African American inventors have revolutionized our world with their innovations. Did you know that African Americans hold more than 50,000 patents?1
Despite facing countless obstacles and discrimination, these brilliant minds persevered. Their inventions have not only made our lives easier but have also saved countless lives and transformed industries.
Here are the top 10 inventions by African American pioneers who defied the odds and shaped the world we live in today.
1. Traffic Light
Garrett Morgan revolutionized traffic safety with his invention of the three-position traffic signal in 1923. His design introduced the yellow light, providing a warning for drivers to slow down before the red light appears.
Morgan’s traffic light greatly reduced accidents at intersections and became the standard for traffic control worldwide.
Morgan’s invention was inspired by a tragic accident he witnessed at a busy intersection in Cleveland, Ohio. He recognized the need for a more effective system to regulate traffic flow and prevent collisions.
Despite facing racial discrimination and limited resources, Morgan persevered in developing and patenting his design, which laid the foundation for modern traffic management.
2. Automatic Elevator Doors
Alexander Miles made buildings safer and more accessible with his invention of automatic elevator doors in 1887. Before Miles’ innovation, elevator shafts were left exposed, posing a significant safety hazard.
His design featured a mechanism that automatically opened and closed the elevator doors, preventing accidents and injuries.
Miles’ invention not only enhanced elevator safety but also paved the way for the widespread adoption of elevators in multi-story buildings. His automatic door system became an essential component of modern elevators, enabling efficient vertical transportation in skyscrapers and other tall structures.
Miles’ contribution to elevator technology has had a lasting impact on urban development and accessibility.
3. Super Soaker Water Gun
Lonnie Johnson, a NASA engineer and African American inventor, created the iconic Super Soaker water gun in 1989. Johnson’s invention revolutionized the toy industry with its high-powered water-shooting capabilities.
The Super Soaker became an instant hit, generating over $1 billion in sales and providing endless summer fun for children and adults alike.
Johnson’s journey to inventing the Super Soaker began with a simple experiment in his bathroom. While working on a heat pump that used water instead of Freon, he noticed that the high-pressure stream from the pump could shoot water over a considerable distance.
This observation led him to develop the Super Soaker, which utilizes an air pressure system to blast water with impressive force and range.
4. Refrigerated Truck
Frederick McKinley Jones transformed the transportation of perishable goods with his invention of the refrigerated truck in 1940. Jones’ system used a small refrigeration unit powered by the truck’s engine to keep the cargo area cool during transport.
This innovation allowed for the safe and efficient delivery of fresh produce, meats, and other temperature-sensitive products over long distances.
Jones’ refrigerated truck profoundly impacted the food industry and supply chain management. It enabled the growth of supermarkets and the expansion of food distribution networks, making fresh produce and perishables more widely available to consumers.
Jones’ invention also played a crucial role in supporting the war effort during World War II by ensuring the delivery of essential supplies to troops.
5. Clothes Wringer
Ellen Eglin made laundry day easier with her invention of the clothes wringer in the late 19th century. Eglin’s device consisted of two rollers that squeezed water out of wet clothes, reducing the time and effort required for hand-wringing.
Her invention greatly improved the efficiency of the laundry process and eased the physical burden on women who were primarily responsible for household chores.
Eglin’s clothes wringer was a simple yet effective solution to a common problem faced by households in the era before electric washing machines. Despite the significance of her invention, Eglin faced challenges in securing a patent and commercializing her product due to racial and gender discrimination.
6. Ironing Board
Sarah Boone revolutionized the ironing process with her improved ironing board design in 1892. Boone’s ironing board featured a narrow and curved shape that made it easier to iron sleeves and other hard-to-reach areas of garments.
Her design also included padding and a heat-resistant cover, enhancing the overall ironing experience.
Boone’s invention addressed the limitations of traditional ironing boards, which were often too wide and flat to accommodate the contours of certain clothing items. Her innovative design not only made ironing more efficient but also contributed to the development of modern ironing board features such as adjustable heights and collapsible frames.
7. Home Security System
Marie Van Brittan Brown pioneered the concept of home security systems in 1966. Brown’s invention consisted of a series of peepholes, a camera, monitors, and a two-way microphone, allowing residents to identify visitors and communicate with them before opening the door.
Her system also included an alarm button that could be pressed to alert the police in case of an emergency.
Brown’s home security system was an innovation that addressed the safety concerns of urban residents, particularly in high-crime areas. Her invention laid the foundation for modern home security technologies, such as video doorbells and smart home monitoring systems.
8. Laser Cataract Treatment
Dr. Patricia Bath, an African American ophthalmologist, revolutionized cataract treatment with her invention of the Laserphaco Probe in 1986. Bath’s device used a laser to quickly and precisely remove cataracts, reducing the risk of complications and improving patient outcomes.
Her invention made cataract surgery faster, safer, and more accessible to patients worldwide.
Bath’s Laserphaco Probe was a significant advancement in the field of ophthalmology. Prior to her invention, cataract surgery was a more invasive and time-consuming procedure that required a larger incision and longer recovery time.
Bath’s laser technology not only enhanced the precision and efficiency of cataract removal but also paved the way for further innovations in eye surgery.
9. Potato Chips
George Crum, an African American chef, is credited with inventing potato chips in 1853. According to popular legend, Crum created the snack in response to a customer who repeatedly sent back his fried potatoes, complaining that they were too thick and soggy.
In a moment of frustration, Crum sliced the potatoes extremely thin, fried them until crisp, and seasoned them heavily with salt. To his surprise, the customer loved the result, and potato chips were born.
While the exact origin story of potato chips may have been embellished over time, Crum’s culinary creation has become a beloved snack enjoyed by millions worldwide. His thin, crispy potato slices set the standard for the modern potato chip and inspired countless variations and flavors.
10. Horseshoes
Oscar E. Brown revolutionized horseshoes with his patented design in 1892. Brown’s horseshoe featured a unique shape and a series of holes that allowed for better ventilation and drainage, promoting healthier hooves and reducing the risk of injury.
His invention improved the comfort and well-being of horses, particularly those used for heavy labor or long-distance travel.
Brown’s innovative horseshoe design addressed the shortcomings of traditional horseshoes, which often trapped moisture and debris, leading to fungal infections and other hoof problems. By incorporating ventilation holes and a more ergonomic shape, Brown’s horseshoe allowed for better air circulation and natural hoof movement.
These inventions by African American pioneers demonstrate their immense talent, creativity, and resilience in the face of adversity. From everyday conveniences to life-saving medical devices, their contributions have had a profound impact on our world.
Source:
Read Next:
Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.