Black History You May Not Know About
The first Africans to settle on American soil in Alabama were “Moors” who arrived with the Spanish in 1540, 80 years before the pilgrims.
From ancient Moors to the contemporary United States, people of the African Diaspora have been responsible for some of the world’s most innovative and useful creations.
Although we are familiar with the inventions of Madam C.J. Walker and George Washington Carver, there are a myriad of African and African American innovators who are unknown to many.
The following is a list of black inventors and their inventions. Because Africans Americans created things then and are creating things now, it is important to highlight our global contributions during Black History Month as inspiration for our past, present and future.
Elijah McCoy, “The Real McCoy”
Elijah McCoy developed a lubricating cup that automatically and evenly distributed oil over the locomotive’s moving parts while in motion. McCoy’s “Improvement in Lubricators for Steam-Engines” was patented in 1872. While other inventors put forth similar devices, “the real McCoy” was the one the railroaders asked for by name. By 1900, the device was in use on almost all railroads in North America. McCoy held over 57 patents.
In 1916, Elijah invented a graphite lubricator, allowing superheated machinery to be oiled. Other inventions included a movable ironing board and lawn sprinkler. In 1920, Elijah sold the rights to some of his patents to raise money to open the Elijah McCoy manufacturing company.
Thomas Elkins Invented the Modern Toilet
In addition to other inventions, Elkins created the chamber commode in 1872. It included a washstand, mirror, and more.
Philip Emeagwali Created the World’s Fastest Computer
Emeagwali was born in Nigeria in 1954. Although he came of age during a brutal civil war, he earned many advanced degrees including a Ph.D. in scientific computing. In 1989, he created the world’s fastest computer.
Frederick Jones Invented the Refrigeration Machine
Jones was a self-taught engineer with a number of important inventions. His most notable invention was a refrigeration machine used to transport blood, food, and medicine during World War II.
Lewis Latimer Invented the Light Bulb
Born in 1848 to runaway slaves, Latimer became an inventor and engineer. In addition to his invention of one of the earliest air conditioning units, he assisted in the development of some of the world’s most important inventions, including the light bulb and the telephone.
Alexander Miles Improved the Elevator
Known as “the wealthiest black man in the Northwest,” Miles created an automatic device to open and close elevator doors. Because of his invention, we are able to enjoy this modern luxury.
Garrett Morgan Invented the Traffic Light, Gas Mask
Born in Kentucky in 1877, Morgan is the inventor of something many utilize everyday, the traffic signal. He created this after witnessing so many accidents on busy urban intersections. In addition to this, he created the gas mask which grew in popularity when it was used to aid workers after an underground explosion.
Valerie Thomas Developed 3-D Imaging
Valerie Thomas was one of only two women in her class at Morgan State University to major in physics. She eventually landed a position as a data and mathematical analyst at NASA, where she managed the development of image-processing systems for the “Landsat” satellite. Thomas was inspired to create the illusion transmitter, which uses concave mirrors to produce optical illusion images, per MIT. She received a patent for her invention in 1980.
Patricia Bath Invented a Laser Surgical Device
Dr. Patricia Bath is a contemporary inventor and ophthalmologist from Harlem, New York. She is the first black female doctor to receive a medical patent. In 1986, she invented the Laserphaco Probe, which has revolutionized the treatment of cataracts.
