Contents
Black American Inventors 1700s – 1859 (complete)
Black American Inventions 1860 – 1899 (complete)
Black American Inventions 1900 – 1949 (in progress)
Black American Inventions 1950 – 1999 (in progress)
Black American Inventions 2000 – Present (in progress)
Intro
Throughout American history, the contributions of Black Americans have been viewed with a complex and often contradictory mix of recognition, denial, and resistance. While Black people have consistently contributed to American culture, society, and economy, their contributions have frequently been marginalized or ignored due to systemic racism and discrimination. America’s psyche is programed to feel that everything was created by white people. It is often a surprise, even to black people, when it is learned that an item that we use every day was either invented or improved by a black person. It was a surprise to me to learn that many of the inventions by black inventors occurred during the most oppressive times for black people, slavery and jim crow. Just think, the times when the narrative was that black people had no more intellect than a common farm animal, we were creating items that still are integral to Global life. Highlighting the inventions of Black Americans is profoundly important for several reasons, both historically and in contemporary society:
- Correcting Historical Omissions and Injustice: For a long time, the contributions of Black inventors were systematically overlooked, ignored, or even actively suppressed due to racism and discrimination. Enslaved individuals, for instance, were legally prohibited from owning patents, and even free Black Americans faced immense barriers to recognition and commercialization. Highlighting these inventions rectifies this historical injustice and ensures that the full story of American innovation is told.
- Inspiring Future Generations: Seeing successful Black inventors can be incredibly empowering for young Black people, showing them that their intellectual potential is boundless and that they too can pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. It provides visible role models who overcame significant adversity to achieve their dreams.
- Demonstrating Resilience and Ingenuity in the Face of Adversity: Many Black inventors developed their creations under incredibly challenging circumstances, including slavery, segregation, and systemic racism. Their ability to innovate despite these obstacles speaks volumes about their resilience, determination, and profound ingenuity. This narrative of perseverance is inspiring for everyone.
- Acknowledging Essential Contributions to Society: Black inventors have made indispensable contributions to nearly every aspect of modern life, from transportation and communication to agriculture, household items, and medicine. Highlighting these inventions helps everyone understand how deeply intertwined their contributions are with the fabric of daily life and societal progress. Examples include:
- Elijah McCoy’s automatic lubricator (made machinery run continuously).
- Garrett Morgan’s traffic signal and gas mask (improved public safety).
- Norbert Rillieux’s multiple-effect evaporator (revolutionized sugar production and chemical engineering).
- Lewis Latimer’s improved carbon filament (made light bulbs practical and affordable).
- Marie Van Brittan Brown’s home security system (laid the groundwork for modern home security).
- Frederick McKinley Jones’s refrigeration units (transformed food transport and preservation).
- Challenging Stereotypes and Prejudices: By showcasing the intellectual prowess and innovative spirit of Black Americans, highlighting their inventions actively works to dismantle harmful stereotypes and racist assumptions about intelligence and capability. It provides undeniable proof of their significant intellectual contributions.
- Fostering a More Inclusive Understanding of Innovation: Recognizing Black inventors broadens our understanding of where innovation comes from and who can be an innovator. It moves beyond a narrow, often Eurocentric, view of scientific and technological progress to a more diverse and accurate representation of human ingenuity.
In essence, highlighting the inventions of Black Americans is not just about Black history; it’s about American history and human history, ensuring that all valuable contributions are acknowledged and celebrated for their true impact on the world.
The following is a list of inventions credited to Black inventors. Most are patented but I also included those inventions that are noted and acknowledged but do not have patents associated with them primarily because they were created by enslaved Black people who were not allowed to apply for patents. Click below to explore all of the inventions.
Edward Odom
