Interview, Ronald Good

Ronald Good was born in Nutley, New Jersey, and raised in New York City. He earned a bachelor’s degree in medical technology from New York University and went on to earn a master’s degree in inorganic chemistry. Good worked primarily in medical laboratories. In 1962, he accepted a position at Rochester General Hospital, where he was quickly promoted to manager of the blood bank. Good became involved in local politics around 1964. He served as the 7th Ward Supervisor and the Assistant Minority Leader of the County Legislature, and he was the first black person elected to City Council, in 1975.

In this interview, Good discusses racial conditions in Rochester before and after the 1964 riots. He shares details of the political elections that he was involved in and expresses frustration over the low voter turnout among African Americans in the city. Good encourages black Rochesterians to become more involved in the political process, explaining how his election to City Council in 1975 opened doors for minority groups, including women and people of color.