Dr. Amos N. Wilson
Dr. Amos N. Wilson (February 23, 1941 – January 14, 1995) was an African-American theoretical psychologist, social theorist, Pan-African thinker, scholar, and author. Born in...
Matthew A. Cherry
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Matthew A. Cherry, the inventor of the tricycle, was born on February 5, 1834, in Washington, D.C. While not much is known about his early...
Thomas W. Stewart
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Thomas W. Stewart, an African-American inventor from Kalamazoo, Michigan, patented a new type of mop (U.S. patent #499,402) on June 11, 1893. Thanks to his invention...
Paul L. Downing
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In 1891, anyone interested in mailing a letter would have to make the long trip to the post office. Paul B. Downing designed a metal...
John Lee Love
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John Lee Love was an African-American inventor best known for patenting a portable pencil sharpener known as the “Love Sharpener.” John Lee Love was a...
Alfred L. Cralle
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Alfred L. Cralle was an African-American inventor and businessman who is best known for his invention of the ice cream scoop. Born in 1866 in...
William B. Purvis
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William B. Purvis was an American inventor, best known for his patented improvements to the fountain pen in 1890. Purvis was born in Pennsylvania to...
Joseph Winters
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Joseph Winters was an important African American inventor. He invented a wagon-mounted fire escape ladder for the city of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, a device that could...
Thomas J. Marshall
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T.J. Marshall is credited with improving the design of the fire extinguisher, with a patent issued on March 26, 1872. He invented a system in...
Powell Johnson
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In 1880, Johnson invented the first eye protectors (patent no. 234,039), which improved upon the eye-protection that would be used by firemen, furnace-men, as well...