Black scientists and inventors

The rich history of Black inventors in the United States likely begins before our current historical record captures. In , Thomas L. Jennings, who was emancipated from slavery, became the first Black inventor to be granted a U. He opened the door for many other African Americans inventors—like Madam C. These 11 famous Black inventors developed ingenious products, machinery, and technology that continues to impact everyday life.

Top 100 black inventors and their inventions list

The first African American U. 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. Read More about Sarah Boone. If a passenger happened to forget to close one of the doors, subsequent elevator riders risked a potentially fatal fall down the elevator shaft.

Because, as the adage goes, necessity is the mother of invention, Miles created a mechanism that forced both elevator doors to close simultaneously, thus preventing dangerous accidents.

Black scientists who didn't get credit

As the story goes, having to iron on uneven surfaces frustrated his wife, Mary Eleanor Delaney, and so he created the ironing board to make her life a little easier. McCoy received the patent for this particular creation in May He is also the man behind another major invention beloved by homeowners: the lawn sprinkler. Read More about Elijah McCoy.

Philanthropist and entrepreneur Madam C. Walker was born to formerly enslaved sharecroppers and orphaned at just 7 years old.