The color of the skin is no way connected with strength of the mind or intellectual powers...
When Benjamin Banneker, Black inventor of the 1st wooden clock in America spoke these powerful words, Africans had already proven their strength of mind and intellectual powers in their homeland. Africans brought the same spirit of innovation to America. They helped shape the course of history through their contributions, usually never receiving any honor. How many of us use the cellular phone, traffic light or hairbrush on a daily basis? Well, these and many other things people use daily are the brainchild of a Black inventor. The mail box, pencil sharpener, Super Soaker water gun (that gross over $180 million dollars) and the world’s fastest computer (peaking at 3.1 billion calculations per second)were created by the minds and hands of Black inventors.
Black inventor, Madame C.J. Walker was the first self-made African-American millionaire. She is a pioneer in the cultivation of beauty enhancement for black women. She created a scalp-conditioning and healing formula, called Madam Walker’s Hair Grower and a string of other beauty products for the hair and skin of an African American woman. She eventually established a national corporation, which employed thousands and also established a school for “hair culturists”. From working in the cotton fields to being a laundry woman and ultimately an entrepreneur, Black Inventor Madame C.J. Walker is indeed an inspiration to all who aspire to succeed. Dr. Percy Julian is the black inventor whose innovations contributed and continues to relieve the agony of many arthritis and glaucoma sufferers. He synthesized cortisone for arthritis and physostigmine for glaucoma. A tremendous accomplishment, as his synthetic versions reduced the cost of the ‘pure’ versions. Thus, allowing treatment to be more accessible and economical to patients. Dr. Julian lived in a segregated society at the time and endured direct prejudice because of his ethnicity. Today, he is one of the few Black inventors inducted in the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
The Black Inventor Exhibit (BIE) is a multimedia presentation, a traveling museum which pays tribute to the world’s unsung heroes, the Black inventor and scientist. “The Untold Story: Black Inventors Worldwide” is this year’s theme, which will be conducting its annual tour throughout the country in celebration of Black History Month 2009.
The Exhibit showcases famous Black inventors and their respective inventions in the fields of science, aerospace, communication, health care, agriculture, transportation and engineering. BIE aims to enlighten and empower others, through knowledge and understanding of the many prolific Black inventors and their individual accomplishments.
Throughout the history of the United States, far too little attention and recognition has been given to the many inventions of Black people. All of the Black Inventors, men and women presented here are an example of the creativity, aspirations and struggles that have shaped our country. Each of them has made a contribution to the industrial, technological, social and economic progress of America. They were part of its making and when all Americans – young and old, Blacks and Whites come to know these men and women, we will have a greater understanding and respect for America and all of its citizens.
May the knowledge in this site enrich your life and the achievements direct your goals. So you too can make it happen!
