10. Madame C.J. Walker (1867 – 1919)
Invention: Hair Lotion for Black Women
Madame C.J. Walker, born Sarah Breedlove, became an entrepreneur by developing hair products tailored for Black women. She claimed her formula for curing baldness came to her in a dream. Walker’s business flourished, making her the first African American woman millionaire.
9. Frederick McKinley Jones (1893 – 1961)
Invention: Refrigeration Systems
Frederick McKinley Jones patented over sixty inventions, most notably an automatic refrigeration system for long-haul trucks in 1935. This innovation eliminated food spoilage during transport, greatly impacting the shipping industry.
8. Jan Ernst Matzeliger (1852 – 1889)
Invention: Shoe Lasting Machinery
Jan Matzeliger, a shoemaker and inventor, revolutionized the shoe industry with his machine that attached the sole to the shoe in just one minute. His invention greatly increased production efficiency in shoe manufacturing.
7. Norbert Rillieux (1806 – 1894)
Invention: Sugar Refining Machinery
Norbert Rillieux developed the multiple-effect vacuum pan evaporator, which transformed sugar refining by improving efficiency and reducing costs. His contribution is considered one of the greatest in American chemical engineering.
6. George Edward Alcorn (1940 – Present)
Invention: Imaging X-Ray Spectrometer
Physicist George Edward Alcorn patented an imaging x-ray spectrometer in 1984, which allows scientists to identify materials through x-ray spectra. His innovative method earned him the NASA/GSFC Inventor of the Year Award.
5. Lewis Latimer (1848 – 1928)
Invention: Long Life Lightbulb
Lewis Latimer improved the light bulb by encasing the filament in a cardboard envelope, making it longer-lasting and more efficient. His work enabled widespread electric lighting in homes and streets.
4. Granville Woods (1856 – 1910)
Invention: Induction Telegraph
Granville Woods, often called the "Black Thomas Edison," patented an induction telegraph that allowed voice and telegraph messages to be sent over a single wire. His inventions improved safety in rail transport and included over 50 patents for various technologies.
3. Patricia Bath (1942 – Present)
Invention: Cataract Laserphaco Probe
Dr. Patricia Bath became the first African American woman to receive a patent for a medical invention with her cataract removal laser device. Her innovative method transformed eye surgery, allowing for less invasive procedures.
2. Garrett Morgan (1877 – 1963)
Invention: Gas Mask and Traffic Light
Garrett Morgan invented the Morgan safety hood and smoke protector, famously using it to rescue men trapped in a tunnel explosion. He also developed an early traffic signal, contributing to road safety.
1. Otis Boykin (1920 – 1982)
Invention: Improved Electrical Resistor and Pacemaker Control Unit
Otis Boykin invented over 25 electronic devices, including an improved electrical resistor and a control unit for pacemakers. His work significantly advanced the field of electronics, despite his passing from heart failure in 1982.
These inventors not only overcame adversity but also transformed industries and improved lives through their innovations. Their legacies continue to inspire future generations of inventors and thinkers.