RANDOLPH, Ariz. (KGUN) — Randolph, Arizona is essentially a small island in Pinal County located in Coolidge just off State Route 87.

Founded in 1925, the town's vast farmland attracted people from all over the country. Cotton was plentiful and attracted the attention of black farmers, who had migrated primarily from Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma.

“They started buying land in Randolph, which was the only place people of color could buy property,” said Ron Jordan, a longtime resident.

Jordan's father opened up several acres of his property to fellow farmers from Arkansas, who stayed in a small cabin near the fields. There were six buildings in what was known as Preacher Jordan's Camp, but Ron says his father was nothing like a preacher.

His children totaled 25 and their births overlapped in relationships.

Ron was of black, white, and Indigenous descent, and was isolated from other members of his community. His fairer skin and lighter eyes earned him the nickname “Cat Eyes,” but he was never ostracized because of his appearance.

“Everyone was tight-knit. We didn't have to lock our doors. We shared tools. Everyone helped each other,” he said.

Therefore, he remained friends with some of his classmates from elementary school. One of them, Gussie Taylor, was originally a resident of Coolidge, but had become an important part of Randolph through St. Paul's Church, which burned down about three years ago.

“This church, this community, has made me who I am,” she said, looking at the charred remains.

Her father was the deacon of the church. He came from Texas headed for California. However, he met Taylor's mother and decided to settle in Arizona instead.

Despite the lack of running water and limited electricity at the time, Randolph had a strong family atmosphere, but only within the town limits.

Both Jordan and Taylor recalled the discrimination they faced from teachers and bus drivers when they entered comprehensive schools. Jordan missed out on prom king, and Taylor was tricked out of breaking the state record in track and field.

“That's exactly how we were treated back then,” she explained.

As technology advanced, farmers slowly moved out of Randolph and took over the cotton fields. Soon, major asphalt and gas companies purchased the land, and it wasn't long before the area became unrecognizable in many ways.

Some companies promised to give back to the communities they invaded, but they were all empty promises.

When the Salt River Project applied to expand its gas-fired power plant in 2022, residents sued the company, citing pollution and health concerns. The two organizations reached an agreement last June in which Mr. Randolph would receive nearly $12 million in two installments.

The money will go toward community centers, home repairs, home air quality monitoring, scholarships, and job training.

Like the walls of St. Paul's Church, which remain after the fire, Randolph is getting back on its feet again. The city is currently installing paved roads and sidewalks.

“Randolph sidewalks? I mean, people never imagined that would happen,” Taylor said.

The community also earmarked a portion of the funds for historic designation on the east side of town. This project is led by Jennifer Levstick. Westland Resources.

The state recently approved the application, which is currently being reviewed in Washington, D.C., and Levstick expects federal approval within the next few months.

Jordan said, “I'm 79 years old. I don't know how many days I have left to live. But I hope this becomes a place where people can come and see me again.''