Year: 1956

Who: Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner

Where: Monroe, North Carolina

In 1956, Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner achieved a remarkable feat that would cement her place in history. She secured a patent for the sanitary belt, an adjustable device designed to hold sanitary napkins securely in place, significantly improving menstrual hygiene for women. This invention, conceived years earlier but patented later due to financial constraints, showcased not only her ingenuity but also her determination to enhance women's health and comfort.

Kenner's inventive prowess extended beyond the sanitary belt. Throughout her lifetime, she was awarded five patents, including designs for a toilet tissue holder, a back washer mounted on a shower wall, and a carrier attachment for walkers. These inventions addressed everyday challenges, reflecting her commitment to improving daily life. As an African American woman innovating during a time of pronounced racial and gender discrimination, Kenner's achievements highlighted her resilience and dedication to making practical contributions to society.

Today, Mary Kenner's legacy is preserved through the widespread adoption of her innovations, particularly in women's hygiene products. While she did not gain substantial financial success from her inventions, her contributions are celebrated as milestones in the journey toward better personal care solutions. Her story invites reflection on the challenges faced by women and African American inventors in gaining recognition and underscores the importance of perseverance in the face of societal barriers.

Sources:

Websites:

• BlackPast.org. (2020, September 28). Mary Kenner (1912–2006). BlackPast.org. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/mary-kenner-1912-2006/

• Lemelson-MIT Program. (n.d.). Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner. Lemelson-MIT Program. https://lemelson.mit.edu/resources/mary-beatrice-davidson-kenner