?
As we come to the end of this month of February, we have been observing Black History Month or National African American History Month. We have used this month to remember the important contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout our nation’s history. {{more: continue …}}?
When Carter G. Woodson established Negro History week in 1926, he realized the importance of providing a theme to focus the attention of the public. The intention has never been to dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience, but to bring to the public?s attention important developments that merit emphasis.
?
Over the years, the themes reflect changes in how people of African descent in the United States have viewed themselves, the influence of social movements on racial ideologies, and the aspirations of the black community.
?
Plenty of life’s pleasures would not exist were it not for black pioneers; here?s a very small glimpse at what modern day inventions came from the African American community.?
- Automatic Gear Shift – Richard Spikes ? Driving up a steep hill got a whole lot easier in 1932, thanks to this guy.?
- America?s First Clock – Benjamin Banneker ? He was a farmer, mathematician, astronomer, land surveyor.
- Automatic Elevator Doors – Alexander Miles ? We?ve all gotten the elevator door hug and we all owe this man.
- Blimp – John Pickering ? His was the first blimp to have an electric motor and directional controls. Goodyear should have this man?s picture in their lobby.?
- Blood Bank – Dr. Charles Drew ? For his invention of a method of separating and storing plasma, allowing it to be dehydrated and banked for later use, Dr. Drew was the first black person awarded a doctorate at Columbia University.?
- Clothes Dryer – George T. Sampson ? Giving laundry baskets a greater sense of purpose since 1892.
- Dust Pan – Lloyd P. Ray ? Mr. Ray patented the reason we have far fewer backaches.?
- Electric Lamp – Lewis Latimer ? He also invented the carbon filament inside light bulbs.?
- Folding Chair – John Purdy ? With patent partner James R. Sadgwar, Purdy made taking a chair with you purdy easy. Get it??
- Gas Heating Furnace – Alice H. Parker ? Forever changing the way we stay warm in the winter.?
- Gas Mask – Garret Morgan ? It all started when this guy rescued trapped miners wearing a hood to protect his eyes from smoke and had tubes leading to the floor to draw clean air.
- Golf Tee – Dr. George Grant ? They say he was an avid golfer, but not a great one. Hopefully his patent improved his game.?
- Home Security System – Marie Van Brittan Brown ? And television has been part of home security ever since.?
- Ice Cream Scooper – Alfred L. Cralle ? You?ve been screaming, I?ve been screaming for ice cream since 1897.?
- Ironing Board – Sarah Boone ? The reason we no longer iron across a piece of wood balanced on two chairs.?
- Lawn Mower – John Albert Burr ? The lawnmower?s best makeover ever brought better traction, rotary blades, and allowed cutting closer to buildings.?
- Lawn Sprinkler – Joseph A. Smith ? We should honor this man for helping with Father?s Day ideas every year.?
- Mail Box – Phillip Downing ? Before this invention, people had to make a long trip to the Post Office to mail a letter.?
- Modern Lock – Washington Martin ? His patent was an improvement on the 4,000-year-old Chinese bolt.?
- Modern Toilet – Thomas Elkins ? He influenced several major patents, but it?s this one we appreciate most.?
- Mop – Thomas W. Stewart ? He?s kept us off our hands and knees since 1893.?
- Pacemaker – Otis Boykin ? On top of this lifesaving invention, he was born in Dallas, Texas. Double. Greatness.?
- Portable Pencil Sharpener – John Lee Love ? A carpenter clever with names for his inventions, calling this one the ?Love Sharpener.??
- Potato Chips – George Crum ? You have to love that his last name is Crum.?
- Reversible Baby Stroller _ William Richardson ? He?s also the reason wheels move separately. There are fewer crying babies in the world because of this man.?
- Super Soaker – Lonnie G. Johnson ? Being a NASA engineer is impressive.?
- Thermostat & Temperature Control – Frederick Jones ? His refrigeration equipment made it possible to transport blood and food during World War II.?
- Touch-Tone Telephone – Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson ? And that?s not the only way Dr. Jackson made our telecommunications lives easier Along with being the first African American woman to earn a PhD from MIT, she gave us the portable fax machine, caller ID, call waiting, and the fiber-optic cable.?
- Traffic Light – Garrett Morgan ? Three cheers for the red, green and yellow. Mostly for the green!
These are just a few of the luxuries we enjoy invented by African Americans that make our lives a little easier.?“I don’t know how ,but I know WHO!”?See you on Sunday!
Peace,
Pastor Nelda
