Some of the Greatest African American Inventors

By: Dorien Womack

Youtube The Specialist

Have you ever just thought about who invented some of these cool gadgets that you use everyday? There are so many inventors and many inventions that deserve our appreciation.  Click ‘Read More’ to learn about five of the greatest African American Inventors of all time.

1. Robert F. Flemming Jr.

Robert F. Flemming Jr. was born in  July, 1839. He was an inventor and a union sailor in the Civil War. He invented a  guitar called the “Euphonica”. His goal was for it to be louder than a traditional guitar. When he released the guitar, it caught lots of people's intention. He passed away on February 13,1919.

2. Lonnie Johnson

Lonnie Johnson was born October 6, 1949. Lonnie was an engineer and the inventor of the Super Soaker.  The Super Soaker ended up being the top selling toy that year. A Super Soaker is a plastic gun, that u fill up with water. Once you fill it up with water you can have an aquatic battle with your friends. Lonnie Johnson now lives in Atlanta Georgia with his family.

3. Madam C.J. Walker

Madam C.J. Walker was born December 23, 1867 in Delta, Louisiana. She was an African American entrepreneur and a philanthropist. When Madam was a little girl she struggled with scalp ailments, which sooner turned in to hair loss.  Her product was called “African American Hair Product”. Her product was so successful that she became America’s first female self made millionaire.

4. Marie Van Brittan Brown

Marie Van Brittan Brown was born October 30,1922. She was a professor at the universities of Harrison , Phoenix and DeVry. She was also an inventor. She invented the Home Security System. Marie made a surveillance device that tracked all interactions at the household and it had sensors. Her and her husband Albert Brown were granted the patent in 1969. Marie passed away on February 2, 1999.

5. Sarah Boone

Sarah Boone was born in the month of February, 1832. She invented the Ironing Boards. Her original patent was mostly used for sleeves and bodies for lady garments. Now though, the Ironing Board is used for everyone. This invention was very smart and nifty. Sarah Boone passed away in the year of 1904, with a great invention.

Could you imagine a world without guitars, ironing boards, or hair products? I know I couldn’t but this is precisely why we need to remember these individuals and their contributions to our society. Could you be the next great inventor? Comment below what you would create.