Black Excellist: 10 Black Women Inventors

Summary

This video highlights the groundbreaking achievements of 10 black women inventors whose innovations shaped the world. From Patricia Bath's pioneering work in ophthalmology to Marie Van Brittain Brown’s creation of the first home security system, each woman made lasting contributions. Other notable inventors include Miriam Benjamin, who revolutionized hotel service, and Sarah Good, who invented the folding cabinet bed. The video emphasizes the ingenuity and resilience of these trailblazers, whose stories often went unrecognized, aiming to inspire viewers by showcasing their pivotal roles in history.

Takeaways

• 😀 Patricia Bath, a pioneer in ophthalmology, invented the laser probe for cataract treatment, becoming the first African-American female doctor to hold a patent for a medical device.
• 😀 Marie Van Brittain Brown invented the first home security system in 1966, which included remote-controlled doors, a camera, and an alarm system, significantly enhancing personal safety.
• 😀 Miriam Benjamin created the Signal Chair in 1888, which allowed hotel guests to signal waiters via a buzzer and light system, laying the groundwork for the modern flight attendant call button.
• 😀 Sarah Good invented the folding cabinet bed in 1885, providing a space-saving solution that combined a bed and a desk, making it ideal for small apartments and urban living.
• 😀 Marjerie Stewart Joyner invented the Perfect Wave Machine in 1928, revolutionizing hair care by enabling multiple hair curls to be processed at once, although her patent rights were assigned to Madam C.J. Walker.
• 😀 Judy Reed patented an improved dough kneader in 1884, though her name was signed with an 'X' due to illiteracy, preventing her from being officially recognized as the first African-American female patent holder.
• 😀 Sarah Boone improved the ironing board in 1892 by creating a narrow, reversible design to better suit ironing sleeves and curved garments, making the process more efficient and convenient.
• 😀 Ellen Eglund invented the clothes ringer in the 1800s, a machine that efficiently wrung out water from clothes, although she sold her patent to a white buyer for a token amount.
• 😀 L. Newman designed an innovative hairbrush in 1898 that featured a compartment for collecting hair debris and was easy to clean, enhancing both hygiene and efficiency for hairdressers.
• 😀 Alice H. Parker invented a central heating system using natural gas in 1919, which greatly improved home heating efficiency and helped reduce fire risks associated with traditional wood or coal heating methods.

Q & A

What is the mission of Black Excellence.com as stated in the script?

Black Excellence.com aims to inspire and enlighten by highlighting the contributions of African-Americans, with a particular focus on the achievements of black women in various fields, including inventions and innovation.

What was Patricia Bath’s major contribution to ophthalmology?

Patricia Bath pioneered the development of the laser probe for cataract treatment, which made the procedure less painful and more precise. She became the first African-American female doctor to hold a patent for a medical device, revolutionizing laser eye surgery.

How did Marie Van Brittain Brown contribute to modern security systems?

Marie Van Brittain Brown invented the first home security system, which included a camera, two-way microphone, and alarm button, allowing homeowners to monitor and alert authorities to intruders efficiently. This invention laid the groundwork for modern surveillance systems.

What was Miriam Benjamin's invention and how did it influence modern technology?

Miriam Benjamin invented the 'signal chair' for hotel guests to summon waiters. This chair, which featured a buzzer and a light signal, was the precursor to the flight attendant call button, a key feature in the airline industry today.

What was Sarah Good's contribution to furniture design?

Sarah Good invented the folding cabinet bed, a space-saving piece of furniture that could be concealed when not in use and served as a desk. Her invention is considered the predecessor to the modern-day Murphy bed.

What innovative cosmetology tool did Marjerie Stewart Jiner invent?

Marjerie Stewart Jiner invented the 'perfect wave machine' in 1928, a system for permanently curling hair using multiple heated rods, significantly improving the hair styling process in salons.

What did Judy Reid invent and how did it improve food preparation?

Judy Reid invented an improved dough kneader, which featured two rollers with corrugated slats to mix dough evenly. This invention made dough preparation more efficient and hygienic.

What was Sarah Boon’s contribution to the ironing process?

Sarah Boon invented an improved ironing board designed specifically for ironing women's garments, particularly the curved sleeves and waist seams, making the ironing process more efficient and convenient.

How did Ellen Eglund’s invention change laundry practices?

Ellen Eglund invented the clothes ringer, a device with two rollers that pressed water out of clothes during washing, making the process more efficient. Although she sold the patent, the invention was widely used and still serves its purpose today.

What was Alice H. Parker’s invention, and why was it significant?

Alice H. Parker invented a central heating system that used natural gas instead of coal or wood, making home heating more efficient and safer. Her system paved the way for modern gas-powered central heating systems, improving energy conservation.