Black History Month 2021 - Celebrating Black Icons

Black Icons – Inventions

October is Black History Month - an annual celebration and commemoration of moments in history, achievements and contributions that Black people have made to society.

Throughout the month we'll be telling the stories of black icons throughout history. Their contributions to society shaped the world we live in today, but their names are perhaps less known than some other historical icons.

We'll bring you four additions of our 'Black Icons' series throughout the month. Today celebrating inventors, and then historical movements, sports icons and healthcare icons. We hope you enjoy hearing these people's amazing stories, feel free to share with family members or your children.

Lewis Howard Latimer (1848–1928)

Lewis Howard Latimer, was an African-American inventor and electrical pioneer. With no access to formal education, Latimer worked with three of the greatest scientific inventors in American history, Alexander Graham Bell, Hiram S. Maxim, and Thomas Alva Edison. He played a critical role in the development of the telephone, and invented the carbon filament, which allowed lightbulbs to last longer than they did with the paper filament used in Thomas Edison's design.

Sarah Boone (1832–1904)

Sarah Boone was a 19th century African American dressmaker who made her name by inventing the modern-day ironing board.Boone was awarded a patent for her improved ironing board design in 1892, becoming one of the first African American women to be awarded a patent.

Garrett Morgan (1877 – 1963)

Garrett Morgan blazed a trail for African American inventors.

With only an elementary school education Morgan gained patents for many inventions, including an improved sewing machine, a hair-straightening product and a respiratory device that would later provide the blueprint for WWI gas masks.One of Morgan's most influential inventions was the improved traffic light. Morgan's was one of the first three-light systems that were invented in the 1920s, resulting in widespread adoption of the traffic lights we take for granted today.​

Marie Van Brittan Brown (1922 – 1999)

African American inventor Marie Van Brittan Brown invented the first home security system.  Her invention was the first closed-circuit television security system and paved the way for modern home security systems used today. Her invention was recognized in The New York Times and she received an award from the National Scientists Committee for her work. Brown's contribution to home security led her invention to be cited in 32 subsequent patent applications. Her invention formed a system that is still relevant in today's society with use in places such as banks, office buildings, and apartment complexes.