It has been said that if you can dream, you can create it. But for African Americans in particular, dreaming big has often meant creating something with vision and determination, but without resources and support because of racism and obstacles. Black inventors and scientists dreamed big. They created inventions that helped this nation and humanity despite the odds against them. This article hopefully will inspire you to dream big and create bigger.
Black inventors’ and scientists’ genius allowed them to create something great that impact on the nation. Despite their challenges, their dreams and visions have resulted in some of the most important inventions ever made. Among them were Granville Woods, who invented a railway telegraph system; Benjamin Banneker, who was the first African American to build a clock from scratch; Garrett Morgan, whose safety hood invention saved countless lives during industrial accidents; Lewis Latimer, who invented an improved version of the light bulb; Madam C. J. Walker, the first self-made female millionaire because of her hair care products; and George Washington Carver, renowned for his work in agricultural sciences
From inventors to scientists, these game-changers made their mark on history with patented household items to revolutionary medical breakthroughs, that have impacted our lives in countless ways. Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic African American inventors and scientists that you may not be aware of, and their impact on the world.
Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson is an American physicist and president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She was the first African American woman to earn a doctorate from MIT in 1973, making her one of the first African-American women to pursue a PhD in physics. While working at AT&T Bell Laboratories, Dr. Jackson helped develop technologies such as Caller ID, call waiting, and DSL internet technology. Her research into semiconductor materials also led to advances in solar cells and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
Dr. Philip Emeagwali is an engineer and computer scientist known for his work on high speed computing systems and oilfield simulations. He invented a supercomputer algorithm that allowed him to calculate 3 billion calculations per second during a 1990 competition held by Gordon Bell Prize of the Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEEE). His invention earned him the title “Father of Supercomputing” among his peers. This breakthrough paved the way for advancements in data processing power that are still being seen today.
Another influential inventor was Dr. Lonnie Johnson, known for his development of the Super Soaker water gun which revolutionized summer time playtime for children around the world! Johnson’s – Super Soaker Water Gun was patented. It is a pressurized water gun that revolutionized backyard water fights across the globe. It has become one of the most popular toys ever invented with sales topping $1 billion dollars worldwide! Johnson has become one of the wealthiest black inventors alive today with a net worth estimated at more than $100 million dollars.
” Dr Patricia Bath (1945-2019): Bath invented laser cataract surgery which reduced recovery time drastically for people with cataracts. She also founded several organizations dedicated to increasing diversity in medicine such as The American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness in 1992. Her famous quote was “My mission is not only to restore sight but also to restore self-confidence” .
Lastly, is Dr. George Carruthers who created several revolutionary instruments such as an ultraviolet camera/spectrograph sent aboard Apollo 16 as part of its scientific payload – this instrument enabled scientists to analyze starlight more accurately than ever before! He also invented an imaging system used aboard Skylab—the first US space station—which provided detailed images of Earth’s atmosphere from outer space!
Not only do their products help benefit society but they also provide inspiration for others who wish to follow in their footsteps – showing us all that if we can dream it we can create it! With enough determination and perseverance, anything is possible if you put your mind to it – so don’t limit yourself – DREAM BIG & CREATE BIGGER!!
So what is your dream? Share it. Have the courage to take action steps to achieve it. Is it to write a best seller? Start a business? Travel? Do not allow fear or obstacles to stop you from achieving your dreams.
Linda Fegins, “The Courage Catalyst” ldfaygo@gmail.com linda@lindadfegins.com