February is Black History Month and we would like to celebrate by taking the time to recognize Black inventors who have paved the way for people of color in the STEM field.
Garrett Morgan
In 1923, Garrett Morgan invented the three-light traffic light that we still use today. This was a vast improvement upon the previous two-light system that did not have a yield light.
Dr. Shirley Jackson
Physicist Dr. Shirley Jackson has a lot of inventions under her belt, including the touch-tone telephone, the portable fax, caller ID, call waiting, and the fiber-optic cable. She was the first Black woman to earn a PhD in nuclear physics at MIT and currently, she serves as the 18th president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Frederick McKinley Jones
If you’ve ever purchased refrigerated goods from a grocery store, you can thank Frederick McKinley Jones. In 1940, he patented the cooling system that is used in refrigerated trucks to keep perishable goods fresh in transport. He also co-founded the U.S. Thermo Control Company, which was critical during World War II.
Lonnie G. Johnson
Did you know that the Super Soaker water gun was not invented by a toymaker, but rather by an aerospace engineer!? That’s right, Lonnie G. Johnson invented the world’s most famous water gun while working at NASA. He also worked with the U.S. Air Force and contributed to the Galileo Jupiter probe and Mars Observer project.
Marian Croak
Marian Croak holds over 135 patents! Most of her inventions are related to voice-over Internet protocol (VoIP). Her massive achievements in the tech field are what prompted her to be inducted into the Women in Technology International’s Hall of Fame in 2013!
Philip Emeagwali
Often referred to as the “Bill Gates of Africa,” Philip Emeagwali invented the world’s first supercomputer! Using 65,000 processors, his computer is able to do an astounding 3.1 billion calculations per second.
Dr. Patricia Bath
Dr. Patricia Bath’s invention, the Laserphaco Probe, revolutionized the field of ophthalmology by refining laser cataract surgery. She also co-founded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness!
Alexander Miles
In the past, elevators were significantly more dangerous than they are today. Thanks to Alexander Miles’s invention of the automatic elevator door, tons of unfortunate elevator accidents have been prevented.
George Washington Carver
Last but not least, George Washington Carver is one of America’s best known inventors. He created more than 300 products using peanuts. His inventions include everything from soaps to fuel.
Can you think of more Black inventors who changed the world with their inventions? Share their names in the comment section!