Mrs. White and her Golden Rule Cafe history in AZ Republic

  Mrs. White's Golden Rule Cafe began in 1964 and is still going strong in 2025. Honored as 2023 Arizona Historymaker, Mrs. White's legacy inspires us all. Thanks to AZ Republic article for writing her story. Videos and oral history at https://www.historicalleague.org/historymakers/elizabeth-j-white

Historymakers Wall at Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park

Mrs. Elizabeth White 2023 Arizona Historymaker

 Who has made dinner for Charles Barkley, Alvin Adams, Jesse Jackson, James Brown and Senator John McCain (he was a regular)?

Mrs. White and her Golden Rule Café on Jefferson have played an important part in Phoenix history for the last 60 years. With her deep religious faith, she has been a role model for her family and her Eastlake neighborhood. Every important figure in Phoenix has stopped by to eat her soul food and feel this strong woman’s love for people.

Her motto: “We try to be good because that is what the Golden Rule means.”

She was honored as 2023 Arizona Historymaker at the October 14 Celebration.

Sitting with other 2023 Arizona Historymakers, enjoying the program.

With emcee Carey Pena

The Golden Rule Cafe, Mrs. Elizabeth White and Dr. Lincoln and Eleanor Ragsdale

A $500 loan made the difference for Mrs. White and The Golden Rule Cafe. She took over the restaurant in 1964 after her brother moved. Bank loans for African Americans were difficult and for a Black woman in business (impossible) in those days. Local activists Dr. Lincoln and Eleanor Ragsdale loaned her $500 through their loan company.

Honored as 2023 Arizona Historymaker, Mrs. Elizabeth White enjoyed the reception recently at the Arizona Heritage Center Museum. 2023 Arizona Historymaker Chair Diana Smith greets fellow Historical League member Lincoln Ragsdale Jr. and Mrs. Elizabeth White. Video https://youtu.be/plhJKvhwtzw

Congratulations to all 2023 Historymakers:

Frank Barrios

ASU President Michael Crow

Angel Delgadillo

Dolan Ellis

Ira Fulton & The Fulton Family

Terry Goddard

Denise Resnik

Dr. Jeffrey M. Trent

Dr. Daniel D. Von Hoff

Mrs. Elizabeth White