The more we dig into our history, we begin to find that blacks are responsible for some of the most valuable inventions. It’s clear that it’s natural for us to be problem solvers. Blacks were huge on proficiency and productivity. We have numerous of inventions but after researching online, I’ve found few that truly displayed the mindset of the black creatives.
Black Inventors:
Sarah Boone Improved Ironing Board, Invented in 1892; Boone’s ironing board was designed to improve the quality of ironing sleeves and the bodies of women’s garments. The board was very narrow, curved, and made of wood.
James E. West, Electret Microphone, Co-Invented in 1964 He holds over 250 foreign and U.S. patents for the production and design of microphones and techniques for creating polymer foil electrets
Madam CJ Walker, First self-made African American female millionaire, hair products, 1905
Mary Van Brittan Brown Home Security System, was a nurse and an inventor. She was the inventor of the home security system in 1966, along with her husband Albert Brown. In the same year, they jointly applied for a patent, which was granted in 1969. Brown was born in Jamaica, Queens, New York
Benjamin Banneker, almanac
Born to freed slaves in 1731, Banneker became an astronomer, author, inventor, mathematician, and surveyor.
John A. Burr, Lawn Mower Invention in 1898. His inventive talent was recognized, and wealthy Blacks ensured he was able to attend engineering classes at a private university. He put his mechanical skills to work making a living repairing and servicing farm equipment and other machines. He moved to Chicago and also worked as a steelworker. When he filed his patent for the rotary mower in 1898, he was living in Agawam, Massachusetts.
Patricia Bath, laser surgical device
Bath is a contemporary inventor and ophthalmologist from Harlem, New York. She is the first black female doctor to receive a medical patent. In 1986, she invented the Laserphaco Probe, which has revolutionized the treatment of cataracts.
Thomas Elkins, modern toilet
In addition to other inventions, Elkins created the chamber commode in 1872. It included a mirror, washstand, mirror, and more.
Philip Emeagwali, world’s fastest computer
Emeagwali was born in Nigeria in 1954. Although he came of age during a brutal civil war, he earned many advanced degrees including a Ph.D. in scientific computing. In 1989, he created the world’s fastest computer.
Daniel Hale Williams, pioneer of open heart surgery. Williams was born in Pennsylvania in 1856. He would go on to become a physician and surgeon. In 1891, he founded the first integrated hospital, and just two years later, he became the first person to successfully complete open-heart surgery.
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