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1
Jan

1898 - C. W. Allen invents the self-leveling table

On this day, C. W. Allen invented the self-leveling table, an innovative device designed to maintain a level surface regardless of movement. He was... Continue →

5
Jan

1943 - George Washington Carver Day

On January 5, 1943, George Washington Carver Day was established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt following Carver’s death. This day honors the... Continue →

7
Jan

1890 - W.B. Purvis patented the fountain pen

African American inventor William B. Purvis was granted U.S. Patent No. 419,065 for improvements to the fountain pen. His design helped regulate ink... Continue →

10
Jan

1888 - A.B. Blackburn patents pail signal

A.B. Blackburn was granted U.S. Patent No. 376,362 for an innovative railway signal on this day in 1888. His invention contributed to improved... Continue →

10
Jan

1864 - Birth of George Washington Carver

George Washington Carver, a pioneering Black scientist, inventor, and agricultural chemist, was born into slavery in Diamond, Missouri. He became... Continue →

28
Jan

1944 - Matthew Henson receives a joint medal by Congress

On January 28, 1944, Matthew Henson was awarded a joint medal by the U.S. Congress in recognition of his role as co-discoverer of the North Pole.... Continue →

29
Jan

1991 - Sharon J. Barnes and Team Receive Patent for Contactless Temperature Measurement

On January 29, 1991, Sharon J. Barnes, a chemist at Dow Chemical Company, along with her team, was granted U.S. Patent #4,988,211 for developing a... Continue →

30
Jan

1910 - Death of Inventor Granville T. Woods

On January 30, 1910, Granville T. Woods, a prolific African American inventor, passed away. Known as the “Black Edison,” Woods held more than 50... Continue →

1
Feb

1887 - J. Robinson Patents the Dinner Pail

On February 1, 1887, J. Robinson was granted U.S. Patent No. 356,852 for an innovative design of a dinner pail. This practical invention contributed... Continue →

2
Feb

1897 - Ice Cream Scoop Patented by Alfred L. Cralle

On February 1, 1897, Alfred L. Cralle, an African American inventor and businessman, was granted U.S. Patent No. 576,395 for the ice cream mold and... Continue →

2
Feb

1839 - Spark Plug Patent

Inventor Edmond Berger patented the spark plug. Some historical accounts credit Edmond Berger, an African American inventor, with creating an... Continue →

13
Feb

1973 - Wm. Desjardin patents corner cleaner attachment

Gertrude E. Downing and William P. Desjardin were granted U.S. Patent No. 3,715,772 on February 13, 1973, for a "Reciprocating Corner and Baseboard... Continue →

17
Feb

1891 - A.C. Richardson Patents Improved Butter Churn

African American inventor A.C. Richardson was granted U.S. Patent #466,470 for an innovative butter churn design. His invention improved the... Continue →

18
Feb

1896 - H. Grenon Patents Razor Stropping Device

H. Grenon, an African American inventor, received U.S. Patent No. 554,867 for a razor stropping device designed to maintain the sharpness of straight... Continue →

20
Feb

1900 - J.F. Bickering patents airship invention

John F. Pickering, an inventor from Gonaïves, Haiti, was granted U.S. Patent No. 643,975 for his innovative airship design. His invention featured... Continue →

21
Feb

1961 - Otis Boykin patents the Electrical Resistor

Inventor Otis Boykin was granted U.S. Patent No. 2,972,726 for an improved electrical resistor. His invention played a vital role in the development... Continue →

27
Feb

1883 - Hand Stamp Patented by African American Inventor

On this day, an African American inventor William B. Purvis was granted U.S. Patent No. 273,149 for an improved hand stamp. His design enhanced the... Continue →

28
Feb

1932 - Richard Spikes Patents Automatic Gear Shift

African American inventor Richard Spikes patented an early version of the automatic gear shift, a key innovation in automotive technology. His... Continue →

28
Feb

1990 - Philip Emeagwali Wins Gordon Bell Prize

Nigerian computer scientist Philip Emeagwali was awarded the prestigious Gordon Bell Prize—often referred to as the "Nobel Prize of... Continue →

1
Mar

1892 - Anna M. Mangin Patents the Pastry Fork

Anna M. Mangin, an African American inventor, was granted U.S. Patent No. 470,005 for the pastry fork—a kitchen tool designed to make mixing dough... Continue →

3
Mar

1886 - Guitar patented

Robert F. Flemming, Jr. patents a guitar.

13
Mar

1918 - Birth of Sculptor James Rhoden

James Rhoden, a prominent African American sculptor known for his abstract and figurative works, was born on this day. Rhoden’s art often explored... Continue →

14
Mar

1794 - Eli Whitney Patents the Cotton Gin

Eli Whitney received a U.S. patent for the cotton gin, a machine that revolutionized cotton processing by efficiently separating cotton fibers from... Continue →

16
Mar

1999 - Frederick McKinley Jones Revolutionizes Refrigerated Transport (Recognition Date)

On this day, Frederick McKinley Jones—an African-American inventor who passed in 1961—was posthumously honored for his groundbreaking... Continue →

16
Mar

1999 - Honoring Thomas L. Jennings: First Black Patent Holder

On this day, Thomas L. Jennings was formally recognized for his groundbreaking achievement as the first African American to receive a U.S. patent. In... Continue →

16
Mar

1999 - Honoring Dr. Percy Lavon Julian, Trailblazing Chemist

On this day, the United States Post Office issued a commemorative stamp honoring Dr. Percy Lavon Julian (1899–1975), a pioneering African American... Continue →

17
Mar

1806 - Birth of Norbert Rillieux, Revolutionary Engineer

Norbert Rillieux, a pioneering chemical engineer, inventor, and Egyptologist, was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. A child of Creole heritage and the... Continue →

19
Mar

1883 - Jan Matzeliger Revolutionizes Shoe Manufacturing

Jan Ernst Matzeliger, a Black inventor from Paramaribo, Dutch Guiana (now Suriname), received a patent for his revolutionary shoe-lasting machine on... Continue →

19
Mar

1872 - T. J. Boyd Patents Horse-Detaching Carriage Apparatus

African American inventor T. J. Boyd was granted a U.S. patent for an innovative apparatus designed to quickly detach horses from carriages. His... Continue →

26
Mar

1872 - Thomas J. Martin Patents Fire Extinguisher

Thomas J. Martin, an African American inventor, was awarded a U.S. patent for an early version of the fire extinguisher. His invention improved fire... Continue →

26
Mar

1932 - Birth of Dr. James A. Harris, Nuclear Chemist and Element Discoverer

Dr. James A. Harris, a pioneering African American nuclear chemist, was born on this day. During his tenure at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Harris... Continue →

29
Mar

1898 - W.J. Ballow Patents Combined Hatrack and Table

Inventor W.J. Ballow was granted U.S. Patent No. 601,422 for a “Combined Hatrack and Table.” This innovative design blended functionality and... Continue →

3
Apr

1883 - H.H. Reynolds Patents Railroad Car Ventilator

Inventor H.H. Reynolds was granted U.S. Patent No. 275,271 for a Window Ventilator for Railroad Cars. This innovative design improved airflow and... Continue →

3
Apr

1888 - A. B. Blackburn Patents the Spring Seat

A. B. Blackburn, an African American inventor, received U.S. Patent #380,420 for his invention of the spring seat for chairs. This innovation... Continue →

5
Apr

1977 - Gertrude Downing Patents Corner Cleaner Attachment

On this day, Gertrude Downing was granted a patent for her innovative corner cleaner attachment, designed to improve vacuum cleaning efficiency by... Continue →

8
Apr

1990 - First African American Inventors Inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame

On this day, Percy Julian and George Washington Carver became the first African American inventors inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame,... Continue →

11
Apr

1899 - Birth of Chemist Percy Lavon Julian

Percy Julian, a pioneering African American chemist, was born in Montgomery, Alabama. Despite facing racial barriers, he earned degrees from DePauw,... Continue →

22
Apr

1919 - S.H. Love Patents Military Gun Improvement

On April 22, 1919, S.H. Love—a World War I veteran born in 1893 in Colt, Arkansas—was granted a U.S. patent for an improvement to military... Continue →

23
Apr

1856 - Granville T. Woods Born – Inventor of the Automatic Air Brake

On April 23, 1856, Granville T. Woods was born in Columbus, Ohio. Often called “The Black Edison,” Woods would go on to become one of the most... Continue →

26
Apr

1898 - J.A. Joyce Patents Ore Bucket

On April 26, 1898, inventor J.A. Joyce was granted U.S. Patent No. 602,038 for an innovative ore bucket design used in mining operations. His... Continue →

28
Apr

1999 - George Toliver Patents Ship Propeller Design

On April 28, 1999, African American inventor George Toliver was awarded U.S. Patent No. 5,897,270 for a novel design of a ship’s propeller that... Continue →

2
May

1844 - Elijah McCoy Born, Inspires “The Real McCoy”

On May 2, 1844, Elijah McCoy was born in Colchester, Ontario, to formerly enslaved parents who escaped through the Underground Railroad. A brilliant... Continue →

3
May

1845 – Birth of Elijah McCoy, Prolific Black Canadian-American Inventor

Elijah McCoy, born in Colchester, Ontario, to formerly enslaved parents, became one of the most prolific inventors in North America. His... Continue →

4
May

1897- J.H. Smith Patents the Lawn Sprinkler

On May 4, 1897, inventor J.H. Smith, an African American innovator, was awarded U.S. Patent No. 581,785 for a rotary lawn sprinkler. Smith's... Continue →

6
May

1886-Inventor M. A. Cherry patented the Tricycle.

On May 5, 1886, African American inventor M.A. Cherry was granted a U.S. patent for an improved design of the tricycle. His innovation featured a... Continue →

7
May

1878 — Joseph Winters Patents Fire Escape Ladder

Joseph R. Winters, an African American inventor, was granted U.S. Patent number 203,517  for a fire escape ladder on May 7, 1878. His innovation... Continue →

9
May

1952 – Henrietta Lacks’ Cells Used for Polio Vaccine

By May 9, 1952, researchers had begun widely using cells from Henrietta Lacks—taken without her consent in 1951—to develop a vaccine for polio.... Continue →

17
May

1988 - Dr. Patricia E. Bath, a remowned opthalmologist and inventor, patents Laserphaco Probe on this day.

On May 17, 1988, Dr. Patricia E. Bath, a pioneering ophthalmologist and inventor, was awarded U.S. Patent No. 4,744,360 for her invention of the... Continue →

23
May

1871 - Landrow Bell Patents Locomotive Smoke Stack

On this day in 1871, African American inventor Landrow Bell was granted a U.S. patent Patent #115,153 for an innovative locomotive smoke stack... Continue →

24
May

1910 - Walter M. Hard Patents Trolley Car Improvement Device

On May 24, 1910, Walter M. Hard, a young Black barber and inventor, patented a mechanical device that significantly improved the reliability of... Continue →

24
May

1887 - Elijah McCoy Patents Lubricator for Safety Valves

On this day in 1887, Elijah McCoy, a prolific African American inventor, was granted U.S. Patent No. 363,529 for a Lubricator for Steam-Engine Safety... Continue →

25
May

1943 – Henrietta Bradberry Patents Bed Rack

On this day in 1943, Henrietta Bradberry was granted U.S. Patent No. 2,320,027 for her invention of the “Bed Rack.” This innovative device could... Continue →

29
May

1945 – F.M. Jones Patents a 2-Cycle Gasoline Engine

Frederick M. Jones, a prolific African American inventor, was granted a patent for a two-cycle gasoline engine on May 29, 1945 (U.S. Patent No.... Continue →

5
Jun

1894 - G.W. Murray patents fertilizer distributor

On this day in 1894, G.W. Murray patents Fertilizer Distributor Patent No. 520,889

5
Jun

1894 - G.W. Murray patents cotton chopper

On this day in 1894, G.W. Murray patents Cotton Chopper, Patent No. 520,888.

5
Jun

1894 - G.W. Murray patents Planter

On thus day in 1894, G.W. Murray patents Planter, Patent No. 520,887

2
Jul

1872 - E. McCoy patents steam engine lubricator on this date.

On this date, Elijah McCoy was granted a patent for the steam engine lubricator (U.S. Patent No. 129,843). This device automatically lubricated steam... Continue →

2
Jul

2001 - Robert Tools receives artificial heart

On this date in 2001, Robert Tools became the first person to receive the AbioCor, a self-contained artificial heart, at Jewish Hospital in... Continue →

3
Jul

1904 - Charles Drew was born

On this date in 1904, Dr. Charles Drew, born in Washington, D.C., made groundbreaking contributions to the field of medicine. He attended McGill... Continue →

5
Jul

1892 - Andrew Beard granted patent number 478,271 for his rotary engine.

On this date in 1892, Andrew Beard, an African American inventor, was granted Patent No. 478,271 for his rotary engine design. His invention aimed to... Continue →

6
Jul

1971 - Cellular Phone Invented

On this date in 1971, Henry Sampson, an African American inventor, received a patent for his work related to the cellular phone. He is credited with... Continue →

12
Jul

1949 - F.M. Jones patents a/c unit

On this date in 1949, F.M. Jones was granted Patent No. 2,475,841 for an air conditioning unit. This patent was for an invention relating to a... Continue →

12
Jul

1949 - F.M. Jones patents starter generator

On this date in 1949, Patent No. 2475842, was granted to F. M. Jones for a starter generator. This patent relates to a device that functions both as... Continue →

14
Jul

1891 - Inventor, J Standard, awarded patent for making the refrigerator.

On this date in 1891, inventor J. Standard (sometimes referred to as John Standard) was awarded a patent US455891A for his non-electrical... Continue →

14
Jul

1885 - Sara E. Goode invented the cabinet bed.

On this date in 1885, Sara E. Goode was awarded a patent 322,177 for the cabinet bed. The cabinet bed was an innovative piece of furniture designed... Continue →

17
Jul

1888 - Miriam E. Benjamin (School teacher) issued patent.

On this date in 1888, Miriam E. Benjamin, an African American school teacher, was granted a Patent number 386,289 for her invention, which was a... Continue →

18
Jul

1899 - L.C. Bailey granted patent # 620,286

On this date 1899, L.C. Bailey was granted U.S. Patent #620,286 for the invention of the folding bed. This design allowed the bed to be conveniently... Continue →

25
Jul

1916 - Inventor of the gas mask, Garrett T Morgan, rescues six.

Garrett T. Morgan is widely recognized for his significant contribution to safety with the invention of the gas mask. On July 25, 1916, he famously... Continue →

4
Aug

1885 - William C. Carter patents an umbrella stand

On August 4, 1885, William C. Carter patented an umbrella stand, a simple yet practical design to hold umbrellas, typically in an upright position.... Continue →

10
Aug

1894 - George Washington Murray read into the Congressional Record a list of 92 patents

on August 10, 1894, George Washington Murray, an African American inventor and politician, read into the Congressional Record a list of 92 patents... Continue →

21
Aug

1877 - Inventor, AP Abourne was awarded patent for refining coconut oil.

Inventor, AP Abourne was awarded patent 194,287 for refining coconut oil, 1877

23
Aug

1954 - Inventor Philip Emeagwali was born

Philip Emeagwali, a Nigerian-American inventor, was born on August 23, 1954, in Akure, Nigeria. He is known for his groundbreaking work in... Continue →

30
Aug

1881 - W.S. Campbell patents improved animal trap

On August 30, 1881, W.S. Campbell patented the self-setting animal trap, which is patent number 246,369. This innovation made it easier for people to... Continue →

2
Sep

1884 - John Parker patents "Parker Pulverizer"

On September 2, 1884, John Parker was granted U.S. Patent #304,552 for a "Follower-Screw for Tobacco Presses." This patent was for an innovative... Continue →

2
Sep

1766 - Abolitionist, inventor, entrepreneur, James Forten was born on this date.

James Forten was born on September 2, 1766, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a prominent African American abolitionist, inventor, and... Continue →

4
Sep

1923 - George Washington Carver of Tuskegee Institute received the Spingarn Medal.

On September 4, 1923, George Washington Carver, the renowned agricultural scientist and educator, received the Spingarn Medal. The medal, awarded by... Continue →

4
Sep

1848 - Inventor and engineer, Louis Latimer was born.

Louis Latimer was born on September 4, 1848, in Chelsea, Massachusetts. He was an African American inventor and engineer, best known for his work on... Continue →

5
Sep

1899 - J. Ross patents Bailing Press

On September 5, 1899, J. Ross was granted U.S. Patent No. 632,539 for a Bailing Press. This device was an important innovation in the field of... Continue →

13
Sep

1881 - Louis Howard Latimer patents his electric lamp with a carbon filament.

On this date in 1881, Louis Howard Latimer patents his electric lamp with a carbon filament.

15
Sep

1852 - Inventor Jan E. Matzeliger born

On this date in 1852, Inventor Jan E. Matzeliger was born in Dutch Guyana and immigrated to the US in 1878. He patented a shoe lasting machine in... Continue →

21
Sep

1891 - Inventor, FW Leslie, patents the envelope seal, 1891

Inventor, FW Leslie, patents the envelope seal, 1891

23
Sep

1884 - Judy W. Reed patents dough kneader and roller

On this dated in 1884, Judy W. Reed patents dough kneader and roller, Patent No. 305,474

30
Sep

1975 - Virgie Ammons patents fireplace damper actuator

Virgie M. Ammons of Eglon, West Virginia "Inside the fireplace chimney is a device called a "Damper". The damper is opened and closed to allow smoke... Continue →

6
Oct

1895 - Riding Saddle

On this date in 1895, W.D. Davis patented an improved riding saddle. Davis invented his saddle while serving as a buffalo soldier, African American... Continue →

7
Oct

1890 - Humphrey H. Reynolds patents safety gate for bridge

On this date in 1890, Humphrey H. Reynolds, patents Safety Gate for Bridges, Patent No. 437,937

9
Oct

1888 - Obadiah.B. Clare patents rail trestle

ON this date in 1888, Obadiah. B. Clare, patents Trestle, Patent# 390,753

9
Oct

1806 - Mathematician Benjamin Banneker dies.

On this date in 1806, Mathematician Benjamin Banneker (74) dies, in Ellicott's Mills, Maryland.

10
Oct

1899 - Issac R. Johnson patents folding bicycle frame

Inventor Isaac R.Johnson patented his frame of a bicycle which can be separated or folded to store in the trunk of a car or other small places. This... Continue →

11
Oct

1898 - Shampoo Headrest patented.

ON this date in 1898, C.O. Bailiff patented the shampoo headrest. Patent #US612008 A

11
Oct

1887 - Elevator and Safety Devices Invented

On this date in 1887, the elevator as well as safety devices for elevators where invented by Alexander Miles, Patent # 371,207

13
Oct

1914 - Garrett T Morgan patents the gas mask, Patent #US1113675 A

O this date in 1914, Garrett T Morgan patents the gas mask. Patent #US1113675 A

14
Oct

1834 - Harry Blair patents his corn-planting machine.

On this date in 1834, Harry Blair patents his corn-planting machine. The planter resembled a wheelbarrow, with a compartment to hold the seed and... Continue →

21
Oct

1986 - George Alcorn patents fabrication of spectrometer

Patent # 4,618,380 George E. Alcorn (Reston, VA) patents method of fabricating an imaging X-ray spectrometer.

21
Oct

1980 - Valerie Thomas invents the illusion transmitter

On this date in 1980, Valerie Thomas invented the illusion transmitter. Patent #US4229761.

25
Oct

1915 - Attorney James L. Curtis named minister of Liberia

On this date in 1915, Attorney James L. Curtis named minister of Liberia.

25
Oct

1892 - Lincoln .F. Brown patents bridle bit

On this date in 1892, Lincoln F. Brown patents Bridle bit. Patent No. 484,994

26
Oct

1806 - Benjamin Banneker, inventor and scientist, dies

On this dated in 1806, Benjamin Banneker, inventor and scientist, dies at the age of 74. In 1753, he borrowed a pocket watch from a well-to-do... Continue →

27
Oct

1891 - P.B. downing patents Street Letter Drop Box

On this date in 1891, P. B. Downing's Street Letter Mail Box patented. Patent No. 462,096 and a patent #462,093 for the mailbox (letterbox).

31
Oct

1899 - W.F. Burr patents railway switch

W.F. Burr patents Switching device Oct.31,1899 Patent # 636,197

1
Nov

1898 - C.W. Allen patents table (self-leveling)

ON this date in 1898, C. W. Allen Self-leveling table. Patent No.613,436

3
Nov

1896 - J.H. Hunter patents portable weighing scales

On this date in 1896, J. H. Hunter Portable Weighing Scales. Patent No. 570,533

4
Nov

1879 - T Elkins puts patents on the refrigerating apparatus.

On this date in 1879, T. Elkins puts patents on the refrigerating apparatus. U.S. patent #221,222

9
Nov

1731 - Benjamin Banneker, Pioneering African American Scientist and Almanac Author, Is Born

Benjamin Banneker was born on this day in Ellicott Mills, Maryland, to a free African American woman and a formerly enslaved father. Despite having... Continue →

10
Nov

1891 - Granville T. Woods Patents Electric Railway Technology

On November 10, 1891, prolific African American inventor Granville T. Woods was granted a patent for an electric railway system. Known as the... Continue →

11
Nov

1969 - Dr. George R. Carruthers Patents the Image Converter

Dr. George R. Carruthers, an African American physicist and inventor, was granted a patent for the Image Converter, a device that helped detect... Continue →

11
Nov

1890 - D. McCree patents portable Fire Escape

D. McCree, an African American inventor, was granted U.S. Patent No. 440,322 for a portable fire escape. His design focused on improving public... Continue →

13
Nov

1894 – A.C. Richardson Patents the Casket Lowering Device

A.C. Richardson, an African American inventor, was granted U.S. Patent No. 529,311 for a casket lowering device. This innovation provided a safer and... Continue →

14
Nov

1950 - Lydia Holmes patents wood toys

On this day, Lydia D. Holmes, an African American inventor, was granted U.S. Patent No. 2,529,828 for her innovative design of educational wooden... Continue →

15
Nov

1887 - Granville T Woods patents the Synchronous Multiplier Railway Telegraph.

Granville T. Woods, a prolific African American inventor known as "the Black Edison," was granted a patent for his Synchronous Multiplex Railway... Continue →

15
Nov

1898 – Lyda A. Newman Patents Improved Hairbrush

Lyda A. Newman, an African American inventor and women’s rights activist in New York City, was granted U.S. Patent No. 614,335 for an innovative... Continue →

20
Nov

1923 – Garrett Morgan Granted Patent for Three-Position Traffic Signal

On this day, Garrett T. Morgan, a Black American inventor and entrepreneur, was granted U.S. Patent No. 1,475,024 for his innovative three-position... Continue →

21
Nov

1933 - S.H. Love patents improved vending machine

S.H. Love, an African American inventor, was granted U.S. Patent No. 1,936,515 for an improved vending machine. His design allowed for better control... Continue →

23
Nov

1897 – Andrew J. Beard Patents the Improved Railroad Coupler

Andrew Jackson Beard, an African American inventor and former slave, was granted a patent on November 23, 1897, for an improved version of the... Continue →

23
Nov

1897 – J.L. Love Patents the Pencil Sharpener

John Lee Love, an African American inventor, received U.S. Patent No. 594,114 for his design of a portable pencil sharpener. Known as the "Love... Continue →

27
Nov

1928 – Marjorie Joyner Patented the Permanent Wave Machine

Marjorie Joyner, an African American inventor and businesswoman, was granted U.S. Patent No. 1,693,515 for her invention of the permanent wave... Continue →

30
Nov

2001 – Robert Tools, First Recipient of AbioCor Artificial Heart, Passes Away

Robert Tools, the first human to receive the AbioCor fully self-contained artificial heart, died at age 59 due to multiple organ failure after... Continue →

30
Nov

1875 – A.P. Ashbourne Patents the Biscuit Cutter

Alexander P. Ashbourne, an African American inventor, was granted U.S. Patent No. 170,460 for a biscuit cutter. His invention automated the process... Continue →

1
Dec

1874 - T.J. Byrd patents rail car coupling

On December 1, 1874, T. J. Byrd was granted U.S. Patent No. 157,370 for an improvement in car couplings, a device crucial for connecting railroad... Continue →

2
Dec

1969 – Marie Van Brittan Brown Awarded Patent for First Home Security System

Marie Van Brittan Brown, a Black American inventor, was granted U.S. Patent No. 3,482,037 for her invention of the first home security system.... Continue →

2
Dec

1884 – Granville T. Woods Patents His First Electrical Invention

On this day, Granville T. Woods, often called the “Black Edison,” was granted a patent for his improved telephone transmitter. This device... Continue →

3
Dec

1922 – Ralph Gardner-Chavis Born

Ralph Gardner-Chavis, born in Cleveland, Ohio, was a pioneering African American chemist whose research played a crucial role in the development of... Continue →

10
Dec

1846 – Norbert Rillieux Patents the Multiple-Effect Evaporator

Norbert Rillieux, a free-born Black inventor and chemical engineer from New Orleans, patented his multiple-effect evaporator under vacuum on this... Continue →

11
Dec

1928 – Inventor Lewis Howard Latimer Passed Away

Lewis H. Latimer, an accomplished African American inventor and engineer, died on this day in Flushing, New York. He began his career as a draftsman... Continue →

12
Dec

1899 – George F. Grant Patents Wooden Golf Tee

Dr. George F. Grant, an African American dentist, professor, and inventor, was granted U.S. Patent No. 638,920 for a wooden golf tee. A... Continue →

15
Dec

1883 – William A. Hinton, Renowned Bacteriologist, Is Born

William Augustus Hinton, a pioneering African American bacteriologist and pathologist, was born on this day. He is best known for developing the... Continue →

15
Dec

1896 - Black Women Inventors

On December 15, 1896, Julia Terry Hammonds, an African American inventor from Lebanon, Illinois, was granted U.S. Patent No. 572,985 for her... Continue →

23
Dec

1919 - Alice H Parker patents the gas heating furnace

Alice H. Parker, an African American inventor, was granted a patent for a gas-powered central heating system that used natural gas to provide warmth... Continue →

28
Dec

1897 - C.V. Rickey patents Fire Escape bracket

On this day in 1897, inventor C. V. Rickey was granted U.S. Patent No. 596,427 for a fire escape bracket. This innovation contributed to safer... Continue →