Illuminating the Historical Contributions of Black Innovators
The R-RIGHTS' Timeline to STEA MM + Equity Ethics is a powerful testament to the enduring legacy and transformative impact of Black innovators throughout history. This initiative shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked contributions of Black scientists, engineers, and creators who have shaped our world in profound ways. From groundbreaking inventions and pioneering research to societal advancements and cultural enrichment, the timeline celebrates the remarkable achievements of these individuals. By bringing their stories to the forefront, R-RIGHTS aims to inspire future generations, promote equity in STEM fields, and ensure that the invaluable contributions of Black innovators receive the recognition and appreciation they rightfully deserve.
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1612
The First Enslaved Africans Arrive in Virginia
Slavery was a significant part of the colonial economy, forming the foundation for the Southern colonies' labor-intensive agricultural economy. ​
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The system was deeply embedded in the trans-Atlantic trade, benefiting the colonies economically by utilizing the skilled labor of enslaved Africans in various STEM related capacities.​
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Some scholars that slavery itself spurred modernity and technology advancement (Beckert & Rockman, 2016).​
1624
Privatized Slavery in New Netherland
Considered the second colony to import slaves, the West India Company enslaved Black people to conduct various public works construction projects, especially the building of Fort Amsterdam, at the southern tip of Manhattan Island. In later years, after the fort was completed, they were constantly at work repairing and strengthening its fortification.​
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Historical Events - 1641
Massachusetts Formally Legalizes Slavery
Hermann (2020) author argues that the law can be seen as a form of an algorightm explaining, "American Slavery constitues a meeting ground of three very different cultural practices and concerns: a rising interest in data, understood as a symbolic form; abolitionism's desire to establish a consensus at least on the faces of slavery, if not on the moral significance; and the law as a complex tropical framework capable of expressing the relationship between subject, society, and fact." ​
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In other words, the law is automating cultural and moral practices under the assumption the law is correct.
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1688
Aphra Behn Publishes Oroonoko: or, The Royal Slave
Set in a Dutch colony, the book tells the story of the enslavement of an African prince and an English woman. Oroonoko, the prince, is portrayed a “noble savage” often likening all of his humane characteristics to whiteness. ​
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​Considered by scholars as the first English novel to use terms such as white men, white people, and negro.​
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​Some authors aurgue that this text helped spur pseudo-scientific discussions of race as the text is laden with scientific writing.
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Historical Events - 1689
John Locke Publishes "An Essay Concerning Humane Understanding"
Written between 1671-1689, Locke crafted and published a four volume eassy in which he argued Black people were not fully human because he believed that "West African women had conceived babies with apes" (Kendi, 2016)​.
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Text such as these would set the stage for racist debates about the origin of humanity: monogenesis and polygenesis. ​
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Polygenecists believed that Black people were not part of the human race but had a different, and worse, origin than whites.
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1600s
1700s
Historical Context 1700s
The first patent law was signed on April 10th, 1790, by George Washington. Before the Civil War (1861-1865), with the legality of slavery, individuals who were enslaved were not allowed to apply for patents. Therefore, it is difficult to nail down specific dates on contributions/patents made during this time.​
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1800s
Historical Context 1800s
In 1851, Dr. Samuel Adolphus Cartwright deemed the impulse of enslaved Black folx to run away as a psychological disorder called “Drapetomania.” The afterlife of this “research,” propoganda and “treatment” persists in the discrimination and stereotyping of Black folx today. Moreoever, Cook (2014) reports that over 1,000 patents from Black inventors are missing from 1870-1940 due to racial violence such as major riots, lynchings, and segregation laws. Moreover, Swanson (2022) explains that common law doctrine deemed that married women were not independent legal subjects, therefore her husband would own her inventions until marital property reform (1840-1890).​
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18th and 19th Century
Blacksmiths branding America with Sankofa​
Europeans had witnessed the African blacksmiths’ art from west and west-central Africa, with pieces from as far back as the early fifteenth century. This led them to enslave Africans from these regions to complete metal works in the colonies. Highly skilled enslaved ironworkers like Abraham and Bill in the 1760s, helped manage large iron furnaces. In their ironworks, enslaved African blacksmith’s used symbols from their cultures as lasting representations of their heritage.
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1821
First Black Person to Hold a Patent​
Thomas L. Jennings invented and patented his "dry scouring" method which enabled clothes to keep their original shape and appearance whilst removing dirt and grease. The exact process od his method was lost in a fire along with 10,000 or so others, but we know he used his income from the invention to support abolition activities.
1826
Building a Bedframe and Revolutionary Business​
Henry Boyd partnered with a white craftsman who received the patent for the Boyd bedstead. By 1836, Boyd owned his own factory, employing 60 workers to produce his improved wooden bedframe with steam-powered machinery and served as a conductor in the underground railroad. Each time arsonists burned his factory, he rebuilt his business and stamped his name on the products in lieu of securing a patent for his improvement.
1834 - 1836
Inventing the Crop Planters​
The second Black man to receive a patent and the only inventor identified as a "colored man" in the Patent Office records, Henry Blair invented a corn planter (1834) and a cotton planter (1836) enabling farmers to plant their crops faster, required less labor, and helped control weeds.
1846
An Innovator in Chemical Engineering​
Norbert Rillieux earned his degree at L’Ecole Centrale in Paris and became an instructor of applied mechanics there at the age of 24. After studying and publishing on thermodynamics and steam power, Rillieux invented the multiple effect vacuum evaporation system which replaced the dangerous and labor-intensive process carried out by enslaved people. Additionally, Rillieux devised a plan to eliminate the New Orleans Yellow Fever outbreak in the 1850s, that was denied by state legislature due to his race, but later implemented when introduced by white engineers.
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1848
Abolitionist and Blacksmith​
Although Lewis Temple never went to sea, “Temple’s toggle iron” revolutionized the whaling industry as the toggle pivoted on an axle by ninety degrees leaving the whale unable to break free. It is also acknowledged that a similar design long used by Eskimos may have influenced Temple’s design which was universally used until the 1950s.
1857
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. Stuart used the advertisement of Ned’s invention to reveal “the abolition cry that slavery dwarfs the mind of the Negro” as a lie.
1851
Promoting Black STEM Talent​
The Colored American Institute for the Promotion of the Mechanic Arts and Sciences said, "Its aim was to exhibit the work of black mechanics, artisans, and inventors, thus bringing them to the attention of clients, but also to exhibit proofs of black talent."
1858
Hand Mill Invention​
After fighting in the Revolutionary War, George Peake was the first Black person in the settlement that began Cleveland. There Peake invented a hand-operated mill that more easily ground corn and wheat than mortar and pestle; his invention was not patented.
1858
The Unpatented Propeller​ Harvest​
Benjamin Montgomery invented a propeller that eased travel through shallow water and replaced steamboat paddle wheels. Both Montgomery’s enslaver, Joseph Davis, and brother, Jefferson Davis, attempted to patent the propeller in their name but were denied in accordance with the denial of Oscar J.E. Stuart for Ned’s device. After Montgomery was a freedperson, he applied for the patent on June, 28, 1864 but was denied.
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1858
Firefighting invention​
Alexander Roberts announced at 1858 convention, "… we rejoice in the presence here today of Mr. Alexander Roberts of Philadelphia, the inventor of a machine for use at fires, which promises to be one of utility in their extinction, as also for preserving human life... It was a contrivance to assist firemen in their labors, and to enable them to attack fires in warm places into which no engine could penetrate."
1858
Publicizing Black Innovation​​
At Convention of the Colored Citizens of Massachusetts, people offered resolutions to "commend these colored American Inventors and their inventions to the favorable attention of every lover of science and well-wisher of Humanity"
1858
New Railway, "The Invention of a Colored Man"​
William Deitz announced at 1858 convention, "… we also would direct attention to the new railway, by which space is economized, and the use of horses obviated, and at the same time propelled by steam power; said railway being the invention of a colored man"
1740 - 1860
Black Signatures from the Brickyard​
Enslaved brickmakers and helpers left signatures with their fingerprints as they moved not-yet-fully-dry bricks for distribution.
1868 - 1894
A STEM-Minded Entrepreneurial Spirit​
Samuel R. Scottron received his first patent for his adjustable mirrors in 1868. He went on to represent his community in the 1865 National Colored Cnvention and formed with Cuban Anti-Slavery Society with Rev. Henry Highland Garnet in 1872. After graduating with a Superior Ability in Algebra and Engineering degree from Cooper Union in 1875, Scottron went on to invent and market his products. While many of his inventions were not patented, two of the most notable were the curtain rod and a supporting bracket.
1868
.Thirty Years a Slave, and Four Years in the White House​
A highly skilled seamstress, Elizabeth Keckley bought freedom for her and her son and went on to build a profitable business which led to her close relationship with First-Lady Mary Lincoln, co-founding of the Contraband Relief Association, directing the Department of Sewing and Domestic Science Arts at Wilberforce University, and organizing a dress reform exhibit for the University at the Chicago World's Fair. Keckley published her controversial autobiography in 1868.​
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1872
"The Real McCoy"​
Elijah McCoy patented more than 50 inventions over his lifetime. Most of his inventions were related to his first, the automatic lubricating device for engines. ​
1876 - 1880
Revolutionizing food preparation​
Alexander P. Ashbourne noted the process for biscuit-cutting at the 1863 Emancipation Celebration in Philadelphia and spent a deacde developing a sping-loaded biscuit cutter for uniform size and shape. He also invented a refining process for coconut oil from which he manufactored and sold goods made from coconuts.​
1880
Custodial Innovations​
R. N. Hyde invented an electric carpet cleaning machine and cleaning compounds while he established a profitable custodial business.​
1882
Increasing the durability of light bulbs​
Lewis H. Latimer invented the durable carbon filament for electric light bulbs
1883
Industrializing Shoemaking​
Immigrating to the US from Dutch Guiana after the emancipation, Jan Ernst Matzeliger inventing the shoe-lasting machine which could produce 700 pairs of shoes per day, making them more affordable and more widely worn.
1883
Ventilating the railroad cars​
Humphrey H. Reynolds invented a ventilator to keep fresh air flowing in railroad passenger cars, keeping dust and soot out. The company Reynolds worked for installed his invention without compensating him which he took to court and won $10,000 for infringement damages.
1884
Machinist and Blacksmith​
Granville Woods' first invention was an improved telephone transmitter he patented in 1884. Woods made further improvements with his 1885 electrical apparatus for transmitting messages.
1885
Invention to ease tight living spaces​
Sarah E. Goode invented the cabinet-bed which consisted of a single bed folded into a writing desk. These benefited Chicago apartment dwellers with limited space.
1888
Black Woman Inventor Missing from the Patent Record​
Ellen Eglin developed a patented improvement to the clothes-wringer and sold it to "an agent for $18." “You know I am Black and if it was known that a negro woman patented the invention, white ladies would not buy the wringer.” Her wringer was taken up by the American Wringer Company and was very profitable. She planned to unveil another invention in her own name at the Women’s International Industrial Inventors Congress (WIIIC), but she never made it there.
1887
Safer elevators and building resources for the community​
After success as a barbershop owner and becoming the first Black member of the Duluth Chamber of Commerce, Alexander Miles opened a three-story brownstone where he witnessed the risks of elevator operation. Miles improved upon of the elevator with doors that moved automatically, which removed the hazard of manual operation. His patent is still a standard feature of elevators we use today. In 1899, Miles started The United Brotherhood to offer life insurance for Black customers denied at white-owned firms.
1888
Multitalented inventor​
Miriam E. 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. The notification feature of the chair alerted an attendant when the seated person needed assistance with the press of a button. She also patented a shoe sole insert to deliver medication in 1917. Benjamin also worked as a teacher and composed under the pseudonym E.B. Miriam.
1890 - 1893
Machinist, Labor Unionist, and Manufacturer​
Frank J. Ferrell invented a steam trap, apparatus for melting snow, and eight valves which fueled the manufacturing company he established in New York City. Ferrell was also a delegate and organizer for one of the earliest national labor unions, Knights of Labor.
1890 - 1891
Designing for transportation and communication​
Phillip Downing invented a switch for street-railways located on the platform that could also be changed automatically. He went on to intent the street letter box that we still use today.
1892
Improved Method for Flag-Making​
Through his business of making awnings, tents, canvas covers, and flags, Henry A. Bowman patented an improved method for making flags​.
1892
First Clothes Dryer Without an Open Flame​
George T. Sampson's invention of the clothes dryer eliminated the need for an open flame and paved the way for our modern dryers. Unfortunately, not much is known about his personal life, but we also know he patented a bicycle attachment.
1894
Politician and Inventor​
Elected to Congress on March 4, 1893, Congressman George Washington Murray focused on protecting the Black vote as well as serving on committees for education and treasury expenditures. Murray was also responsible for 12 inventions. Seven of his inventions were patented in 1894 and included a furrow opener, fertilizer distributor and mechanical cotton chopper among others. In his 1894 speech before the House of Representatives, Murray read the names and inventions of 92 Black inventors into the Congressional Record.
1894 - 1895
Black Entrepreneur and "Bread-specialist"​
After opening a small local restaurant, Lee became the successful owner of Woodland Park Hotel which entertained "high-profile" guests like 3 U.S. Presidents. Using his blacksmithing skills from the Civil War, Joseph Lee invented the kneading-machine and bread-crumbing machine – improving upon his bread kneading machine in 1902.
1895 - 1897
Carpenter and Inventor​
From what is known, John Lee Love spent his life as a carpenter with his first invention being an improved plasterer's hawk with a detachable handle and foldable aluminum board (easier to clean than the initial wood design). Love then went on to invent a portable pencil sharpener, a design that persists in modern sharpeners.
1896
Patenting a knitting device​
Julia T. Hammonds invented an apparatus for holding yarn-skeins making it easier to make clothes and other necessities.
1897
Mechanizing the coupling process for railcars​
Andrew Jackson Beard invented the "Jenny Coupler" which eliminated the dangerous human process of manually coupling cars. He sold the rights to the invention for $50,000.
1900s
1900
Patent Office Examiner and Researcher​
Henry E. Baker devoted most of his life to researching and publicizing Black inventions. His research helped Congressman Murray develop a list of 92 Black inventors read before congress in 1894 and provided information for exhibits and projects that followed like the U.S. Commission to the Paris Exposition in 1900. His work unearthed over 400 patented inventors and many more who attempted to receive patents.
1900
Author, Inventor, and Philanthropist​
In addition to being an author and teacher, Gertrude Bustill Mossell invented a camping table and portable kitchen that she did not patent in her own name. Mossell was also the charity fund director for the Federick Douglass Hospital in Philadelphia, leading a successful drive of over $30,000 for its main building construction. Mossell went on to found the Bustill Family Association and the National Afro-American Council's branch in her city.
1905
A Pasting Apparatus​
Robert A. Pelham invented a pasting apparatus used to apply adhesive to strips of paper that were transferred to a book or sheet "to build up tabulated data."
1907 - 1962
A Mechanical Inventor​
Richard Bowie Spikes worded as a mechanic, a saloon keeper, and a barber; jobs which influenced many of his inventions. Spikes patented a beer-tapper which is still used today. After moving to California, Spikes had at least 8 more inventions. Spikes invented a "trolley pole arrester" as well as a pantograph to convey electrical current to trolley wires. He was also busy making improvements to car mechanics; Spikes invented a break testing machine, a device to test tank liquids, improved the gear shift transmission system; and an automatic brake safety system. While the patent record has not been found, Spikes is widely credited with patenting the turn signal in the early 1910s.
1908 - 1911
Improving postal service processes​
While working in the auditing department for the U.S. Post Office Department, Shelby Davidson invention a paper-rewind mechanism for calculators. Davidson then went on to help postal clerks correctly assess fees with his invention of an automatic fee device.
1914 - 1923
Inventing for Safety​
With safety in mind, Garret Morgan invented the safety hood in 1914 and the mechanical traffic signal in 1923.
1919
Inventing for modern heating​
An alumna of Howard University, Alice H. Parker invented a heating furnace, designed to be an indoor heating system using natural gas. Unfortunately, very little is none about her personal life.
1919 - 1945
Mechanics and electronics for cinema, automobiles, and refrigeration​
Frederick McKinley Jones learned mechanics and electronics from experience and working. From 1919 to 1945, Jones patented over 60 inventions! He invented air conditioning for cars and trucks, a box-office device to automatically distribute tickets, the first process enabling movie projectors to play back recorded sound, self-starting gas motor, refrigeration unit for trucks, portable refrigeration units to store blood during WWII, and a portable X-ray machine among others. Jones co-founded Thermo King which is still providing transport refrigeration units today.
1930 - 1950
Pioneer in the chemical synthesis of medicinal drugs from plants​
Dr. Percy Julian went to Vienna, Austria for his doctoral studies where he worked with a colleague to complete the first total synthesis of physostigmine which has been used in the treatment of glaucoma since the end of the 19th century. In the late 1930s, Dr. Julian went to work for the Glidden Company in Chicago where he stumbled upon a method for producing large amounts of steroid from soybeans after water leaked into the tank of soybean oil forming stigmasterol.
1980
HBCU TO NASA​
Dr. Valerie Thomas credits her creative mind to her parents who provided "an inquiry based hands-on learning environment, in the home and community" of their historic, all-Black Cherry Hill community in Baltimore. She went to work for NASA immediately after graduating from Morgan State University. In her time at NASA, Dr. Thomas patented the Illusion Transmitter which produces a holographic image without needing special glasses. She has recently worked as a substitute teacher and been active with STEM organizations like Science, Mathematics, Aerospace, Research, and Technology, Inc. As well as SHADES OF BLUE.
1989
Microprocessor​
While growing up in Nigeria, Dr. Philip Emeagwali was forced to drop out of school at 14 because they could not afford the fees. From self-study and tutelage from his father, Dr. Emeagwali passed the necessary exams to earn his GED and gain acceptance to college in America – earning his bachelors, masters, and PhD. In 1989, he developed a program on a discarded Connection Machine which performed 1.3 billion calculations/second and correctly perdicted the amount of oil in a simulated reservoir. His microprocessor technology won him over 100 prizes and was used in the Power Mac G4 model.
1980
HBCU TO NASA​
Dr. Valerie Thomas credits her creative mind to her parents who provided "an inquiry based hands-on learning environment, in the home and community" of their historic, all-Black Cherry Hill community in Baltimore. She went to work for NASA immediately after graduating from Morgan State University. In her time at NASA, Dr. Thomas patented the Illusion Transmitter which produces a holographic image without needing special glasses. She has recently worked as a substitute teacher and been active with STEM organizations like Science, Mathematics, Aerospace, Research, and Technology, Inc. As well as SHADES OF BLUE.
2000s
2006
Entrepreneur and Innovator​
The "Method, Apparatus and System for Processing Compliance Actions over a Wide Area Network" is the first software patent from a Blackwoman. Janet Emerson Bashen has an educational background in law and business. She is the Present and CEO of Bashen Corporation – HR consulting firm equipped with her patented software. Bashen stays connected to the community in her work with the North Harris Montgomery County Community College District Foundation, National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc., and the Prep Program.