top of page
TECHNOLOGY_edited.png

6/31

1887

Safer Elevators and Building Resources for the Community​

Duluth, Minnesota

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.

Address

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

Email

Connect

  • Spotify
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
bottom of page