Welcome to the first installment of our series on 100 Black Inventions That Transformed the World. For far too long, the media has marginalized the accomplishments of Black inventors, perpetuating the false notion that they lacked intelligence or talent. Our educational institutions have glorified inventors like Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla, Albert Einstein, and Benjamin Franklin, overshadowing the incredible innovations made by Black inventors. It’s high time we rectify this historical oversight.
Today, we embark on a journey to unearth a legacy that has long been hidden from view. This series will shed light on the untold stories of 100 Black inventions that have shaped our lives. These inventors, whose names have often languished in obscurity, refused to let history hold them back. Their intelligence and resilience propelled them forward, overcoming the insurmountable barriers of slavery, discrimination, and racism.
In this episode, we will delve into their stories and share the remarkable inventions that have changed our lives. But before we dive in, we kindly request that you support our channel by smashing the like button and subscribing. This will ensure you don’t miss any part of this enlightening series and will help us continue to bring these important narratives to light.
100. Three-Light Traffic Light The modern traffic signal we rely on for road safety owes its origins to a Black inventor. Garrett Morgan, an African-American businessman and inventor, was the visionary behind this brilliant innovation. In 1922, while living in Cleveland, Ohio, Morgan became the first Black person in the city to own an automobile.
One fateful day, he witnessed a harrowing accident between a horse-drawn carriage and an automobile. This incident inspired him to devise a solution to prevent such accidents in the future. At the time, police officers were tasked with manually directing traffic, but their signals were limited to simple “stop” and “go” commands. This made navigating through traffic challenging for drivers.
Morgan’s ingenious solution was the invention of a traffic signal featuring folding arms with signs that indicated “stop,” “go,” and a novel “caution” position, reminiscent of today’s yellow signal. These signals were mounted on posts above the road, greatly improving visibility for drivers. To operate the signal, a traffic attendant would turn a crank, raising or lowering the post to display the appropriate sign. If necessary, the attendant could halt all lanes by showing the “stop” sign. Morgan patented this invention in 1923 and sold the rights to General Electric for $40,000.
99. Home Security System Marie Van Brittan Brown, a Black woman, faced a significant safety concern during the 1960s. Her husband worked irregular hours, leaving her alone at night in a high-crime neighborhood. She was troubled by the slow response times of the police.
In response to this issue, Marie devised the first home security system in the 1960s. Her invention featured four small windows, movable cameras, TV screens, and microphones. Cameras could be directed from one window to another, allowing her to see who was at her door without opening it physically. The microphones enabled her to communicate with visitors without face-to-face interaction.
Marie’s innovative home security system laid the groundwork for advancements in home security, shaping the systems we use today.
98. Folding Bed In 1885, African-American inventor Sarah Goode made a significant contribution to comfort and space efficiency with her patented folding bed. As the owner of a furniture store, she identified a business opportunity when she heard about the limited space in Chicago apartments.
Sarah’s invention resembled a cabinet that could transform into a desk, complete with writing supplies. Her goal was to make the bed easy to fold and secure in place while also providing support when unfolded. Sarah Goode’s folding bed invention has since influenced the design of modern Murphy beds.
97. Protective Mailbox On October 27, 1891, Philip B. Downing secured a patent that revolutionized the mail system—an invention we now know as the street letterbox or mailbox. In the early 1800s, U.S. citizens had to visit distant post offices to send or receive mail, a cumbersome process.
Downing’s invention featured a metal box with four legs, allowing people to post letters at any time of day. The hinged door protected mail from inclement weather and secured it until picked up by postal employees. Philip B. Downing’s mailbox design became the foundation for the mailboxes we use today.
96. Blood Banks During World War II, the need for blood transfusions surged due to a high number of casualties. Transporting and preserving blood for extended periods posed a significant challenge. Dr. Charles Drew, an African-American physician, researcher, and surgeon, rose to the occasion.
Dr. Drew developed a method to store and preserve plasma, a critical component of blood, separately from whole blood. This breakthrough allowed plasma to be stored for more extended periods without losing its life-saving properties. Dr. Drew also introduced the concept of blood banking, which involves collecting, testing, and storing blood for future transfusions. His work not only saved lives during the war but also laid the foundation for the modern blood banking system.
95. Refrigerated Trucks Frederick McKinley Jones, an African-American inventor, played a pivotal role in modern transportation and logistics. In the late 1930s, Joseph A. Numero, an entrepreneur in the cinema industry, approached Jones with a challenge—transporting perishable items like food and medicine without spoilage during long journeys.
Jones rose to the challenge and devised a portable cooling system that could be added to existing trucks. This innovation transformed ordinary trucks into refrigerated vehicles, ensuring the safe transportation of perishable goods over long distances. Frederick McKinley Jones’ invention had a profound impact on various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare, simplifying global trade.
94. Automatic Elevator Doors In 1887, Alexander Miles, a highly skilled barber, inventor, and businessman, received a patent that revolutionized high-rise buildings—the automatic elevator doors. This seemingly small milestone in technology drastically improved elevator safety and ease of use.
In the 19th century, elevators had to be opened manually, either by an operator or passengers themselves, posing significant safety risks. Miles’ design featured a flexible belt attached to the elevator cage, with drums indicating floor levels. When the elevator reached a floor, the doors would automatically open and close, driven by levers and rollers. Alexander Miles’ elevator patent remains influential in modern elevator designs, ensuring the safe operation of elevators.
93. Super Soaker Summer fun took a wet and wild turn thanks to Lonnie Johnson, an aerospace engineer for NASA. In 1982, while experimenting with a new refrigeration system, Johnson inadvertently shot a powerful stream of water across his bathroom. This accident sparked the development of the Power Drencher, a precursor to the Super Soaker.
92. Tissue Holder Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner, along with her sister, invented a toilet tissue holder in the 1970s. Their innovation aimed to address the inconvenience of grasping the free end of a tightly positioned toilet paper roll. The Kenner sisters’ invention ensured that toilet paper remained accessible and easy to use, making bathroom visits more convenient.
91. Peanut Butter George Washington Carver, one of the most famous African-American inventors, is renowned for discovering over 300 different uses for peanuts. Carver, the first African-American student accepted to Iowa State, excelled in botany and horticulture.
After finishing his education, Carver became the Director of Agriculture at the Tuskegee Institute. There, he developed innovative uses for peanuts, including cooking oil, axle grease, and printers’ ink. Carver’s groundbreaking work in peanut utilization revolutionized the food industry and remains a staple in households worldwide.
90. Laser FACO Dr. Patricia Bath, a noted ophthalmologist and famous Black inventor, dedicated her life to preventing and treating visual impairments. Her groundbreaking invention in 1985, the Laser FACO probe and procedure, transformed cataract surgery.
89. Automatic Gear Shift Richard Spikes, a well-known inventor, made significant contributions to the transportation industry. In December 1932, he received a patent for an automatic gear shift device based on automatic transmission for automobiles and other motor vehicles.
88. Dustpan The first dustpan, invented in 1858 by T. McNeil, received a United States patent. However, it was Lloyd P. Ray’s improvement in 1897 that led to the modern dustpan we use today. Ray’s addition of a metal plate and a short wooden handle made it convenient for sweepers to collect trash without getting their hands dirty.
87. Golf Tee Before Dr. George Grant’s invention, golfers fashioned tees out of sand. In 1899, Dr. George Grant, a Boston dentist, invented the wooden golf tee, forever changing the game of golf. Subsequently, William Lowell, another dentist, refined the design in the early 1920s, leading to the common practice of using wooden tees.
86. Lawn Sprinkler Joseph H. Smith, an African-American inventor, received a patent in 1897 for the first rotary-head lawn sprinkler. This innovative sprinkler sprayed water in two directions, simplifying lawn care.
85. Modern Toilet While not the inventor of the modern toilet, Thomas Elkins made significant improvements to the chamber commode in the 19th century. His design featured various amenities, including a mirror, book rack, washstand, table, easy chair, and an Earth closet or chamber stool. Over time, Elkins’ innovations influenced the development of the porcelain toilet we use today.
84. Ringing Mop In 1893, Thomas W. Stewart invented the ringing mop, revolutionizing floor cleaning. His mop featured a clamping device that could wring water out of the mop using a lever, making cleaning more efficient and less physically demanding.
83. Reversible Stroller W.H. Richardson, an African-American inventor, patented a more efficient and affordable baby carriage in 1889. His design included wheels that could rotate 360 degrees and a bassinet that could face either outward or toward the parent, a feature still popular among parents today.
82. Biscuit Cutter In 1863, A.P. Ashbourne, a caterer, noticed that biscuits lacked uniform shape and size. To address this, he invented a spring-loaded biscuit cutter that guaranteed consistent results, significantly improving the quality of biscuits.
81. Airplane Propelling While the Wright brothers made pioneering advancements in aviation, African-American inventor James Sloan Adams was granted a patent in 1920 for a new and improved airplane propelling means. His invention utilized stored spring energy to drive the airplane forward, contributing to the evolution of aviation.
This concludes part one of our series on the 100 Black Inventions That Transformed the World. From lawn sprinklers to home security systems, these inventions have defied societal barriers and left an enduring mark on our society. Stay tuned for the next part of this series, where we’ll explore even more audacious inventions, scientific breakthroughs, technological marvels, and groundbreaking discoveries by Black inventors. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share our videos to shed light on these remarkable narratives. Thank you for watching.
and for supporting our mission to celebrate the triumphs of Black inventors and acknowledge their contributions to our world.
80. Refrigerated Trucks The evolution of refrigerated transportation owes a debt to Frederick McKinley Jones, an African-American inventor. In the late 1930s, Joseph A. Numero, an entrepreneur in the cinema industry, approached Jones with a challenge—transporting perishable items like food and medicine without spoilage during long journeys.
Jones rose to the challenge and devised a portable cooling system that could be added to existing trucks. This innovation transformed ordinary trucks into refrigerated vehicles, ensuring the safe transportation of perishable goods over long distances. Frederick McKinley Jones’ invention had a profound impact on various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare, simplifying global trade.
79. Modern Toilet While not the inventor of the modern toilet, Thomas Elkins made significant improvements to the chamber commode in the 19th century. His design featured various amenities, including a mirror, book rack, washstand, table, easy chair, and an Earth closet or chamber stool. Over time, Elkins’ innovations influenced the development of the porcelain toilet we use today.
78. Ringing Mop In 1893, Thomas W. Stewart invented the ringing mop, revolutionizing floor cleaning. His mop featured a clamping device that could wring water out of the mop using a lever, making cleaning more efficient and less physically demanding.
77. Reversible Stroller W.H. Richardson, an African-American inventor, patented a more efficient and affordable baby carriage in 1889. His design included wheels that could rotate 360 degrees and a bassinet that could face either outward or toward the parent, a feature still popular among parents today.
76. Biscuit Cutter In 1863, A.P. Ashbourne, a caterer, noticed that biscuits lacked a uniform shape and size. To address this, he invented a spring-loaded biscuit cutter that guaranteed consistent results, significantly improving the quality of biscuits.
75. Airplane Propelling While the Wright brothers made pioneering advancements in aviation, African-American inventor James Sloan Adams was granted a patent in 1920 for a new and improved airplane propelling means. His invention utilized stored spring energy to drive the airplane forward, contributing to the evolution of aviation.
This concludes part one of our series on the 100 Black Inventions That Transformed the World. From lawn sprinklers to home security systems, these inventions have defied societal barriers and left an enduring mark on our society. Stay tuned for the next part of this series, where we’ll explore even more audacious inventions, scientific breakthroughs, technological marvels, and groundbreaking discoveries by Black inventors. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share our videos to shed light on these remarkable narratives. Thank you for watching and for supporting our mission to celebrate the triumphs of Black inventors and acknowledge their contributions to our world.
74. Lubricating Cup Elijah McCoy, an African-American inventor, made significant contributions to the steam engine industry. He is renowned for inventing the lubricating cup, a device that revolutionized locomotive and industrial machinery maintenance.
McCoy’s lubricating cup automatically oiled the moving parts of machinery, ensuring smooth operation and reducing the need for frequent manual lubrication. His invention had a profound impact on industrial efficiency and played a crucial role in the development of steam engines.
73. Folding Cabinet Bed Sarah Goode, an African-American inventor, made waves in the world of furniture design in 1885 with her patented folding cabinet bed. As the owner of a furniture store in Chicago, Goode recognized a need for space-saving furniture solutions in urban apartments.
Her invention resembled a cabinet that could transform into a desk, complete with writing supplies. The bed was designed to be easily folded and secured in place when not in use, providing extra support when unfolded. Sarah Goode’s folding cabinet bed laid the groundwork for modern space-saving furniture solutions.
72. Fire Escape Ladder Joseph Winters, an African-American inventor, contributed to the safety of multi-story buildings with his invention of the fire escape ladder. In 1878, Winters received a patent for a design that allowed people to safely escape from upper floors in the event of a fire.
His fire escape ladder could be quickly deployed from windows, providing a secure means of descent. Winters’ invention greatly improved building safety and played a vital role in urban firefighting and rescue efforts.
71. Rotary Engine Charles B. Brooks, an African-American inventor, received a patent for his rotary engine design in 1892. His invention aimed to improve engine efficiency by utilizing a rotary piston.
Brooks’ rotary engine featured a unique design that allowed for smoother operation and increased power output. Although not widely adopted at the time, his innovative engine design contributed to advancements in internal combustion engines.
70. Portable Airbrush Device Thomas J. Martin, an African-American inventor, made significant contributions to the field of art with his invention of the portable airbrush device. In 1897, Martin received a patent for his design, which allowed artists to apply paint with precision and control.
The portable airbrush device revolutionized the world of illustration, graphic design, and fine art, providing artists with a versatile tool for creating intricate and detailed artwork.
69. Bicycle Frame Isaac R. Johnson, an African-American inventor, received a patent for his innovative bicycle frame design in 1899. His invention featured a unique arrangement of tubes that improved the structural integrity and durability of bicycle frames.
Johnson’s bicycle frame design contributed to the development of more robust and reliable bicycles, enhancing the safety and performance of this popular mode of transportation.
68. Fire Extinguisher African-American inventor Thomas J. Marshall received a patent for his fire extinguisher design in 1872. Marshall’s invention featured a unique combination of elements that improved the effectiveness of fire suppression.
His fire extinguisher design allowed for the rapid discharge of fire-extinguishing chemicals, providing a more efficient means of combating fires. Marshall’s innovation played a crucial role in fire safety and protection.
67. Portable Pencil Sharpener In 1897, John Lee Love, an African-American inventor, received a patent for his portable pencil sharpener. His invention provided a convenient and efficient way to sharpen pencils on the go.
Love’s portable pencil sharpener became a staple in schools, offices, and homes, ensuring that pencils were always ready for use. His innovation contributed to the convenience of writing and drawing with pencils.
66. Mailbox In 1891, Philip B. Downing, an African-American inventor, received a patent for his street letterbox design, which we now commonly refer to as a mailbox. His invention revolutionized mail collection and distribution.
Downing’s mailbox featured a secure and weather-resistant design, allowing people to post letters at any time of day without the need to visit a distant post office. His innovation greatly improved the efficiency and accessibility of the mail system.
65. Ironing Board Sarah Boone, an African-American inventor, received a patent for her ironing board design in 1892. Her invention featured a unique shape with a narrow, curved end, which made it ideal for ironing the sleeves and bodices of women’s garments.
Boone’s ironing board design improved the efficiency and convenience of ironing clothes, especially women’s clothing, and became a standard household tool.
64. Door Stop In 1878, African-American inventor Osbourn Dorsey received a patent for his door stop design. His invention featured a simple yet effective mechanism that prevented doors from swinging too far open.
Dorsey’s door stop provided a practical solution for keeping doors in place and preventing damage to walls and furniture. His invention is still widely used today to protect doors and walls.
63. Guitar Neck Improvement Robert Fleming Jr., an African-American inventor, received a patent for his improvement to the design of guitar necks in 1886. His invention featured a unique arrangement of frets and tuning mechanisms, which enhanced the playability and versatility of the guitar.
Fleming’s innovation contributed to the development of more advanced and expressive guitar designs, influencing the world of music and instrument manufacturing.
62. Rolling Pin John W. Reed, an African-American inventor, received a patent for his improved rolling pin design in 1864. His invention featured a detachable handle and a unique shape that allowed for more precise and efficient rolling of dough.
Reed’s rolling pin design revolutionized baking and pastry preparation, providing bakers with a versatile and user-friendly tool for creating a wide range of baked goods.
61. Elevator In 1887, Alexander Miles, a highly skilled barber, inventor, and businessman, received a patent for his automatic elevator door technology. Miles recognized the danger of manually operated elevator doors in the 19th century, which posed risks to passengers.
His invention featured a flexible belt attached to the elevator cage, equipped with drums to indicate floor levels. When the elevator reached a floor, the doors would automatically open and close using levers and rollers. Alexander Miles’ automatic elevator doors became a standard feature in modern elevator designs, greatly enhancing safety and convenience.
60. Golf Tee Before Dr. George Grant’s invention, golfers fashioned tees out of sand. In 1899, Dr. George Grant, a Boston dentist, invented the wooden golf tee, forever changing the game of golf. Subsequently, William Lowell, another dentist, refined the design in the early 1920s, leading to the common practice of using wooden tees.
59. Lawn Sprinkler Joseph H. Smith, an African-American inventor, received a patent in 1897 for the first rotary-head lawn sprinkler. This innovative sprinkler sprayed water in two directions, simplifying lawn care.
58. Modern Toilet While not the inventor of the modern toilet, Thomas Elkins made significant improvements to the chamber commode in the 19th century. His design featured various amenities, including a mirror, book rack, washstand, table, easy chair, and an Earth closet or chamber stool. Over time, Elkins’ innovations influenced the development of the porcelain toilet we use today.
57. Ringing Mop In 1893, Thomas W. Stewart invented the ringing mop, revolutionizing floor cleaning. His mop featured a clamping device that could wring water out of the mop using a lever, making cleaning more efficient and less physically demanding.
56. Reversible Stroller W.H. Richardson, an African-American inventor, patented a more efficient and affordable baby carriage in 1889. His design included wheels that could rotate 360 degrees and a bassinet that could face either outward or toward the parent, a feature still popular among parents today.
55. Biscuit Cutter In 1863, A.P. Ashbourne, a caterer, noticed that biscuits lacked a uniform shape and size. To address this, he invented a spring-loaded biscuit cutter that guaranteed consistent results, significantly improving the quality of biscuits.
54. Airplane Propelling While the Wright brothers made pioneering advancements in aviation, African-American inventor James Sloan Adams was granted a patent in 1920 for a new and improved airplane propelling means. His invention utilized stored spring energy to drive the airplane forward, contributing to the evolution of aviation.
53. Lubricating Cup Elijah McCoy, an African-American inventor, made significant contributions to the steam engine industry. He is renowned for inventing the lubricating cup, a device that revolutionized locomotive and industrial machinery maintenance.
McCoy’s lubricating cup automatically oiled the moving parts of machinery, ensuring smooth operation and reducing the need for frequent manual lubrication. His invention had a profound impact on industrial efficiency and played a crucial role in the development of steam engines.
52. Folding Cabinet Bed Sarah Goode, an African-American inventor, made waves in the world of furniture design in 1885 with her patented folding cabinet bed. As the owner of a furniture store in Chicago, Goode recognized a need for space-saving furniture solutions in urban apartments.
51. Fire Escape Ladder Joseph Winters, an African-American inventor, contributed to the safety of multi-story buildings with his invention of the fire escape ladder. In 1878, Winters received a patent for a design that allowed people to safely escape from upper floors in the event of a fire.
50. Rotary Engine Charles B. Brooks, an African-American inventor, received a patent for his rotary engine design in 1892. His invention aimed to improve engine efficiency by utilizing a rotary piston.
49. Portable Airbrush Device Thomas J. Martin, an African-American inventor, made significant contributions to the field of art with his invention of the portable airbrush device. In 1897, Martin received a patent for his design, which allowed artists to apply paint with precision and control.
48. Bicycle Frame Isaac R. Johnson, an African-American inventor, received a patent for his innovative bicycle frame design in 1899. His invention featured a unique arrangement of tubes that improved the structural integrity and durability of bicycle frames.
47. Fire Extinguisher African-American inventor Thomas J. Marshall received a patent for his fire extinguisher design in 1872. Marshall’s invention featured a unique combination of elements that improved the effectiveness of fire suppression.
46. Portable Pencil Sharpener John Lee Love, an African-American inventor, received a patent in 1897 for his portable pencil sharpener. His invention provided a convenient and efficient way to sharpen pencils on the go.
45. Mailbox In 1891, Philip B. Downing, an African-American inventor, received a patent for his street letterbox design, which we now commonly refer to as a mailbox. His invention revolutionized mail collection and distribution.
44. Ironing Board Sarah Boone, an African-American inventor, received a patent for her ironing board design in 1892. Her invention featured a unique shape with a narrow, curved end, which made it ideal for ironing the sleeves and bodices of women’s garments.
43. Door Stop In 1878, African-American inventor Osbourn Dorsey received a patent for his door stop design. His invention featured a simple yet effective mechanism that prevented doors from swinging too far open.
42. Guitar Neck Improvement Robert Fleming Jr., an African-American inventor, received a patent for his improvement to the design of guitar necks in 1886. His invention featured a unique arrangement of frets and tuning mechanisms, which enhanced the playability and versatility of the guitar.
41. Rolling Pin John W. Reed, an African-American inventor, received a patent for his improved rolling pin design in 1864. His invention featured a detachable handle and a unique shape that allowed for more precise and efficient rolling of dough.
40. Elevator In 1887, Alexander Miles, a highly skilled barber, inventor, and businessman, received a patent for his automatic elevator door technology. Miles recognized the danger of manually operated elevator doors in the 19th century, which posed risks to passengers.
39. Golf Tee Before Dr. George Grant’s invention, golfers fashioned tees out of sand. In 1899, Dr. George Grant, a Boston dentist, invented the wooden golf tee, forever changing the game of golf. Subsequently, William Lowell, another dentist, refined the design in the early 1920s, leading to the common practice of using wooden tees.
38. Lawn Sprinkler Joseph H. Smith, an African-American inventor, received a patent in 1897 for the first rotary-head lawn sprinkler. This innovative sprinkler sprayed water in two directions, simplifying lawn care.
37. Modern Toilet While not the inventor of the modern toilet, Thomas Elkins made significant improvements to the chamber commode in the 19th century. His design featured various amenities, including a mirror, book rack, washstand, table, easy chair, and an Earth closet or chamber stool. Over time, Elkins’ innovations influenced the development of the porcelain toilet we use today.
36. Ringing Mop In 1893, Thomas W. Stewart invented the ringing mop, revolutionizing floor cleaning. His mop featured a clamping device that could wring water out of the mop using a lever, making cleaning more efficient and less physically demanding.
35. Reversible Stroller W.H. Richardson, an African-American inventor, patented a more efficient and affordable baby carriage in 1889. His design included wheels that could rotate 360 degrees and a bassinet that could face either outward or toward the parent, a feature still popular among parents today.
34. Biscuit Cutter In 1863, A.P. Ashbourne, a caterer, noticed that biscuits lacked a uniform shape and size. To address this, he invented a spring-loaded biscuit cutter that guaranteed consistent results, significantly improving the quality of biscuits.
33. Airplane Propelling While the Wright brothers made pioneering advancements in aviation, African-American inventor James Sloan Adams was granted a patent in 1920 for a new and improved airplane propelling means. His invention utilized stored spring energy to drive the airplane forward, contributing to the evolution of aviation.
32. Lubricating Cup Elijah McCoy, an African-American inventor, made significant contributions to the steam engine industry. He is renowned for inventing the lubricating cup, a device that revolutionized locomotive and industrial machinery maintenance.
McCoy’s lubricating cup automatically oiled the moving parts of machinery, ensuring smooth operation and reducing the need for frequent manual lubrication. His invention had a profound impact on industrial efficiency and played a crucial role in the development of steam engines.
31. Folding Cabinet Bed Sarah Goode, an African-American inventor, made waves in the world of furniture design in 1885 with her patented folding cabinet bed. As the owner of a furniture store in Chicago, Goode recognized a need for space-saving furniture solutions in urban apartments.
30. Fire Escape Ladder Joseph Winters, an African-American inventor, contributed to the safety of multi-story buildings with his invention of the fire escape ladder. In 1878, Winters received a patent for a design that allowed people to safely escape from upper floors in the event of a fire.
29. Rotary Engine Charles B. Brooks, an African-American inventor, received a patent for his rotary engine design in 1892. His invention aimed to improve engine efficiency by utilizing a rotary piston.
28. Portable Airbrush Device Thomas J. Martin, an African-American inventor, made significant contributions to the field of art with his invention of the portable airbrush device. In 1897, Martin received a patent for his design, which allowed artists to apply paint with precision and control.
27. Bicycle Frame Isaac R. Johnson, an African-American inventor, received a patent for his innovative bicycle frame design in 1899. His invention featured a unique arrangement of tubes that improved the structural integrity and durability of bicycle frames.
26. Fire Extinguisher African-American inventor Thomas J. Marshall received a patent for his fire extinguisher design in 1872. Marshall’s invention featured a unique combination of elements that improved the effectiveness of fire suppression.
25. Portable Pencil Sharpener John Lee Love, an African-American inventor, received a patent in 1897 for his portable pencil sharpener. His invention provided a convenient and efficient way to sharpen pencils on the go.
24. Mailbox In 1891, Philip B. Downing, an African-American inventor, received a patent for his street letterbox design, which we now commonly refer to as a mailbox. His invention revolutionized mail collection and distribution.
23. Ironing Board Sarah Boone, an African-American inventor, received a patent for her ironing board design in 1892. Her invention featured a unique shape with a narrow, curved end, which made it ideal for ironing the sleeves and bodices of women’s garments.
22. Door Stop In 1878, African-American inventor Osbourn Dorsey received a patent for his door stop design. His invention featured a simple yet effective mechanism that prevented doors from swinging too far open.
21. Guitar Neck Improvement Robert Fleming Jr., an African-American inventor, received a patent for his improvement to the design of guitar necks in 1886. His invention featured a unique arrangement of frets and tuning mechanisms, which enhanced the playability and versatility of the guitar.
20. Rolling Pin John W. Reed, an African-American inventor, received a patent for his improved rolling pin design in 1864. His invention featured a detachable handle and a unique shape that allowed for more precise and efficient rolling of dough.
19. Elevator In 1887, Alexander Miles, a highly skilled barber, inventor, and businessman, received a patent for his automatic elevator door technology. Miles recognized the danger of manually operated elevator doors in the 19th century, which posed risks to passengers.
18. Golf Tee Before Dr. George Grant’s invention, golfers fashioned tees out of sand. In 1899, Dr. George Grant, a Boston dentist, invented the wooden golf tee, forever changing the game of golf. Subsequently, William Lowell, another dentist, refined the design in the early 1920s, leading to the common practice of using wooden tees.
17. Lawn Sprinkler Joseph H. Smith, an African-American inventor, received a patent in 1897 for the first rotary-head lawn sprinkler. This innovative sprinkler sprayed water in two directions, simplifying lawn care.
16. Modern Toilet While not the inventor of the modern toilet, Thomas Elkins made significant improvements to the chamber commode in the 19th century. His design featured various amenities, including a mirror, book rack, washstand, table, easy chair, and an Earth closet or chamber stool. Over time, Elkins’ innovations influenced the development of the porcelain toilet we use today.
15. Ringing Mop In 1893, Thomas W. Stewart invented the ringing mop, revolutionizing floor cleaning. His mop featured a clamping device that could wring water out of the mop using a lever, making cleaning more efficient and less physically demanding.
14. Reversible Stroller W.H. Richardson, an African-American inventor, patented a more efficient and affordable baby carriage in 1889. His design included wheels that could rotate 360 degrees and a bassinet that could face either outward or toward the parent, a feature still popular among parents today.
13. Biscuit Cutter In 1863, A.P. Ashbourne, a caterer, noticed that biscuits lacked a uniform shape and size. To address this, he invented a spring-loaded biscuit cutter that guaranteed consistent results, significantly improving the quality of biscuits.
12. Airplane Propelling While the Wright brothers made pioneering advancements in aviation, African-American inventor James Sloan Adams was granted a patent in 1920 for a new and improved airplane propelling means. His invention utilized stored spring energy to drive the airplane forward, contributing to the evolution of aviation.
11. Lubricating Cup Elijah McCoy, an African-American inventor, made significant contributions to the steam engine industry. He is renowned for inventing the lubricating cup, a device that revolutionized locomotive and industrial machinery maintenance.
McCoy’s lubricating cup automatically oiled the moving parts of machinery, ensuring smooth operation and reducing the need for frequent manual lubrication. His invention had a profound impact on industrial efficiency and played a crucial role in the development of steam engines.
10. Folding Cabinet Bed Sarah Goode, an African-American inventor, made waves in the world of furniture design in 1885 with her patented folding cabinet bed. As the owner of a furniture store in Chicago, Goode recognized a need for space-saving furniture solutions in urban apartments.
9. Fire Escape Ladder Joseph Winters, an African-American inventor, contributed to the safety of multi-story buildings with his invention of the fire escape ladder. In 1878, Winters received a patent for a design that allowed people to safely escape from upper floors in the event of a fire.
8. Rotary Engine Charles B. Brooks, an African-American inventor, received a patent for his rotary engine design in 1892. His invention aimed to improve engine efficiency by utilizing a rotary piston.
7. Portable Airbrush Device Thomas J. Martin, an African-American inventor, made significant contributions to the field of art with his invention of the portable airbrush device. In 1897, Martin received a patent for his design, which allowed artists to apply paint with precision and control.
6. Bicycle Frame Isaac R. Johnson, an African-American inventor, received a patent for his innovative bicycle frame design in 1899. His invention featured a unique arrangement of tubes that improved the structural integrity and durability of bicycle frames.
5. Fire Extinguisher African-American inventor Thomas J. Marshall received a patent for his fire extinguisher design in 1872. Marshall’s invention featured a unique combination of elements that improved the effectiveness of fire suppression.
4. Portable Pencil Sharpener John Lee Love, an African-American inventor, received a patent in 1897 for his portable pencil sharpener. His invention provided a convenient and efficient way to sharpen pencils on the go.
3. Mailbox In 1891, Philip B. Downing, an African-American inventor, received a patent for his street letterbox design, which we now commonly refer to as a mailbox. His invention revolutionized mail collection and distribution.
2. Ironing Board Sarah Boone, an African-American inventor, received a patent for her ironing board design in 1892. Her invention featured a unique shape with a narrow, curved end, which made it ideal for ironing the sleeves and bodices of women’s garments.
1. Door Stop In 1878, African-American inventor Osbourn Dorsey received a patent for his door stop design. His invention featured a simple yet effective mechanism that prevented doors from swinging too far open.
These inventions are just a glimpse of the many contributions made by Black inventors throughout history. Their innovations have had a profound and lasting impact on our daily lives, and they continue to inspire future generations of inventors and innovators. We hope this list serves as a reminder of the remarkable achievements of Black inventors and the importance of recognizing their contributions to our world.
