Well, it is Black History Month. This is the time to honor those in the past and plan for the future. If you follow me on Twitter, you will see that I have retweeting Black History facts on the daily. And, not just any old facts, but facts that even I did not know. I have began to find some amazing things on their. For more daily facts, follow me @BrownBrotherWeb on Twitter.
Anyway, that got me to thinking. Every Black History Month, we usually hear the same facts. And, to those who are new to the idea of being aware of our greatness may get confused or closed in. Meaning, they think are achievements are limited to the same ones that they always hear. Therefore, I wanted to compiled a list of little know Black History Facts.
Particularly, a list of things that were invented by Black Men.
I wanted to do this to show our greatness and make those aware who are not that we are greater than any of our circumstances. That greatness can be achieved by anyone, and the only thing that one have to do to be successful is to keep pushing, even in the face of misfortune and adversity.
Here is the list and some of the links to the exact source of the facts.
1. The Wrench-
One of the most frequently used tools in the world, a wrench was invented by a Black Man. However, not just any Black Man, but the first ever heavyweight champion of the world Jack Johnson. While in jail, Jack Johnson used his smarts and innovative mind to create something that is used by millions. He received a patent for his invention in 1922.
Read the original tweet for more info: https://twitter.com/search?f=images&vertical=default&q=jack%20johnson%20invention&src=typd
2. Three Musketeers-
This one is a literary invention and creation, not the candy bar. But, did you know that the creator of the Three Musketeers was a black man. Every child has heard the story of the Three Musketeers, or at least has eaten the candy that was created as a result of this man's genius.
His name was Alexander Dumas, grandson of a slave and his father was a high ranking General in the Army. Alexander Dumas was raised in present day Haiti, and attended military school. Mr. Dumas wrote one of the greatest and most popular pieces of literature ever.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandre_Dumas
3. The Door Knob-
Invented by a black man, O. Dorsey created and patented his idea in 1878. Very little is known about Osbourn Dorsey, rather he was born free or born into slavery. The little that is known about him is in his patent application.
But, I want you to thank his smart man. Your African ancestor for creating something that is so valuable. People lived like cave people before this invention. I mean think of a world with door knobs.
http://www.ask.com/history/o-dorsey-c2356d21b129dfc1
4. The Elevator-
Did you know that a Black Man created the elevator? Well, yes he did. His name was Alexander Miles and he was a barber born in Ohio. He created the elevator in 1887.
Did does not go in depth about him, only that he was married and moved around a lot. However, his invention is one of the greatest ever. From Janitors, athletes, doctors, and CEO, everyone takes the elevator. I can't count in my head, how many times I have taken the elevator. And, we all have this Black Man t thank for creating something that has aided everyone in their personal lives.
Think of a world without elevators, especially think about it when you or someone you knows visits somewhere with over 15 floors in the respective building. Again, you have this man to thank for this.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Miles
5. Fire Extinguisher-
The name who created the fire extinguisher is T. J Marshall and the year was 1872. He is credited with building a system that has stopped countless fires and saved countless number of lives. The sprinkler system is now a law abiding mandate to be in all buildings where business and people are.
Rather business, hotels, restaurants, clubs, college, or just about anywhere, this invention was made by our ancestor. He is without the most unknown inventor and one man that has saved the lives of great multitudes.
http://www.ask.com/history/did-t-j-marshall-invent-37386fbd83b1c33c
6. Lawn Mower-
The inventor of the lawn mower was John Albert Burr. He was born during the 1800's and is a important inventor. Not much is said about him and I did not see any verifiable source that stated where he was born. However, he did get a patent for his invention the lawn mower in May 9th, 1889.
But, his does not take away from his genius. Anyone who has ever cut grass can atest to the importance of the lawn mower. And, the innovation that was created as a result and aftermath of the push lawn mower (the riding lawnmower).
http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/bl_John_Albert_Burr.htm
7. Guitar-
The guitar was in invented by a Black Man. In every song on the radio and album you hear, every church you attended, and every theme song you ever listen to has the guitar in it. Maybe the most popular and most used instrument of all-time, the guitar was created by a Black Man and was issued a patent in 1886.
Again, like many others during this era, little is known about the this man (most black people in general). However, it is said that he was born in Mississippi in 1857.
http://www.ask.com/history/black-inventor-robert-flemming-jr-9b5f1fc5592e9916
8. The Mail Box-
Created by Paul L. Downing in 1891, Mr. Downing called his invention the "street letter box." Before, Mr. Downing invention, everyone had to make a long trip the post office. Paul Downing was a incredible inventor, with like most if all the men on the list, this one highlighted invention was not his only invention. Mr. Downing was born during the 1800's and from what I collect, he lived long enough to get his idea patented. It was patented on Oct. 27th, 1891.
http://www.ask.com/history/did-paul-l-downing-invent-77fade1c7a314048
9. The Pencil Sharpener-
If you ever been in school and had a dull pencil, you have this man to thank. Mr. John Love created the portable pencil sharpener. Everyone has been in school and everyone has this man to thank for making our lives a little easier.
There is not much said about Mr. Love. All that is said is that it is believed he was born in the 1870's, and lived in Massachusetts. Also, the pencil sharpener was not his only invention. Checkout this other ones here.
http://www.ask.com/history/john-lee-love-b9fb7d06e2f4b845
10. Technology-
This one is for everyone that is obsessed with their cell-phones, Maybe you, your sister, girlfriend, or classmates, but someone you know is cellphone crazy. Always on Instagram, Snapchat. FaceBook, or one of these sites. But, did you know that this would be impossible without the Black Man.
Many people say this man created the cell-phone, this is false. However, it did something even better than creating the cell-phone. See, their would be no cell-phone with this man. Before the cell-phone, this Dr. Henry Sampson created " Gamma Electric-Cell" in 1971.
What that means is Dr. Sampson made it possible to receive audio and media signals with wires. Basically, that means he made it possible for there to be a cellular/portable phone. If he had not created his "Cell" we would have to have bulky wiring attached to our phones, and have the wiring plugged in someone. Which makes the phone stationary, and not portable.
The cell-phone would be obsolete and cease to exist.
For more info on Dr. Sampson, check this link out.
https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr/People/Awards/Institutional/DEA/DEA_2013/Sampson
In closing, this is why the Black Man is so important in the advancement of our people. Look what we created with the odds stacked against us. Look at the things that we are creating with the odds against us now. Unfortunately, the conditions have not changed, or I should say the conditions have moved to different areas. But, the fight is still the same. We must build, unite, stay free. STILL THE SAME!
What you have on this list is a unique set of inventors that are doctors, children of slaves, former slaves, ex-convicts, scientists, or just someone with a idea and a dream.
I created this list with such a variety, because I wanted to show that anything is possible. No matter who you are, where you came from, where you are currently, or what your past is. Everyone of thse men had their individual struggles. But, they made it out of their situation, and it something great. Something so that, that it has lasted the test of time. Long after their deaths.
Therefore, even as you sit here and read this post, follow your dreams. Capitalize on your ideas and strive to change the world.
Anyway, that got me to thinking. Every Black History Month, we usually hear the same facts. And, to those who are new to the idea of being aware of our greatness may get confused or closed in. Meaning, they think are achievements are limited to the same ones that they always hear. Therefore, I wanted to compiled a list of little know Black History Facts.
Particularly, a list of things that were invented by Black Men.
I wanted to do this to show our greatness and make those aware who are not that we are greater than any of our circumstances. That greatness can be achieved by anyone, and the only thing that one have to do to be successful is to keep pushing, even in the face of misfortune and adversity.
Here is the list and some of the links to the exact source of the facts.
1. The Wrench-
One of the most frequently used tools in the world, a wrench was invented by a Black Man. However, not just any Black Man, but the first ever heavyweight champion of the world Jack Johnson. While in jail, Jack Johnson used his smarts and innovative mind to create something that is used by millions. He received a patent for his invention in 1922.
Read the original tweet for more info: https://twitter.com/search?f=images&vertical=default&q=jack%20johnson%20invention&src=typd
2. Three Musketeers-
This one is a literary invention and creation, not the candy bar. But, did you know that the creator of the Three Musketeers was a black man. Every child has heard the story of the Three Musketeers, or at least has eaten the candy that was created as a result of this man's genius.
His name was Alexander Dumas, grandson of a slave and his father was a high ranking General in the Army. Alexander Dumas was raised in present day Haiti, and attended military school. Mr. Dumas wrote one of the greatest and most popular pieces of literature ever.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandre_Dumas
3. The Door Knob-
Invented by a black man, O. Dorsey created and patented his idea in 1878. Very little is known about Osbourn Dorsey, rather he was born free or born into slavery. The little that is known about him is in his patent application.
But, I want you to thank his smart man. Your African ancestor for creating something that is so valuable. People lived like cave people before this invention. I mean think of a world with door knobs.
http://www.ask.com/history/o-dorsey-c2356d21b129dfc1
4. The Elevator-
Did you know that a Black Man created the elevator? Well, yes he did. His name was Alexander Miles and he was a barber born in Ohio. He created the elevator in 1887.
Did does not go in depth about him, only that he was married and moved around a lot. However, his invention is one of the greatest ever. From Janitors, athletes, doctors, and CEO, everyone takes the elevator. I can't count in my head, how many times I have taken the elevator. And, we all have this Black Man t thank for creating something that has aided everyone in their personal lives.
Think of a world without elevators, especially think about it when you or someone you knows visits somewhere with over 15 floors in the respective building. Again, you have this man to thank for this.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Miles
5. Fire Extinguisher-
The name who created the fire extinguisher is T. J Marshall and the year was 1872. He is credited with building a system that has stopped countless fires and saved countless number of lives. The sprinkler system is now a law abiding mandate to be in all buildings where business and people are.
Rather business, hotels, restaurants, clubs, college, or just about anywhere, this invention was made by our ancestor. He is without the most unknown inventor and one man that has saved the lives of great multitudes.
http://www.ask.com/history/did-t-j-marshall-invent-37386fbd83b1c33c
6. Lawn Mower-
The inventor of the lawn mower was John Albert Burr. He was born during the 1800's and is a important inventor. Not much is said about him and I did not see any verifiable source that stated where he was born. However, he did get a patent for his invention the lawn mower in May 9th, 1889.
But, his does not take away from his genius. Anyone who has ever cut grass can atest to the importance of the lawn mower. And, the innovation that was created as a result and aftermath of the push lawn mower (the riding lawnmower).
http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/bl_John_Albert_Burr.htm
7. Guitar-
The guitar was in invented by a Black Man. In every song on the radio and album you hear, every church you attended, and every theme song you ever listen to has the guitar in it. Maybe the most popular and most used instrument of all-time, the guitar was created by a Black Man and was issued a patent in 1886.
Again, like many others during this era, little is known about the this man (most black people in general). However, it is said that he was born in Mississippi in 1857.
http://www.ask.com/history/black-inventor-robert-flemming-jr-9b5f1fc5592e9916
8. The Mail Box-
Created by Paul L. Downing in 1891, Mr. Downing called his invention the "street letter box." Before, Mr. Downing invention, everyone had to make a long trip the post office. Paul Downing was a incredible inventor, with like most if all the men on the list, this one highlighted invention was not his only invention. Mr. Downing was born during the 1800's and from what I collect, he lived long enough to get his idea patented. It was patented on Oct. 27th, 1891.
http://www.ask.com/history/did-paul-l-downing-invent-77fade1c7a314048
9. The Pencil Sharpener-
If you ever been in school and had a dull pencil, you have this man to thank. Mr. John Love created the portable pencil sharpener. Everyone has been in school and everyone has this man to thank for making our lives a little easier.
There is not much said about Mr. Love. All that is said is that it is believed he was born in the 1870's, and lived in Massachusetts. Also, the pencil sharpener was not his only invention. Checkout this other ones here.
http://www.ask.com/history/john-lee-love-b9fb7d06e2f4b845
10. Technology-
This one is for everyone that is obsessed with their cell-phones, Maybe you, your sister, girlfriend, or classmates, but someone you know is cellphone crazy. Always on Instagram, Snapchat. FaceBook, or one of these sites. But, did you know that this would be impossible without the Black Man.
Many people say this man created the cell-phone, this is false. However, it did something even better than creating the cell-phone. See, their would be no cell-phone with this man. Before the cell-phone, this Dr. Henry Sampson created " Gamma Electric-Cell" in 1971.
What that means is Dr. Sampson made it possible to receive audio and media signals with wires. Basically, that means he made it possible for there to be a cellular/portable phone. If he had not created his "Cell" we would have to have bulky wiring attached to our phones, and have the wiring plugged in someone. Which makes the phone stationary, and not portable.
The cell-phone would be obsolete and cease to exist.
For more info on Dr. Sampson, check this link out.
https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr/People/Awards/Institutional/DEA/DEA_2013/Sampson
In closing, this is why the Black Man is so important in the advancement of our people. Look what we created with the odds stacked against us. Look at the things that we are creating with the odds against us now. Unfortunately, the conditions have not changed, or I should say the conditions have moved to different areas. But, the fight is still the same. We must build, unite, stay free. STILL THE SAME!
What you have on this list is a unique set of inventors that are doctors, children of slaves, former slaves, ex-convicts, scientists, or just someone with a idea and a dream.
I created this list with such a variety, because I wanted to show that anything is possible. No matter who you are, where you came from, where you are currently, or what your past is. Everyone of thse men had their individual struggles. But, they made it out of their situation, and it something great. Something so that, that it has lasted the test of time. Long after their deaths.
Therefore, even as you sit here and read this post, follow your dreams. Capitalize on your ideas and strive to change the world.
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