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By: Sydnee Walcott
Inventions serve a unique purpose and play a fundamental role in life. They each allow individuals to access efficient services that strengthen security and safety. They further push inventors to think critically in a modern society and inspire them to contribute new technological advancements.
While many white inventors are praised for their ingenuity and creative side, Black inventors receive little acknowledgement for the inventions that have changed many people’s lives, and are a part of their everyday routine.
Inventions have the ability to transform our daily activities into ones that can become less stressful. Inventions provide a sense of stability and safety among others and can make completing daily tasks more tolerable. Without these complex and intricate designs there would be disorganization among all facets of life.
Given the advantages of inventions, outlined are six recognizable inventions that were created by Black inventors:
The Clock Invented by Benjamin Banneker
The invention of timekeeping devices dates back to Ancient Egypt with the introduction of the shadow clock. The shadow clock was the first clock to be made in America, by a Black man.
Benjamin Bannejer, the son of formerly enslaved parents, always had a knack for inventions at a young age. He created his first invention at the age of 15 for his family’s tobacco farm. Banneker not only had the time to focus on brainstorming unique ideas but was able to comprehend difficult concepts at a young age in how mechanisms operated.
Banneker’s invention included an irrigation system that controlled and regulated the water flow to crops from nearby springs. He was accurate in the timing of the water flow and applied precision to create an efficient system that would help maintain healthy agriculture.
However, his biggest invention would be brought to life years later in the 1950s with the invention of the first American clock.
While borrowing a pocket watch from an acquaintance, Banneker took the internal body of the watch to study the components and created a fully functioning clock made out of carved wooden pieces.
This newly-designed clock incorporated longevity that would last for decades.
The success of his self-made clock received positive feedback and it led to Banneker opening up a watch clock repair business. This example demonstrates how there are avenues for success in places that deserve more attention. The clock invention has been used among everyone to help keep track of time during busy days.
Mailbox Invented by Phillip Downing
If an individual wanted to send or pick up mail they would have to take time out of their day to travel to the closest post office.
This is a hassle for those who prefer to send and receive mail without having to make a commute. In 1891, this concept was revolutionized with the invention of the mailbox by Phillip Downing.
Known as the street letter box at the time, the newly patented mailbox was convenient for many citizens and post office workers since it made drop-offs and pick-ups easier to manage.
The mailbox included a feature that protected mail from being damaged from harsh inclement weather. In addition, a safety feature was incorporated that secured mail until it was picked up by a credible postal employee.
Gas Mask Invented by Garret Morgan
Firefighters are confronted with risking their lives to protect civilians in a short time frame. This occupation is risky, with some firefighters confronting a very tragic death.
In the summer of 1916, there was work being done on a new waterworks tunnel in Cleveland, Ohio when a natural gas pocket exploded. The explosion took the lives of 11 tunnel workers.
18 rescuers entered the tunnel to find survivors with a total of 11 of them dying. The cause of death was due to the lack of safety equipment.
The Cleveland Police contacted Garrett A. Morgan with the invention of a patented gas mask two years prior to the explosion.
The invention of the gas mask was created after a fire that took the lives of 146 garment workers at a factory in New York in 1911.
When smoke is inhaled it can inflame the lungs and cause fire-related deaths and injuries. Morgan had the idea to create an effective mask to provide safer ventilation and oxygen flow while confronted with smoke, gasses, and other harmful pollutants.
Although Morgan was confronted with economic issues that hindered the success of the initial launch he worked hard to market the device to fire departments. The device was also used during World War I to protect soldiers from toxic gas. Morgan’s invention enabled many soldiers to successfully fight in battle for their country.
Morgan won his first prize for the gas mask at the the Second International Exposition of Safety and Sanitation in New York City.
Gas heating Furnace Invented by Alice H. Parker
Snow can be enjoyable for many. Snowflakes are beautiful to look at and there are many fun activities people can enjoy in the snow. Some of these activities can include snowball fights, sledding, building a snow fort or simply enjoying the beauty of snowflakes.
However, people criticize the freezing and icy temperatures that come with the beauty of snow. Before the invention of the gas heating furnace was created, most people would rely on a fireplace to help keep themselves warm during the cold season.
Fireplaces did their job to help keep a building warm, but they were not entirely effective. Inspired by this ineffectiveness, Alice H. Parker invented the gas heating furnace.
The furnace consisted of natural gas being pumped into the furnace, creating a heat exchange that processes warm air into the ducts that would generate enough heat to reach every room in a house.
In 1919, Parker’s invention was successfully patented and became a starting point for the current heating, ventilation, and air conditioning models we currently enjoy at our own convenience without having to find natural resources for heating.
Home Security System Invented by Mary Van Brittan Brown
A home is a place that should provide safety from intruders and thieves. In order to enforce safety, the home security system was invented.
The crime rate in Queens, New York was at an all-time high. Mary Van Brittan Brown wanted to find a solution to this issue to help bring safety into the neighbourhood. When safety is enforced it allows the community to normalize anti-crime incentives. This results in a healthy environment when raising children.
Along with her husband, Albert Brown, who was an electrician, the invention of the first home security system was brought to life in 1966.
Brown’s closed-circuit television security system consisted of four peep holes. These included a camera that could adjust from each peephole and pick up anything that would appear on a monitor, a microphone that allowed the homeowner to communicate with visitors, a remote control for the door, and a button used to contact the police.
Brown’s invention revolutionized many modern home security systems that continue to be high in demand to this day.
Shockwave Invented by Lisa Gelobter
In the 1990s, the internet had evolved drastically with the success of Mac computers and its competitor, Microsoft. During this time period, a computer scientist introduced one source of internet technology that we use today.
Lisa Gelobter’s contribution to Shockwave paved the way in helping shape interactive multimedia, web animation, and video games. The creation of Shockwave led to the creation of many other streaming and digital service platforms like Hulu and online video chat.
Besides helping with the invention of Shockwave, Gelobter is also the developer of GIF’s which became a game-changer in the social media world. This transformed the way people communicated with their family and friends through messages.
All of the Black inventions mentioned above exemplify intelligence in a variety of different ways. These inventions have helped many remain safe, improve how we complete simple tasks, and provide a form of entertainment.
Sydnee Walcott is a Copy / Contributing Editor for Black Voice. She is also a writer who likes to capture the essence when writing articles on a variety of topics.