Year: 1903

Who: Henrietta M. Bradberry

Where: Chicago, Illinois

Henrietta Mahim Bradberry, born in 1903 in Kentucky, was a Chicago housewife who made significant contributions to technology through her inventive spirit. In 1943, she patented a bed rack designed to air out bedclothes by attaching it to the foot of a bed, allowing sheets and blankets to hang and freshen after use. This rack featured a collapsible design operated by a pedal, facilitating easy use.

Bradberry's ingenuity extended beyond household items. In 1945, she patented a torpedo discharge mechanism for submarines and subterranean forts. This device enabled the pneumatic launching of torpedoes below the water's surface, ensuring that water pressure did not infiltrate the mechanism, thereby enhancing military operations during World War II.

Bradberry's patents highlight her inventive prowess and reflect the broader contributions of African American women to technological advancements. She passed away in 1979, but her legacy endures, inspiring future generations to pursue innovation.

Sources:

Websites:

• Chandler, D. L. (2014, May 27). Little Known Black History Fact: Henrietta Bradberry.​