28 Days of Black History: 10 Black Inventors Who Revolutionized Everyday Life
From safely crossing a bustling intersection to feeling secure in our homes, many innovations we take for granted were created by Black inventors who refused to let the challenges of their time stifle their genius.
Garrett Morgan gave us the traffic light, a lifesaving system that keeps our roads organized and safe. Mary Van Brittan Brown revolutionized home safety with the invention of the first home security system, a concept that has evolved into the modern devices we trust today. And let’s not forget Alexander Miles, whose design of automatic elevator doors drastically improved safety and efficiency in buildings worldwide.
These inventors and their groundbreaking contributions have shaped our world, but their names often go unmentioned in history books.
That’s why we’re celebrating 10 Black inventors whose creative brilliance forever changed how we navigate daily life. Please keep reading to get ready to be inspired by their ingenuity, resilience, and lasting impact.
Garrett Morgan / The Traffic Light
Imagine navigating the roads without traffic lights. In 1923, Garrett Morgan invented the first three-position traffic signal, revolutionizing transportation safety worldwide. His work saved countless lives and laid the foundation for modern traffic systems.
He’s also credited for inventing the gas mask and a zigzag attachment for sewing machines.
Sarah E. Goode - The Folding Cabinet Bed
As the first African American woman to receive a U.S. patent, Sarah E. Goode designed the folding cabinet bed in 1885. Her innovative space-saving furniture was a game-changer for small apartments everywhere.
Granville T. Woods / The Induction Telegraph
Dubbed the “Black Edison,” Granville T. Woods invented the induction telegraph, enabling trains to communicate with stations and avoid collisions. His contributions to electrical engineering were instrumental in improving transportation safety.
Throughout his life, Woods secured over 50 patents for various inventions, such as an automatic brake and an egg incubator, and advancements to existing technologies, such as the safety circuit, telegraph, telephone, and phonograph.
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Alexander Miles / Automatic Elevator Doors
Before Alexander Miles’ invention, elevator users had to manually close doors, which was inconvenient and dangerous. In 1887, he patented automatic elevator doors, greatly enhancing elevator safety. Nearly 90 years after he died in 1918, the Ohio native was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
Mary Van Brittan Brown / The Home Security System
Mary Van Brittan Brown invented the first home security system in 1966. Her system, with cameras, monitors, and a two-way microphone, laid the groundwork for today’s advanced security technologies.
Patricia Era Bath / Laser Cataract Surgery
Harlem native Dr. Patricia Bath was a pioneer in ophthalmology. In 1986, she discovered and invented the Laserphaco Probe, a machine that revolutionized cataract surgery and restored sight to countless individuals worldwide.
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Alice H. Parker - The Gas Heating Furnace
Alice H. Parker invented a central heating system using natural gas in 1919. Her work paved the way for modern heating systems that keep homes warm during the cold season.
Shirley Ann Jackson / Telecommunications Breakthroughs
Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson’s theoretical physics research led to telecommunications innovations, including portable fax machines, touch-tone telephones, solar cells, fiber optic cables, caller IDs, and call waiting. Her work has influenced how we communicate globally.
Elijah McCoy - The Automatic Lubricator
Known for his “real McCoy” invention, Elijah McCoy created the automatic lubricator for steam engines in 1872. This innovation drastically improved machine efficiency and is still celebrated today.
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Lewis Latimer - The Carbon Filament
An inventor and patent draftsman, Lewis Latimer, is best known for improving the light bulb by inventing a carbon filament, making electric lighting more practical and affordable for everyday use.