20 African American Inventors Who Changed the World
As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s important to recognize the contributions of African American inventors whose innovations have left a lasting impact on society. From science and medicine to transportation and home security, their inventions have shaped industries and everyday life.
1. Garrett Morgan (1877–1963)
💡 Invention: Three-position traffic signal & gas mask
🚦 Morgan's three-position traffic light (patented in 1923) added the yellow caution light, revolutionizing road safety. His gas mask, developed in 1914, was widely used by firefighters and later adapted for military use in WWI.
2. Granville T. Woods (1856–1910)
💡 Invention: Railway telegraph system
🚆 Often called "The Black Edison," Woods patented over 50 inventions. His most notable, the induction telegraph, allowed moving trains to communicate with each other, preventing accidents and improving efficiency.
3. Madam C.J. Walker (1867–1919)
💡 Invention: Hair care and beauty products for Black women
💇🏽♀️ Walker developed a line of hair care products designed specifically for African American hair. As the first self-made Black female millionaire, she built a successful business empire while empowering women through employment and entrepreneurship.
4. George Washington Carver (1864–1943)
💡 Invention: Agricultural advancements & peanut-based products
🥜 Carver developed over 300 uses for peanuts, including peanut oil, soap, and ink. He also created crop rotation methods to restore soil health, helping struggling Southern farmers.
5. Lewis Latimer (1848–1928)
💡 Invention: Carbon filament for light bulbs
💡 Working with Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell, Latimer's improvement of the light bulb filament made bulbs last longer and be more affordable for everyday use.
6. Dr. Patricia Bath (1942–2019)
💡 Invention: Laser cataract surgery device (Laserphaco Probe)
👁️ Bath revolutionized eye care by developing laser technology to remove cataracts (patented in 1988). She was also the first Black female doctor to receive a medical patent.
7. Percy Julian (1899–1975)
💡 Invention: Synthetic cortisone, steroids, and birth control pills
💊 A groundbreaking chemist, Julian synthesized cortisone, making it affordable for arthritis treatment. His work also contributed to hormone-based medications, including birth control pills.
8. Frederick McKinley Jones (1893–1961)
💡 Invention: Refrigerated truck system
🚛 Before Jones’ invention, fresh food and medical supplies couldn’t be transported long distances. His portable refrigeration system, patented in 1940, transformed the food industry and saved lives by preserving medicine.
9. Otis Boykin (1920–1982)
💡 Invention: Pacemaker control unit & electrical resistors
❤️ Boykin’s electronic control unit for pacemakers made them more reliable, saving countless lives. He also improved electrical resistors used in military and commercial products.
10. Marie Van Brittan Brown (1922–1999)
💡 Invention: Home security system
🔐 Concerned about safety, Brown invented the first home security system in 1966, which included cameras, two-way microphones, and an alarm. Her work laid the foundation for modern security cameras.
11. Charles Drew (1904–1950)
💡 Invention: Blood bank storage system
🩸 Drew developed blood plasma storage techniques, allowing blood banks to preserve donations longer. His work saved thousands of soldiers during WWII.
12. Alice Parker (1895–1920s)
💡 Invention: Central heating furnace
🔥 Parker patented the first gas-powered heating furnace in 1919, leading to modern HVAC systems that keep our homes warm today.
13. Valerie Thomas (b. 1943)
💡 Invention: 3D imaging technology
📺 A NASA scientist, Thomas developed 3D image transmission technology, influencing satellite communications, modern 3D movies, and medical imaging.
14. Dr. Shirley Jackson (b. 1946)
💡 Invention: Telecommunications advancements
📞 As the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. from MIT, Jackson's research led to caller ID, fiber optics, and touch-tone phones.
15. Elijah McCoy (1844–1929)
💡 Invention: Automatic engine lubrication system
🚂 McCoy's invention allowed trains and factory machines to self-lubricate, preventing overheating and breakdowns. His designs were so effective that competitors copied them, leading to the term "The Real McCoy."
16. Thomas L. Jennings (1791–1856)
💡 Invention: Dry-cleaning process
🧼 Jennings became the first African American to receive a U.S. patent in 1821 for his dry-cleaning process, revolutionizing textile care.
17. Norbert Rillieux (1806–1894)
💡 Invention: Sugar refining process
🍬 Rillieux invented the multiple-effect evaporation system, making sugar refining safer, more efficient, and cheaper. His work also influenced steam-powered industries.
18. Henry Sampson (1934–2015)
💡 Invention: Gamma-electric cell
📡 Sampson’s research helped develop modern wireless communication, influencing early cellphone technology.
19. Lonnie G. Johnson (b. 1949)
💡 Invention: Super Soaker water gun
💦 A former NASA engineer, Johnson created the Super Soaker, which became one of the most popular toys of all time, earning over $1 billion in sales.
20. Jesse Russell (b. 1948)
💡 Invention: Digital cell phone technology
📱 Russell’s work on digital wireless technology helped shape the way modern cell phones function today.
Why This Matters
These African American inventors overcame racism, discrimination, and lack of access to resources, yet they changed the world with their brilliance and perseverance. Their contributions continue to shape our daily lives, inspiring future generations of innovators.