Celebrating African American Invention: Black Inventors Who Elevated the United States
In this country, there is history that is well-known and there is history that is hidden and thus, not as widely known. It can be said that the history has been suppressed and as a result, not taught in schools.
There is an old adage that history is written by the winners, but this is a misnomer. History has always been written by those in power to fit a certain viewpoint, but this is changing. Whether people like it or loathe it, the world is more accepting to new ideas, such as diversity and equality across the board. There is more in the way of inclusivity.
In learning history, we must learn the whole history, if we are to learn anything at all.
The history of African-American’s contributions to this country is a rich one and has improved the life aof each American no matter what their race.
We hear of famous African American inventors during Black History Month, such as George Washington Carver, who invented peanut butter or Madam C.J. Walker who invented hair products but there is so much more to learn.
James S. Adams was responsible for improvement on Aeroplane Propelling The object of the invention was to provide a new and improved propelling means for aeroplanes and similar craft, arranged to utilize the stored-up energy of a spring to the fullest advantage for driving the aeroplane forward.
A.P. Ashbourne created the Biscuit Cutter that used a spring-loaded device to make the buscuits the same shape and size.
L.C. Bailey created the Folding Bed for easy storage and this was adopted by the U.S. Army.
James A. Bauer created the Coin Changer mechanism that changed dollars bills into coins.
Andrew J. Beard invented both the Rotary Engine and Car Coupler.
G.E. Becket created Letter Box to improve mail service in 1892.
Alfred Benjamin created Stainless Steel Scouring Pads in 1962.
Henrietta Bradberry Torpedo Discharger. S she invented a new way for torpedoes to be discharged from submarines and subterranean forts.
Phil Brooks Disposable Syringe He strove to update the disposable syringe, to make it even easier and safer to use. He received a patent for this invention on April 9, 1974.
Marie Brown invented the Home Security System in 1966.
Henry Blair invented both the Corn Planter and Cotton Planter in 1834.
Sarah Boone invented the Ironing Board in 1892.
C.B. Brooks invented an improved Street Sweeper in the 1890’s.
L.F. Brown invented the Horse Bridle Bit in 1892.
Oscar E. Brown created the modern Horseshoe in 1892.
John A. Burr invented an improved rotary Lawn Mower in 1899.
Lee Burridge and Newman Marshman were inventive geniuses and manufacturers, primarily known as typewriter inventors in 1885.
R.A. Butler invented a train alarm in 1895. Although many inventors were fresh out of slavery and the literacy rate among slaves was 50 percent, black inventors filed hundreds of patents for transportation devices.The Image Converter for Radiation Detector was created by George Carruthers.
Not only was Peanut Butter created by George Washington Carver but so were Paints And Stains Lotions And Soaps.
George Cook created the Automatic Fishing Reel in 1899.
A.L. Cralle invented the Ice Cream Mold Scoopo in 1897. *
Lewis Latimer invented the carbonpbased filament in 1881 that enable Edison to create electric light. Latimer also created the three-way traffic light.
William A. Lavalette was awarded patent number 208184 for his improvements in the printing press and 208208 for his variation of a printing press in 1897
F.W. Leslie invented the Envelope Seal in 1891.
Lester Lee patented Laser Fuels in 1974.
Maurice W. Lee invented the Pressure Cooker in 1960.
A.L. Lewis invented Window Cleaner in 1892.
The Pencil Sharpener was invented by John Lee Love in 1895 and a portable version in 1897.
T.J Marshall invented the fire extinguisher sprinkler system in 1872, which is still used in large buildings and factories to effectively put out large and potentially disastrous fires.
In 1889, W. A. Martin, patented the lock. This device was an improvement over the 4,000-yearold bolt invented by the Chinese. Martin’s lock consisted of a cylinder and spiral spring, coiled around a metal pin. It was the forerunner of modern door locks.
Jan Matzeliger invented the automatic shoe lasting machine, mechanizing the complex process of joining a shoe sole to its upper, and revolutionized the shoe industry in 1883.
Elijah McCoy received his first patent for an automatic lubricating device in 1872. Previously, engines had to be stopped then the necessary lubrication could be applied. McCoy’s invention allowed engines to be lubricated while they ran, saving time and money.
Hugh MacDonald invented the Rocket Catapult in 1971.
Garrett Morgan saved countless lives all over the world with his invention of the gas mask in 1914. He also invented the traffic signal.
Alexander Miles created elevator doors that would open and close, thus creating a safer ride for those on the elevator.
William M. Purvis improved the founatin pen in 1890.
Frederick M. JOnes invented and improved upon the Defroster, the airconditioning unit, two cycle gas engine, the internalk comustion engine, starter generator and refrigeration controls.
Granville T. Woods invented the Telephone Transmitter, the Electric Cut-Off Switch, the Relay Instrument, the Telephone System, Electromechanic brake, the Galvanic Battery, Electric Railway System, the Roller Coast and Auto Air Brake.
Otis Boykin invented the Pace Maker Controls and Guided Missle.
Joseph N. Jackson invented the Programmable Remote Control as well as the Video Commander.
The stairclimbing wheelchair was invented by Rufus J. Weaver.
The Clothes Drier was invented by G.T. Sampson.
The Lawn Sprinkler by J.W. Smith.
The multi-stage rocket by Adolph Shamms.
This is only a partial list of inventions and inventors of a people, who despite racism and oppression, sought to make a better world for their fellow man.
There are many men and women on this list and many not on the list as such a list grows each day. There is one thing abundantly clear: It is in this spirit of humanity and working for the greater good of all men and women that we truly make America great again.