Overview
This lecture highlights the significant innovations and inventions by Black inventors across history, demonstrating their profound impact on medicine, technology, food, safety, and daily life.
Early Pioneers and Patents
- Thomas Jennings was the first African-American patent holder (dry scouring process, precursor to dry cleaning, 1821).
- Judy Reed invented an efficient dough kneader and roller, improving the baking industry.
- Sarah Breedlove Walker (Madam C.J. Walker) invented the hot comb and pomade, becoming the first Black woman millionaire.
- Benjamin Banneker created a chiming clock and the influential Banneker's Almanac.
Innovations in Medicine and Health
- Bessie Blount Griffin invented a portable feeding device for amputees.
- Leonidas Berry created a biopsy attachment for the gastroscope, aiding stomach diagnostics.
- Dr. Charles Drew pioneered blood plasma separation and the blood bank.
- Percy Lavon Julian developed fire-smothering Aerofoam and synthetic hormones from soybeans.
- Patricia Bath invented laser cataract surgery (Laserphaco probe).
Transportation and Engineering
- Granville T. Woods invented the multiplex telegraph for train communication and other railway advancements.
- Elijah McCoy designed the automatic lubricator for trains ("The Real McCoy").
- Andrew Beard created the Jenny coupler, automating safer train car connections.
- Garrett Morgan invented the 3-way traffic signal and the gas mask.
Household and Everyday Innovations
- Lloyd Ray patented the dustpan; Thomas Stewart invented the modern mop.
- Sarah Boone improved the ironing board, and Mary Kenner created the sanitary belt.
- Sarah Goode invented a folding bed/cabinet for small apartments.
- Ellen Egan developed an early clothes wringer.
Food and Agriculture
- George Washington Carver popularized crop rotation with peanuts and sweet potatoes.
- Joseph Lee created the bread-crumbing machine.
- George Crum invented the potato chip.
Technology and Communication
- James West co-invented the electret microphone, used in most modern electronics.
- Marian Croak developed Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology.
- Mark Dean helped develop the IBM PC and the first gigahertz chip.
- Valerie Thomas invented the illusion transmitter for 3D imaging.
Safety, Security, and Other Fields
- Mary Van Brittan Brown invented the first home security system.
- Richard Spikes developed the automatic safety brake system for vehicles.
- Joseph Winters invented the fire escape ladder.
- Otis Boykin created durable resistors used in electronics and pacemakers.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Patent — Legal right granting an inventor exclusive use of an invention.
- Crop Rotation — Alternating crops to maintain soil fertility.
- Multiplex Telegraph — Communication system transmitting multiple messages simultaneously.
- Plasma Separation — Process of dividing blood components for storage and transfusion.
- Electret Microphone — Sensitive, low-cost microphone using electret material.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review key inventors and their contributions for potential exam questions.
- Read assigned chapters on innovation and patent history.
- Prepare a short essay on an invention by a Black innovator that influenced modern life.