In Celebration of Black History

Every year in the month of February, America, United Kingdom, and Canada, celebrate the contributions of Blacks to their respective histories. For America, we’ve been celebrating Black History Month since 1976, as a result of the activism of Carter G. Woodson, Jesse Moreland and others. February was chosen as an acknowledgment of the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglas. Throughout the remainder of the month we will share some little known facts about black history. Today, we decided to share a list of inventions by black inventors:

• Air Conditioner Unit, Frederick M. Jones, 1949
• Almanac, Benjamin Banneker, 1791
• Blood Plasma Bag, Charles Drew, 1945
• Clothes Dryer, George T. Sampson, 1971
• Baby Buggy, William H. Richardson, 1889
• Elevator, Alexander Miles, 1867
• Fire Extinguisher, Thomas Marshall, 1872
• Gas Mask, Garret Morgan, 1914
• Golf Tee, George T. Grant, 1899
• Auto Cut-Off Switch, Granville T. Woods, 1839

Above are just a few black inventors. Keep in mind that many of the things you use today that make your life considerably more enjoyable was invented by a black person. What is especially telling is that many of these individuals did not benefit financially from their inventions due to the twin blade of slavery and discrimination. In fact, some did not even receive credit for their inventions. Despite this, their contributions are still with us today.