people harvesting crops painting
people harvesting crops painting

Exploring Slavery's History

Innovating Agricultural Solutions Together

Discover the legacy of Henry Blair, an African American inventor who revolutionized agriculture with his patents for improved seed planters and corn harvesters in the 19th century.

a room filled with lots of shelves filled with containers
a room filled with lots of shelves filled with containers

150+

15

Trusted Innovator

Proven Impact

a traffic light with a green pedestrian sign on it
a traffic light with a green pedestrian sign on it

The Traffic Light - Garrett Morgan (1877-1963)

  • In 1923, Garrett Morgan patented a three-position traffic light system that improved safety on roads and became the foundation for modern traffic lights.

Innovating Safety Through History

Discover the legacy of Garrett Morgan, inventor of the gas mask and safety hood, whose innovations have saved countless lives in firefighting and military efforts since World War I.

shallow focus photography of gas mask
shallow focus photography of gas mask

150+

15

Trusted by Professionals

Historical Impact

Celebrating Innovation in Shoe Manufacturing

Discover the legacy of Jan Matzeliger, whose invention of the shoe lasting machine transformed the footwear industry, making production faster and more efficient for generations to come.

A factory filled with lots of machines and workers
A factory filled with lots of machines and workers

150+

15

Innovative Legacy

Shoe Revolution

a close up of a bunch of glass cubes
a close up of a bunch of glass cubes

The Light Bulb Filament - Lewis Howard Latimer (1848-1928)

Latimer was a key figure in the development of the electric light bulb. He invented an improved carbon filament for light bulbs, which extended their lifespan. He worked with Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell.

person holding ice cream in cone
person holding ice cream in cone

Negro inventors: The Ice Cream Scoop - Alfred Cralle (1866-1920)

Alfred Cralle patented the ice cream scoop in 1897, which is still commonly used today to serve ice cream.

a large metal door with numbers on it
a large metal door with numbers on it

Negro Inventors: The Automatic Elevator Door - Alexander Miles (1838-1918)

Miles patented the automatic elevator door system in 1887, significantly improving elevator safety and operation.

a small wooden stool sitting on top of a sidewalk
a small wooden stool sitting on top of a sidewalk

Negro Inventors: The Folding Chair - John Purdy (1850s)

John Purdy, an Negro American inventor, patented the folding chair in 1889.