Who Invented That... In Recognition of Black History Month

The month of February is "Black History" month in the United States. Black History month was created in 1926 by Carter G.Woodson, an African American historian. He originally wanted to recognize the accomplishments of Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. As time progressed, February became a month in which major political landmarks recognized and confirmed Africans Americans citizens in the United States. An example of such event is the enactment of the "Fifteenth Amendment" which gave African Americans the right to vote.

There is controversy regarding celebrating Black History Month. But the need still exists to show future generations the contributions Blacks have made and continue to make towards the enjoyment of life in the United States and the world. Black history month is a legacy of this country. And it is the legacy of Blacks youth who need to know their ancestors came forward and helped make life better for all. Black History month is not about separation of races. It is about accomplishments. It is about lifting the self esteem of people who other wise would not have known how valuable their ancestors were to the development of mankind's everyday existence

Helped Make a Difference

Therefore during February African Americans are recognized for their contributions that helped make the world and the country a better place to live. On that same note this hub is dedicated to the many everyday inventions we use daily. They are inventions spuned from the creativity of African Americans.They saw a need and came up with a solution that filled the need.

It is pleasantly surprising to learn many of the inventions listed in this Hub came into existence prior to the 1900s. However those inventions are very much in demand today and little has been done to alter their performance. I would not be surprised if I heard a distant voice say, really...

1. Shoe Lasting Machine .........................Jan E. Madeline
   
2. Hair Comb .......................................... Walter Sammons
   
3. Elevator .............................................. Alexander Miles
4. Ironing Board ..................................... Sarah Boone
   
5. Automatic Gear Shift ......................... Richard Spikes
6. Internal Combustion Engine ............. .Joseph Gambol
7. Traffic Signal .....................................Garrett A. Morgan 1923
8. Electric Trolley .................................. Albert R. Robinson
   
9. Street Sweeper .................................Charles Brooks 1890
10. Pencil Sharpener ..............................John Love 1897
11. Fountain Pen .................................. William Perry
12. Typewriter ....................................... Lee Barrage
13. Advance Printing Press ................... W. Love
14. Postage marking & Canceling
15. Machine ..........................................William Barry
16. Hand Stamp ................................... William Purvey
17. Electric Lamp ..................................Lewis Lattimer
18. Lanterns .........................................Michael Harvey
19. Automatic on/off switch ................. Granville T. Woods, 1839
20. Dust Pan ........................................Lloyd Ray
21. Lawn Sprinkler System ..................Joseph Smith
22. Lawn Mower ..................................John Burr
23. Air Conditioner ..............................Fredrick Jones, 1949
24. Heating Furnace ...........................Alice Parker
25. Refrigerator ..................................John Standard, 1891
    
26. Bicycle frame.................................L.R. Johnson, 1899
27. Blood Plasma Bag.........................Charles Drew, 1945
28. Egg Beater ...................................Willie Johnson, 1884
29. Folding Bed ..................................L.C. Bailey, 1899
30. Folding Chair ........................... ....Brady & Surgwar, 1889
31. Golf Tee .......................................T. Grant, 1899
32. Guitar ............................................Robert F. Flemming, 1886
33. Hair Brush .....................................Lydia O. Newman, 1800
34. Ice Cream Scoop ...........................A.L.Cralle, 1897
    
35. Lemon Squeezer ..........................J. Thomas White, 1893
36. Riding Saddles .............................W. D. Davies, 1895
37. Fire Escape Ladder ......................J.W. Winters, 1878
38. Electric Lamp bulb ........................Lewis Lattimer, 1882
39. Cellular Phone ..............................Henry T. Sampson, 1991
40. Stethoscope .................................Imhotep, Ancient Egypt
    

While the United States and other powerful countries have their short failings, I personally feel this is a great country. I've traveled to several countries outside of the U.S. and have enjoyed them. I came to learn, people are the same no matter where you go. If they are treated with respect and courtesy, they will return the same to me and to others. To my rememberance, as great as the countries were that I visited, they lacked that special air of freedom I had learned to cherish and believe in.

And as a result I was reminded that my sense of freedom was purchased for me by my African American relatives who suffered tremendous injustices in the United States. Their sufferings are payment for me and for generations to come, that we are truly and rightfully residents and citizens of this great country.