Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month, we celebrate the brilliant inventors who have contributed to our society through their creations. African-American inventors have made significant contributions that date back to the 17th century. The first African American to obtain a patent was Thomas Jennings in 1821. He created the process of “dry scouring” by removing grease and dirt from clothing. Here are short biographies on Mary Van Brittan Brown, the inventor of the first home security system; and Garrett Morgan who invented an improved traffic signal. Both contributed significantly to create better and safer communities for all of us.

Mary Van Brittan Brown (1922-1999)

Mary was the creator of the first home security system. Mary lived in Queens, NY, which was know for its high crime rate and the police’s slow response to emergencies. Determined to keep herself safe during the nights, Mary created her own security system. The patent was granted in 1969. It comprised of three peepholes on the door, an alarm, a camera, monitors, and a two-way microphone. The three peepholes on the door were placed according to average heights of adults and children. Mary would be able to see and communicate through the microphone and monitors from the safety of her home. If a threat existed, the alarm was set to immediately contact the police.

(Wikimedia) Home Security System Utilizing Television Surveillance US3482037A

Garett Morgan (1877- 1963)

Mr. Morgan was a man of many talents whose inventions have significantly impacted our lives. He invented an improved traffic signal and sewing machine, hair straightening product, and the blueprints of a respiratory mask that was later used during WWI as gas masks. 

The improved sewing machine was inspired while he was working at sewing-machine factories. The venture then funded a tailor shop for his wife, where he invented a solution to reduce the friction between woolen fabrics and the needle. Unexpectedly, he noticed the fabric hairs straightening, which then led to the creation of the G.A Morgan Hair Refining Company.

As the first African American to own a car in Cleveland, Ohio Mr. Morgan was interested in the inner workings of automobile vehicles. In 1923, he witnessed an accident at an intersection and came up with an improved traffic signal. He improved the use two-way light system to a three-way light system to direct drivers.  The three-way light system rights were later sold for $40,000.

(Wikipedia) Traffic Signal US1475024A

“Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better.” MKL Jr.

References:

Hill, R. (2016, April 11). Marie Van Brittan Brown (1922-1999). Retrieved from BlackPast: https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/brown-marie-van-brittan-1922-1999/

Matchar, E. (2019, February 27). The First African American to Hold a Patent Invented ‘Dry Scouring.’ Retrieved from Smithsonian Magazine: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/first-african-american-hold-patent-invented-dry scouring180971394/#:~:text=Jennings%20invented%20a%20process%20called,America%20to%20receive%20a%20patent.

(2021, February 11). Garrett Morgan Biography. Retrieved from Biography: https://www.biography.com/inventor/garrett-morgan

Morgan, M. (2019, January 20). 8 Black Inventors Who Made Daily Life Easier. Retrieved from History Storis: https://www.history.com/news/8-black-inventors-african-american