Celebrating Black American Inventions
Throughout history, Black Americans have made countless contributions that have shaped society, not just in the arts, politics, and culture, but also through groundbreaking inventions that changed the way we live. From everyday household items to life-saving medical advancements, Black inventors have left an indelible mark on our world. This Black History Month, let’s take a closer look at some of these extraordinary innovations and celebrate the ingenuity and perseverance of Black American inventors.
1. The Traffic Light – Garrett Morgan (1923)
One of the most iconic inventions that we rely on daily is the traffic light. While there were early models, Garrett Morgan is credited with inventing the three-position traffic light in 1923. His design, which added a "warning" light between stop and go, greatly improved traffic flow and safety. Morgan's creation is a testament to his ability to think about how everyday activities, such as driving, could be made safer and more efficient.
2. The Blood Bank – Dr. Charles Drew (1940s)
Dr. Charles Drew revolutionized medicine by developing the method for storing blood plasma, making it possible for blood to be preserved and transported. During World War II, Drew’s research allowed blood banks to store blood for extended periods, saving countless lives. His groundbreaking work in blood transfusion and storage changed medical practices worldwide and continues to impact how we treat patients in emergency situations today.
3. The Super Soaker – Lonnie Johnson (1982)
If you’ve ever enjoyed a fun summer day with a Super Soaker water gun, you have Lonnie Johnson to thank for it! Johnson, a former NASA engineer, created the Super Soaker in 1982. His invention became one of the best-selling toys of all time, revolutionizing water toys. What began as a project to develop a new type of pump for a heat engine ended up being a colorful, fun, and enduring product that millions of people still enjoy.
4. The Home Security System – Marie Van Brittan Brown (1966)
Marie Van Brittan Brown, an inventor and nurse, created the first home security system in 1966. Concerned for her safety in a neighborhood with slow police response times, Brown developed a system that included a camera, a monitor, and the ability to remotely unlock doors. Her invention laid the foundation for modern home security systems, which have since evolved into the high-tech systems we use today, including video surveillance and smart doorbells.
5. The Automatic Clothes Dryer – George T. Sampson (1892)
While the electric clothes dryer we use today is a household staple, the first automatic clothes dryer was invented by George T. Sampson in 1892. His design used heated air to dry clothes more efficiently, saving time and energy compared to the traditional method of air-drying. Sampson’s invention changed the way we manage household chores and paved the way for modern laundry appliances.
6. The Modern Refrigerator – John Standard (1891)
John Standard, an African American inventor, made significant strides in refrigeration technology. In 1891, he patented an early version of the refrigerator. While not the first to invent refrigeration, Standard’s model improved upon existing designs, eventually influencing the development of modern refrigerators. His work helped make it possible to preserve food for longer periods, transforming kitchens worldwide and changing how we store and consume food.
7. The Gas Mask – Garrett Morgan (1914)
Garrett Morgan’s contributions to safety and innovation extended beyond traffic lights. In 1914, he patented the first gas mask that could filter out smoke and other harmful substances, which was used by firefighters and military personnel. During World War I, Morgan’s gas mask saved countless lives and became a predecessor to modern-day respiratory protection used in hazardous environments.
8. The Peanut – George Washington Carver’s Agricultural Advancements
Though Carver didn’t invent the peanut, his work in the late 1800s and early 1900s made the peanut a commercially viable crop. Carver’s research led to the creation of hundreds of products made from peanuts, including peanut butter, peanut oil, and various cosmetics. His work helped diversify the agricultural economy in the South and gave rise to many industries that relied on peanut-based products.
9. The Elevator – Alexander Miles (1887)
Alexander Miles is credited with improving the safety and functionality of elevators. In 1887, he patented an automatic mechanism that opened and closed elevator doors, making elevators safer for people to use. His design, which prevented doors from opening while the elevator was in motion, is still used in elevators today. Miles’ contributions made a lasting impact on vertical transportation and safety in buildings around the world.
10. The Ice Cream Scoop – Alfred C. L. Jones (1897)
Alfred C. L. Jones patented the first ice cream scoop in 1897, revolutionizing the way ice cream was served. His design, which included a mechanism to scrape the ice cream into a ball, made serving ice cream faster and more efficient. Today, ice cream scoops are a common item in kitchens around the world, and Jones’ simple yet brilliant invention continues to make enjoying ice cream a smoother process.