Biography black inventors
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Most people have heard about famous inventions like the light bulb, the cotton gin and the iPhone. But there are countless other, often overlooked inventions that man our daily lives easier. Among the creative innovators behind these devices are African American inventors. From the traffic light to the ironing board, see a list of products that have sprung from the minds of Black inventors.
Improved Ironing Board, Invented by Sarah Boone in
The ironing board is a product that’s used possibly just as much as it’s overlooked. In the late 19th century, it was improved upon by Sarah Boone, an African American woman who was born enslaved. One of the first Black women in U.S. history to receive a patent, she expanded upon the original ironing board, which was essentially a horizontal wooden block initially patented in With Boone’s additions, the board featured a narrower and curved design, making it easier to iron garments, particularly women’s clothing. Boone’s design woul
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11 Famous Black Inventors Who Changed Your Life
Thomas L. Jennings
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The first African American U.S. patent recipient, Thomas L. Jennings was working as a tailor and businessman in New York City when he invented a process for dry-cleaning delicate clothing known as “dry-scouring.” Jennings applied for a patent in and received his history-making approval the following year. With the money he earned from his invention, the formerly enslaved person donated to abolitionist causes and even reportedly freed his still-enslaved family members.
Sarah Boone
In , Sarah Boone patented a design improvement to Elijah McCoy’s ironing board. The North Carolina native wrote in her application that the purpose of her invention was “to produce a cheap, simple, convenient, and highly effective device, particularly adapted to be used in ironing the sleeves and bodies of ladies’ garments.”
Read More about Sarah Boone
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Alexander Miles
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15 African-American Inventors to Remember This Black History Month and Beyond
1George Crum ()
Crum, a chef and restaurateur, is said to have unintentionally created the potato chip during the summer of They were made in response to a customer who sent back their fried potatoes after complaining they were too thick. The crisps were an instant hit, and though Crum never patented the creations, chips are arguably now one of the world’s favorite snacks.
2Frederick McKinley Jones ()
Frederick McKinley Jones left his mark with the development of refrigeration equipment, receiving over 40 patents for it. In the s, he began inventing automatic refrigerated air-cooling units for trucks, trains, ships, and planes, which helped the preservation of food. His creation, the Thermo King, allowed people to eat fresh food year-round. His work also contributed to the preservation of blood and medicine, proving to be particularly useful during WWII. In , he became the first African