top of page

Latest News

Super Soaker Water Gun.

A casual experiment in his basement led to an unexpected jet of water, sparking the idea for what would become America’s number-one-selling toy.

 Super Soaker Water Gun.

Invented an Early Warning Sonic Transducer.

King’s innovations in aerospace and safety technology underscored the importance of Black contributions to these fields.

 Invented an Early Warning Sonic Transducer.

A Physicist and Laser Researcher

The Impact of Black Identity: How Shaw’s Laser Technology Innovations Advanced Science and Medicine

A Physicist and Laser Researcher

Far Ultraviolet Camera/Spectrograph.

George Carruthers work demonstrated the critical role of Black people in space technology and research.

 Far Ultraviolet Camera/Spectrograph.

Weather-Resistant Plastic Coating for Telephone Wires

His work significantly extended the lifespan of telecommunication infrastructure.

Weather-Resistant Plastic Coating for Telephone Wires

A Physicist and Engineer

Russell's contributions to the Manhattan Project were vital to developing nuclear energy.

 A Physicist and Engineer

Improved Method For Flag-Making

Through his business of making awnings, tents, canvas covers, and flags, Bowman patented an improved method for making flags

Improved Method For Flag-Making

First Clothes Dryer Without an Open Flame​

Sampson's invention of the clothes dryer eliminated the need for an open flame and paved the way for our modern dryers.

First Clothes Dryer Without an Open Flame​

Improving Home Appliances​

Not much is known about his personal life, but Stanard patented a space-saving design for the oil stove in 1889, which is the fundamental design of portable catering stoves used for generations since.

Improving Home Appliances​

Invention To Ease Tight Living Spaces

Goode invented the cabinet bed, which consisted of a single bed folded into a writing desk.

Invention To Ease Tight Living Spaces

Machinist, Labor Unionist, and Manufacturer

Ferrell invented a steam trap, an apparatus for melting snow, and eight valves, which fueled the manufacturing company he established in New York City.

Machinist, Labor Unionist, and Manufacturer

Multitalented Inventor

Benjamin studied medicine and law at Howard University and set out to transform a variety of industries with her invention of a gong and signal chair.

Multitalented Inventor

Black Woman Inventor Missing From The Patent Record

 “You know I am Black and if it was known that a negro woman patented the invention, white ladies would not buy the wringer.”

Black Woman Inventor Missing From The Patent Record

Ventilating the Railroad Cars​

Reynolds invented a ventilator to keep fresh air flowing in railroad passenger cars, keeping dust and soot out.

Ventilating the Railroad Cars​

African American Inventor Improves Traffic Safety​

Innovator of Both the Gas Mask and the Three-Position Traffic Light

African American Inventor Improves Traffic Safety​

Mechanizing the Cotton Harvest

Ned invented a cotton scraper that eased labor while increasing productivity. His invention was manufactured by his enslaver and profitable without patent protection because enslaver Oscar J.E. Stuart was denied the patent by the Secretary of the Interior and Commissioner of Patents.

Mechanizing the Cotton Harvest

Building a Bedframe and Revolutionary Business​

Boyd partnered with a white craftsman who received the patent for the Boyd bedstead.

Building a Bedframe and Revolutionary Business​

Hand Mill Invention

After fighting in the Revolutionary War, George Peake was the first Black person in the settlement that began in Cleveland.

Hand Mill Invention

First Black Person to Hold a Patent

Jennings invented and patented his "dry scouring" method which enabled clothes to keep their original shape and appearance whilst removing dirt and grease. 

First Black Person to Hold a Patent

Innovative Sail Device Funding Abolition

During his career as a foreman and owner of the sail loft in Philadelphia, Forten invented a sail-handling device that was never patented. Forten used his profits to fund abolition activities.​

Innovative Sail Device Funding Abolition

Address

Johns Hopkins University
2800 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21218

Email

Connect

  • Spotify
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
bottom of page