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May 3, 2014Black STEM
May 4, 2014
Black Americans have made significant contributions to many fields, including science, technology, medicine, and engineering. Here are a few examples of important inventions created by Black Americans:
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lack Americans have made significant contributions to many fields, including science, technology, medicine, and engineering. Here are a few examples of important inventions created by Black Americans:
- The traffic light: In 1923, Garrett Augustus Morgan invented the traffic signal, which was designed to control the flow of traffic at busy city intersections. He also developed a gas mask that was used by the US military in World War I.
- The ironing board: In 1892, Sarah Boone, a Black woman, invented an improved ironing board that was more stable and had a heat-resistant surface.
- The peanut butter machine: In 1895, George Washington Carver, a prominent Black scientist and inventor, created a peanut butter machine that made it easier to process peanuts and produce peanut butter.
- The blood bank refrigerator: In 1949, Dr. Charles Drew, a Black physician and researcher, developed the blood bank refrigerator, which allowed blood to be stored for longer periods of time and made blood transfusions safer.
- The hair relaxer: In the early 20th century, Madam C.J. Walker, a Black entrepreneur and inventor, created a hair straightening process and products known as the "Walker System," which allowed African American women to straighten their hair.
- The portable folding chair: In 1887, Benjamin Franklin Lee, a Black inventor, patented the portable folding chair, which was designed for easy storage and transport.
- The Super Soaker: In the early 1980s, Lonnie G. Johnson, a Black inventor and engineer, developed the Super Soaker, a high-pressure water gun that quickly became one of the most popular toys in the world.
- The automatic garage door opener: In 1926, C.J. Johnson, a Black inventor, patented the automatic garage door opener, which used a system of gears and levers to open and close garage doors.
These are just a few examples of the many important inventions created by Black Americans. Despite facing many obstacles and discrimination, they have made significant contributions to the world that continue to improve our lives today.