adversity and his ability to stand tall in the face of myriad obstacles.
Mr. Goode had the ability to persevere under the toughest of conditions until we as a community could realize the dream and claim the victory in hand. Mr. Goode, we recognize and honor you for your lifetime of commitment and accomplishments. The Third annual Seniors Awards Luncheon is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Mr. Goode. The vision of your family from that first day has been realized many times over for your accomplishments – too numerous to mention – and your leadership in our community. You did your parents proud, Mr. Calvin Goode. You did us all proud. Thank you.
Have you purchased your tickets? Click here to purchase tickets for the 3rd Annual Senior Awards Luncheon and join us in honoring Mr. Goode and other unsung heroes. Thank you.