10 Inventions Created by Black People That Changed the World

Inventions created by black people are often made invisible in traditional history.

In this sense, despite the profound and lasting impact that many of them have had on everyday life, science and technology.

This neglect not only distorts our worldview, but also deprives future generations of recognizing the importance of the contributions of black inventors.

Below, we explore ten groundbreaking inventions created by Black people, discussing their stories, challenges, and the relevance of these innovations today.

1. Inventions created by black people: Modern Traffic Light – Garrett Morgan

Garrett Morgan, born in 1877, was a prolific inventor who created the modern traffic light, revolutionizing traffic safety.

Before its invention, the signaling system was confusing and caused frequent accidents.

Morgan saw this need and patented in 1923 a three-signal traffic light, including a yellow light, to warn drivers before stopping or proceeding.

With his invention, Morgan sought to prevent fatal accidents and improve road flow, especially in urban areas, where traffic was intense and disorganized.

This simple but brilliant invention had a significant impact on road safety.

In a short time, his model was adopted and improved, being implemented in several cities around the world.

Traffic lights are now essential for road safety and traffic organization.

Thanks to Garrett Morgan, the streets of big cities became safer and the principles of his invention are still the basis of modern traffic signaling systems.

2. Food Cooling Machine – Frederick McKinley Jones

Frederick McKinley Jones was a self-taught genius who revolutionized the transportation industry with the invention of the truck refrigeration machine in 1938.

This innovation allowed for the safe transportation of perishable foods, changing the way fruits, meats and dairy products were distributed.

Before this invention, food transportation was limited, and quality was often lost during transit.

Jones developed a practical and reliable portable refrigeration system that made it possible to transport items that previously would perish quickly over long distances.

Jones's innovation was essential during World War II, as it made it possible to safely deliver medical supplies and food to troops in remote locations.

Even today, Jones' technology is the basis of modern transport refrigeration systems.

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3. Inventions created by black people: Improved Hairbrush – Lyda Newman

Lyda Newman patented a new version of the hairbrush in 1898. She designed a brush with synthetic bristles and a ventilation system, something unheard of at the time.

The innovative design allowed the brush to be cleaned more easily and prevented the accumulation of dust and oil.

Its invention came at a time when personal hygiene was becoming increasingly important, especially in large cities.

In addition to being practical, Newman's brush was affordable, democratizing access to an item that improved hair health and hygiene.

The brush model created by Lyda Newman is still used in modern and improved versions, and is one of the most common items in personal care routines, regardless of hair type.

4. Inventions created by black people: Super Soaker – Lonnie Johnson

The Super Soaker, one of the world's most popular water guns, was created by engineer and former NASA scientist Lonnie Johnson.

In 1982, he accidentally discovered the working principle of the gun while working on a cooling system project. In 1989, he patented the idea.

Although the Super Soaker may seem like a simple toy, the idea brought innovation to the toy industry, generating billions in sales and inspiring a series of similar products.

The gun uses air pressure to create a powerful jet of water, something unheard of at the time.

Johnson's invention changed the toy market and made him an icon among children and young people.

His innovation is an example of how inventions with cultural and financial impact can arise from accidents and experiments.

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5. Dialysis Machine – Dr. Charles Richard Drew

Dr. Charles Drew was a physician and researcher who developed important advances in blood preservation and transfusion, including the dialysis machine, which was essential for saving lives.

During World War II, he helped establish the blood banking system, which was instrumental in saving thousands of lives.

Drew invented a process that prolonged blood storage, which made it possible to create large-scale blood banks.

He is also responsible for the first military blood bank and implementing guidelines on the safety and handling of blood bags.

The technology developed by Drew remains vital to medical procedures and is the basis for today's blood transfusion practices.

6. Safety Syringe – Phil Brooks

Phil Brooks created a syringe that included a safety system to prevent accidents, such as accidental injections.

With his invention, patented in 1993, he responded to an urgent need, as accidents involving infected needles were a growing concern in medicine.

The safety system reduces the risk of contamination by blood-borne diseases.

Furthermore, this type of syringe is crucial for the safety of healthcare workers, who often handle needles in emergency situations.

To this day, Brooks' safety syringe model remains in use in hospitals around the world, preventing contamination and protecting healthcare professionals.

7. Rail Screw – Lewis Howard Latimer

Lewis Howard Latimer was a talented inventor and engineer who improved the design of rails and screws used on railroads.

In 1874, he patented a new version of rail screws, increasing the safety and efficiency of trains.

Latimer is also known for working alongside Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison, helping to improve the incandescent light bulb system and the telephone.

However, it was his work with rails that made the difference in the development of American railroads.

This invention by Latimer was essential for the growth of the railway system in the United States, impacting the economy and enabling the development of large urban centers.

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8. Inventions created by black people: Camera Lens – George Carruthers

George Carruthers, a space scientist and physicist, was the inventor of the first ultraviolet camera, used to capture images of the lunar surface during the Apollo 16 mission.

Carruthers developed the ultraviolet lens in the 1960s, allowing the capture of images that revealed details hidden in the visible spectrum.

His invention helped NASA explore space in new ways and discover valuable information about the universe.

The Carruthers UV lens is also used in astronomy and astrophysics to capture stellar phenomena.

Carruthers' UV camera remains a crucial tool in space exploration and remains a landmark in the history of space science.

9. Ironing Board – Sarah Boone

Sarah Boone was an African-American inventor who patented an innovative version of the ironing board in 1892.

She developed an ironing board that made it easier to smooth clothes, especially the sleeves and collars of shirts, something that the models of the time did not adequately address.

Boone's invention simplified the process of ironing clothes and became popular in homes and sewing establishments.

His invention proved to be practical and efficient, and is still used today with few changes to the design.

Sarah Boone is recognized for her ingenuity and for transforming a common task into a more practical and accessible activity.

10. Fire Prevention System – Thomas J. Martin

Thomas J. Martin, in 1872, patented a fire prevention system for buildings.

He created a design that allowed water to be distributed directly to where the fire was spreading, serving as an early version of modern sprinklers.

Martin's system helped improve safety in buildings, being implemented in locations where the risk of fire was high.

His project was a precursor to today's automatic sprinkler systems, which save lives and reduce material losses.

This system was essential in protecting commercial and residential buildings, and its invention continues to influence the fire safety industry.

These inventions not only exemplify the creativity and resilience of Black inventors.

They also show the significant impact that his creations had in various areas, from science and medicine to everyday life and security.

Recognizing inventions created by Black people is essential to ensuring a fairer and more complete view of our collective history.

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Written by Andre Neri

Updated on November 6, 2024