In modern times, despite poor record-keeping and erased histories, it has been revealed that enslaved African-Americans contributed far more than free labor to this country. A slave, Jo Anderson, is largely credited as the co-inventor of the McCormick mechanical reaper, which revolutionized American farming in the 19th Century. Jo Anderson, who was born in 1808, […]
For those who travel via airplane, give a big thank you to the late Miriam Benjamin. In 1888, she received a patent for her invention, the “Gong and Signal Chair for Hotels, “ a precursor to the modern flight attendant signaling system. SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER: Benjamin was born free in Charleston, S.C. on […]
Emmett Chappelle was a scientist and inventor who brought forth a wealth of innovation to the masses by way of his extensive research. The Phoenix, Ariz. native was born October 24, 1925. SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER: LIKE US ON FACEBOOK. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM Chappelle served in the Army during World War II before earning his […]
Granville T. Woods was an inventor who worked on over 50 inventions in his lifetime. His expertise in the electrical realm gained him the nickname the “Black Edison.” Granville Tailer Woods was born April 23, 1856 in Columbus, Ohio to free parents. As a young boy, Woods began working to support his poor family. In […]
Black inventors have contributed so much to our society but for some reason they don’t get that much attention. For starters we wouldn’t have traffic lights…can you imagine the roads without them? Sounds dangerous. We also wouldn’t have pacemakers! Pacemakers are medical devices that save a number of lives every year. Hear more in the […]
Lonnie Johnson, the creator of the "Super Soaker," is funding high school robotics teams through his non-profit organization.
Otis Boykin was an inventor responsible for many important electrical devices that are used in modern times, most notably the electrical resistor. On this day in 1961, an improved version of Boykin’s electrical resistor was published and caught the attention of the military and one of America’s top computer companies. Boykin was born August 29, […]
Sisters Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner and Mildred Davidson Austin Smith had the spirit of ingenuity passed on to them via their father and maternal grandfather. The pair eventually patented several household items, women’s products and even a board game over the course of their lives. The sisters were both born in the town of Monroe, […]
Dr. James West is an inventor and Johns Hopkins professor still working at an age where most would be content with retirement. Now 84, Dr. West helped to develop the electret microphone, which forms the basis for technology used in over 90 percent of modern devices, including microphones, camcorders and other recording devices. James Edward […]
Thousands of African-American inventors have developed various inventions over the years that have greatly impacted culture. However, today we are highlighting only 10 African-American inventors who have “shifted” the fields of science, medicine and technology. Dr. Patricia E. Bath She was the first African-American female doctor to receive a patent in medicine for her invention […]
Frederick Jones was a prolific, self-taught inventor responsible for revolutionizing the refrigeration business by inventing a transport unit for trucks.The invention changed the way grocers shipped goods, and was instrumental during World War II. Born May 17, 1893 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Jones dropped out of school at age nine after his mother died. A priest […]
Gerald “Jerry” Lawson, a Black man from Queens, New York, was an engineer and inventor responsible for bringing change to home console games. Lawson designed the Fairchild Channel F, the first home video game system featuring interchangeable cartridge-based games. Without his innovation, the disc-based gaming systems of today would not exist. Lawson was born December […]
