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Year: 1858

Who: Alexander Roberts​

Where: Philadelphia, PA​

What: Alexander Roberts was an African American inventor active in the mid-19th century. Though little is known about his personal life, Roberts made significant contributions to firefighting technology during this period. He is most notably recognized for inventing a machine designed to assist firefighters in their efforts to extinguish fires and save lives in confined or hard-to-reach areas. His invention garnered attention for its potential utility in improving the efficiency of fire rescue operations.

Roberts was highlighted at the 1858 Convention of the Colored Citizens of Massachusetts, where he was praised for his ingenuity and contributions to science and safety. Despite the lack of widespread recognition or a detailed record of his life, Roberts remains a symbol of the underrepresented African American inventors who advanced technology and innovation during a time of significant racial and social barriers. His work reflects the resilience and creativity of Black inventors, even when their contributions went largely unnoticed in mainstream historical narratives.

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

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