top of page
Year: 1884

Who: Judy Reed, an African American woman born during the era of slavery (circa 1826).

Where: Washington, District of Columbia


What: Judy Reed's invention allowed for a more efficient and thorough kneading of dough, which was particularly useful in both commercial baking and home kitchens. Despite receiving a patent for her invention (U.S. Patent No. 305,474), Reed signed the document with an "X" due to illiteracy, a direct result of the systemic barriers faced by African Americans during and after slavery. This illiteracy prevented her from being officially recognized as the first African American female patent holder.

Information about Judy Reed's family is not detailed, reflecting the broader historical context in which many African American lives, particularly those of women, were not thoroughly documented. The constraints and challenges of the era of slavery and post-emancipation discrimination marked her life.

Sources:

Books:

  • Latimer, L. H. (2023). Reed, Judy W. (ca. 1826). In Forgotten African American Firsts: An Encyclopedia of Pioneering History (p. 66).

Websites:

Address

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

Email

Connect

  • Spotify
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
bottom of page