Reflecting on the contributions of African Americans throughout history is an important part of acknowledging the significant impact they have had on our society. It's essential to celebrate the activists, artists, and leaders who have helped shape our world. However, it's not just about looking back. It's also important to recognize the incredible achievements of African Americans today, particularly in the field of invention.
African American inventors have made countless contributions to our world, from everyday conveniences to life-saving medical devices. Despite their significant impact, their stories and names are often overlooked. To show our appreciation, we have compiled a list of 10 African American inventors who have left an indelible mark on history. These inventors have inspired future generations to innovate and create, and they deserve to be remembered and celebrated beyond any particular month or event.
While our focus is on African American inventors, our celebration of their contributions doesn't stop here. We have also highlighted five black women who have made groundbreaking contributions to their fields and explored the evolution of black history month themes. We hope that this celebration will inspire continued appreciation and recognition of African American contributions to our world.
Let us take a moment to honour these exceptional inventors and celebrate their lasting impact.
1. Garrett Morgan
Garrett Morgan was an African American inventor and entrepreneur who lived from 1877 to 1963. He is best known for inventing the gas mask and the traffic signal. Morgan created the gas mask as a response to a mining accident that trapped workers underground. It helped to save many lives during World War I. His invention of the traffic signal, which was patented in 1923, greatly improved road safety and became a standard fixture in cities around the world. Morgan's contributions to public safety and transportation have had a lasting impact on society and are a testament to his ingenuity and vision.
2. George Washington Carver
Image of George Washington Carver from 1910, source Wikimedia Commons.
George Washington Carver was a renowned scientist and inventor who lived from 1860 to 1943. He is best known for his pioneering work in developing new uses for crops such as peanuts, sweet potatoes, and soybeans. Carver's research into alternative crops helped to revitalize Southern agriculture and provided new sources of income for farmers. He also developed new methods for crop rotation and soil conservation. These methods improved soil health and curb erosion. Carver's legacy is one of innovation and perseverance in the face of adversity, and his work continues to inspire generations of scientists and inventors today.
3. Lewis Latimer
Lewis Latimer was a pioneering inventor and electrical engineer who lived from 1848 to 1928. He is best known for inventing an improved filament for the incandescent light bulb, which made it possible for the bulb to burn for longer periods. Latimer's filament helped make electric lighting more practical and affordable. In addition to his work on the light bulb, Latimer played a pivotal role in the development of the telephone and worked on numerous other inventions throughout his career. His contributions to the electrical engineering field helped to shape the modern world and continue to be recognised today.
4. Lonnie G. Johnson
Lonnie G. Johnson is an African American inventor and engineer best known for inventing the Super Soaker water gun. Born in Mobile, Alabama in 1949, Johnson studied engineering at Tuskegee University and went on to work for NASA, where he helped develop the Galileo mission to Jupiter. However, it was his invention of the Super Soaker in 1982 that made him a household name. The Super Soaker revolutionized water gun technology and became one of the most popular toys of all time. It also helped to inspire a new generation of inventors and engineers. Johnson's success as an inventor and his commitment to promoting diversity in STEM fields have made him a role model for aspiring innovators everywhere.
5. Madam C.J. Walker
Madam C.J. Walker, born Sarah Breedlove, was a pioneering African American entrepreneur and philanthropist who lived from 1867 to 1919. She is best known for her line of hair care products for black women, which helped to revolutionize the beauty industry and provided economic opportunities for many African American women. Walker began her career as a sales agent for Annie Turnbo Malone, another prominent African American entrepreneur, before launching her own business in 1905. Her company, the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, grew rapidly and made her one of the wealthiest self-made women in America. Walker was also a philanthropist and activist who supported many causes, including education and the arts. Her legacy continues to inspire women and entrepreneurs today.
6. Marie Van Brittan Brown
Marie Van Brittan Brown was an African American inventor who lived from 1922 to 1999. She is best known for inventing the first home security system, which consisted of a series of peepholes, the camera, and a two-way communication system that allowed homeowners to monitor visitors at their front door. Brown was motivated to invent the security system after experiencing frequent break-ins in her neighbourhood and feeling unsafe in her home. Her invention laid the foundation for modern home security systems and shaped how we think about personal safety. Brown's pioneering work as an inventor and innovator has inspired generations of women and people of colour to pursue careers in STEM fields.
7. Patricia Bath
Patricia Bath was an African American ophthalmologist who lived from 1942 to 2019. She is best known for inventing a device and method for cataract surgery that used a laser to make precise incisions, which greatly improved the accuracy and safety of the procedure. Bath's invention made cataract surgery more accessible to people around the world, particularly those in developing countries who lacked access to advanced medical technology. In addition to her groundbreaking work in ophthalmology, Bath was also a passionate advocate for health equity and education, and she worked tirelessly to promote diversity and inclusion in the STEM fields. Her contributions to medicine and her legacy as a trailblazing African American woman have inspired countless people to pursue careers in science, technology, and healthcare.
8. Percy Julian
Percy Julian was an African American chemist who lived from 1899 to 1975. He is best known for his pioneering work in the field of organic chemistry, where he developed a synthetic version of the hormone cortisone for treating arthritis and other diseases. Julian's invention made cortisone more affordable and accessible to people worldwide. In doing so, he revolutionized the field of medicine. Julian also made significant contributions to the development of chemical processes for the industrial production of important chemicals, such as synthetic rubber and fire retardants. Despite facing discrimination and prejudice throughout his career, Julian persevered and became one of the most celebrated and influential chemists of the 20th century. His legacy continues to inspire generations of scientists and innovators from diverse backgrounds.
9. Sarah E. Goode
Sarah E. Goode was an African American inventor and entrepreneur who lived from 1855 to 1905. She is best known for inventing the folding cabinet bed, which was a precursor to the modern Murphy bed. Goode's invention was particularly significant because it allowed people who lived in small apartments or homes to save space and have more functional living spaces. As an African American woman in the late 19th century, Goode faced significant barriers and challenges in both the invention and business worlds. However, she persevered and became the first African American woman to receive a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Goode's legacy continues to inspire entrepreneurs and inventors, particularly women and people of colour, to pursue their dreams and make significant contributions to the world.
10. Shirley Ann Jackson
Image of Dr Shirley Ann Jackson, source Wikimedia Commons.
Dr Shirley Ann Jackson is a physicist and inventor who has made groundbreaking contributions to telecommunications and science. She was born in 1946 and is the first African American woman to earn a PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Jackson invented and patented telecommunications technologies that laid the groundwork for caller ID and call waiting. She also made important discoveries in the field of condensed matter physics, particularly in the behaviour of electrons in semiconductors. Jackson's work has had a significant impact on both telecommunications and scientific research, and she has received numerous honours and awards for her contributions. In addition to her scientific achievements, Jackson has been a trailblazer for women and people of colour in the fields of science and technology.
The achievements of African American inventors have transformed our daily lives, influencing both the products we use and the technological advancements that have shaped our world. By acknowledging and celebrating their contributions, we pay tribute to their legacy and ignite inspiration for future innovators. It's important to remember the pioneering spirit of these exceptional individuals and encourage diversity and representation in the fields of science, technology, and innovation. As we look to the future, let's continue to support and foster an environment that welcomes and empowers all voices and perspectives.
