Here are 7 everyone should know

From the smartphone to the stoplight to the personal computer, African American inventors have touched our lives with their genius

By Theresa Dear

February is Black History Month. It is a time when we reflect on, celebrate and honor the work of African Americans, whose sacrifice, advocacy and innovations have elevated our economic, cultural and societal structure. During a season when there are attempts to erase the teaching and publishing of Black history, this is all the more reason to amplify the undeniable loss, legacy and limitless contributions of African Americans.

While our journey as African Americans is marred with slavery, lynching, racism and suffering, it also boasts of a people who are survivors and overcomers, proud and courageous. We are role models, scholars, builders, trailblazers and leaders. We are inventors, icons and innovators.

Our imprint and impact has not been without obstacles, road blocks, obstructionists, saboteurs and people who thought we were inferior to them. Yet we did not collapse under the weight of discrimination, animosity, exclusion and isolation. 

Instead, we have steadily produced works of genius under these circumstances. Our contributions have been transformative and future-focused, even though there has been little fanfare to announce the prolific advances and innovations of African Americans. The following represent just a few who have made an indelible impression:

Dr. Patricia Bath, an ophthalmologist and laser scientist, invented the Laserphaco Probe and techniques that improved cataract surgery.   

Marc Hannah, Ph.D., a renowned engineer, is the inventor of 3D technology for special effects, which advanced cinematography in films and television.

Shirley Ann Jackson was the first African American woman to earn a doctorate from MIT.  She was also the first woman in the history of MIT to receive a Ph.D. in physics. Her research influenced the invention of fiber optics cable, caller ID, call waiting and solar cells.

Marc Dean, Ph.D., was a co-inventor of the personal computer and the color monitor.

Marie Van Brittan Brown created the original design of security systems that are used today. She filed a patent for her closed-circuit TV invention in 1966.  

https://www.deseret.com/2024/2/2/24058016/black-history-month-african-american-inventors