Black Excellist: 25 Black Tech Pioneers (Part 1)

Summary

This video from Black Excellence celebrates 25 trailblazing Black tech pioneers who've made significant contributions to technology. It features inventors like Benjamin Banneker, who built America's first wooden clock, and Lonnie Johnson, creator of the Super Soaker. The video also highlights lesser-known figures who revolutionized industries with their inventions, such as Ronald Demon's smart shoe and Norbert Rillieux's multiple effect evaporator. These stories inspire and educate, showcasing the resilience and innovation of Black tech leaders.

Takeaways

• 🕰 Benjamin Banneker, son of a slave, invented America's first wooden clock and started a watch and clock repair business.
• 👟 Ronald Demon designed an all-purpose 'smart shoe' that automatically adjusts to the wearer's activity level.
• 🔫 Lonnie Johnson, a nuclear engineer, invented the Super Soaker water gun, which became one of the world's top-selling toys.
• 🚢 Benjamin Bradley built a steam engine from scrap metal at age 16, which was used on warships to increase speed.
• 🍬 Norbert Rillieux revolutionized the sugar industry with his multiple effect evaporator, which improved sugar quality and reduced costs.
• 🚂 Andrew Jackson Beard invented the automatic railway car coupler, which was made mandatory by the federal safety appliance act in 1897.
• 🚆 Granville T. Woods, known as 'Black Edison,' invented telegraphy and a train collision detection system.
• 🛠️ Garrett Morgan invented a non-electric traffic signal and a gas mask that saved 32 men during an underground tunnel explosion.
• 👞 Jan Ernst Matzeliger invented a machine that increased shoe-making speed by up to 900% by connecting the upper leather to the inner sole.
• 🛑 Granville T. Woods also invented a telegraphy system that allowed sending voice and telegraph messages over a single wire.

Q & A

Who is Benjamin Banneker and what is he known for?

Benjamin Banneker was the son of a slave who developed a fascination for repairing watches. He is known for building America's first ever wooden clock using carved wooden pieces, which worked for over 40 years.

What innovative product did Ronald Demon design and why was it significant?

Ronald Demon designed an all-purpose shoe that automatically adapts to the wearer's needs by adjusting the cushion to suit the pace of activity. This was significant as it provided comfort and adaptability for athletes and others engaged in various activities.

What major invention did Lonnie Johnson create that became a massive success in the 1990s?

Lonnie Johnson, a nuclear engineer and former NASA scientist, invented the Super Soaker water gun, which became massively successful in the 1990s and is considered one of the most beloved toys of our generation.

How did Benjamin Bradley's work with steam engines impact the naval industry?

Benjamin Bradley, having worked at the Annapolis Naval Academy, built a steam engine at the age of 16 from scrap metal. This was used on warships to help travel faster at sea, although he wasn't able to patent his work.

What significant contribution did Norbert Rillieux make to the sugar industry?

Norbert Rillieux revolutionized the sugar industry with a multiple effect evaporator, a device that produced high-quality sugar and reduced production costs by using steam efficiently to evaporate water and prevent sugar from burning or being discolored.

What invention by Andrew Jackson Beard improved safety in the railroad industry?

Andrew Jackson Beard invented a device that automatically locked two car bumpers together, which improved safety in the railroad industry by preventing manual coupling accidents. He patented the device in 1897.

What was the significance of Lewis Latimer's work at the Edison Company?

Lewis Latimer, Edison's original draftsman, improved the railroad toilet system with the water closet and created a method to make carbon filaments for the electric lamp. He was also the only African-American member of the engineering division at the Edison Company.

What was the primary function of the incinerate system created by Meredith Gordin Gordine?

Meredith Gordin Gordine created the incinerate system, which was primarily used to banish smoke from burning buildings and fog from airport runways, enhancing safety and visibility.

How did Jan Ernst Matzeliger's invention revolutionize the shoe-making industry?

Jan Ernst Matzeliger crafted a machine that expedited the final step of shoe making by connecting the leather from the upper shoe to the inner sole. This device ensured better quality and fit and increased shoe-making speed by up to 900%.

What were the notable inventions of Garrett Morgan and how did they impact society?

Garrett Morgan invented a non-electric three-way traffic signal, a gas mask used to save 32 men trapped during an explosion, and the first human hair straightener. These inventions improved traffic management, safety, and personal care.

What was Granville T. Woods known for, and what were his most notable inventions?

Granville T. Woods, often referred to as the 'Black Edison,' combined the Telephone and Telegraph to form telegraphy, a system used to send voice and Telegraph messages over a single wire. He also invented a detection system that informed train engineers of potential collisions.

Outlines

00:00

🖥️ Black Tech Pioneers and Their Inventions

This segment of the video script introduces the theme of celebrating Black excellence in technology. It discusses the historical challenges faced by African-Americans in the tech industry, including discrimination and disenfranchisement. Despite these obstacles, the script highlights 25 Black technology pioneers who have made significant contributions to various aspects of life. The video features Benjamin Banneker, who built America's first wooden clock; Ronald Demon, the inventor of an all-purpose smart shoe; Lonnie Johnson, known for the Super Soaker water gun; Benjamin Bradley, who built a steam engine at 16; Norbert Rillieux, who revolutionized the sugar industry; Andrew Jackson Beard, inventor of the automatic railroad car coupler; and Jan Ernst Matzeliger, who created a machine to expedite shoe-making. The segment also acknowledges the support of Kyen T Joseph and Company, an international tax team assisting American entrepreneurs in expanding internationally.

05:02

🛠️ Innovations in Safety and Communication by Black Inventors

Paragraph 2 continues the narrative by focusing on the contributions of Black inventors to safety and communication technologies. It discusses Garrett Morgan's invention of a non-electric three-way traffic signal and a gas mask that saved lives during an underground tunnel explosion. It also mentions his invention of the first human hair straightener. Granville T. Woods, known as 'the Black Edison,' is highlighted for his telegraphy system that combined telephone and telegraph functionalities and his train collision detection system. The paragraph emphasizes the impact of these inventions on society, showcasing the ingenuity and resilience of Black tech pioneers in overcoming racial barriers to achieve technological breakthroughs.

Keywords

💡Black Tech Pioneers

Black Tech Pioneers refers to African-American individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of technology despite historical and societal challenges. The video's theme celebrates these individuals, highlighting their inventions and the impact they've had on various aspects of life. Examples from the script include Benjamin Banneker, who built America's first wooden clock, and Lonnie Johnson, who invented the Super Soaker water gun.

💡Discrimination

Discrimination in the context of the video refers to the unfair treatment and prejudice faced by African-Americans, particularly in the tech industry. This term is crucial as it sets the backdrop against which Black Tech Pioneers have had to overcome obstacles to achieve success. The video mentions that Black engineers and tech executives have been on the receiving end of discrimination, which underscores the resilience and determination of those featured.

💡Inventions

Inventions in the video represent the creative and innovative solutions developed by Black Tech Pioneers to solve problems or improve existing technologies. These inventions are central to the video's narrative, showcasing the ingenuity and impact of Black individuals in technology. For instance, Norbert Rillieux's multiple effect evaporator revolutionized the sugar industry, and Garrett Morgan's traffic signal improved road safety.

💡Enlightenment

Enlightenment, as used in the video, signifies the process of educating and informing the audience about the achievements of Black Tech Pioneers, which might be lesser-known due to historical biases. The video aims to enlighten viewers by shedding light on these pioneers' contributions, thereby challenging common narratives and promoting a more inclusive understanding of technological advancements.

💡Affluence

Affluence in this context refers to the wealth or prosperity that can be achieved through success in technology and innovation. The video celebrates the economic success of Black Tech Pioneers, such as Lonnie Johnson, whose Super Soaker invention generated over a billion dollars in sales, demonstrating that success in tech can lead to significant financial rewards.

💡STEAM

STEAM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, representing the fields where the Black Tech Pioneers featured in the video have made their mark. The video underscores the importance of STEAM education and its role in fostering innovation and technological advancement, particularly for underrepresented groups.

💡Resilience

Resilience is a key concept in the video, highlighting the ability of Black Tech Pioneers to bounce back from adversity and challenges. It is exemplified by the stories of individuals like Andrew Jackson Beard, who, despite losing a limb in an accident, invented a life-saving device for railroad safety, showing an unwavering spirit in the face of personal and systemic obstacles.

💡Patents

Patents are legal protections granted to inventors for their inventions, allowing them exclusive rights to their creations for a certain period. In the video, patents symbolize the formal recognition and validation of the Black Tech Pioneers' work, such as Jan Ernst Matzeliger's machine for shoemaking, which increased production efficiency by up to 900%.

💡Pop Culture

Pop Culture refers to the cultural aspects of society that are popular and influential, often disseminated through media. The video mentions how some of the inventions by Black Tech Pioneers, like Lonnie Johnson's Super Soaker, have become ingrained in pop culture, reflecting their broad impact and the cultural significance of their work.

💡Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is the process of designing, launching, and running a new business, which is a key theme in the video as it showcases how many Black Tech Pioneers started their own ventures. For example, Benjamin Banneker's watch and clock repair business exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit that allowed him to capitalize on his skills and inventions.

💡Innovation

Innovation in the video represents the introduction of new ideas, products, or methods, which is central to the stories of the Black Tech Pioneers. Their innovative approaches, such as Ronald Demon's smart shoe that adapts to the wearer's activity, demonstrate the continuous push for improvement and the transformative potential of new technologies.

Highlights

Benjamin Banneker, son of a slave, developed America's first wooden clock using carved wooden pieces.

Ronald Demon designed an all-purpose shoe that automatically adapts to the wearer's needs.

Lonnie Johnson's Super Soaker water gun became one of the world's top 20 bestselling toys, earning over 1 billion in sales.

Benjamin Bradley built a steam engine at 16, which was used on warships to increase speed at sea.

Norbert Rillieux revolutionized the sugar industry with a multiple effect evaporator, improving sugar quality and reducing costs.

Andrew Jackson Beard patented a device that automatically locked two railroad cars together, improving safety.

Lewis Latimer improved the railroad toilet system and created a method for making carbon filaments for electric lamps.

Meredith Gordin created electrogas Dynamics, generating electrical energy from kinetic energy in combustion gas.

Jan Ernst Matzeliger crafted a machine that expedited shoe making by connecting the leather upper to the inner sole.

Garrett Morgan invented a non-electric three-way traffic signal and a gas mask that saved 32 men during an underground explosion.

Granville T. Woods, known as the black Edison, combined the Telephone and Telegraph to form telegraphy.

Woods also invented a detection system to warn train engineers of potential collisions.

The video celebrates 25 black technology pioneers for their landmark inventions and contributions to various aspects of life.

The site Black Excellence.com aims to inspire by celebrating black excellence, opulence, and affluence.

Despite historical challenges, black pioneers in tech have achieved significant success and recognition.

The video features lesser-known black inventors whose innovations have had a profound impact on society.

The presentation aims to enlighten viewers about the often overlooked contributions of black tech pioneers.

Transcripts

[Music]

hello and welcome back in today's black

xlis presentation we will highlight 25

black Tech

Pioneers welcome to Black exist.com the

site where we celebrate Black Excellence

opulence and affluence our mission is to

inspire you as we Enlighten you it's no

secret that success for

African-Americans in Tech has not come

easy black engineer and Tech Executives

like most of black culture has been on

the receiving end of discrimination

disenfranchisement and blatant Terror

extending back hundreds of years but

despite these immense challenges there

have been numerous black Pioneers who

broke through and succeeded at the

highest levels their faces might not be

recognizable but we want to celebrate

their Landmark technology inventions and

the significant contributions that they

made to almost every faction of life in

this original black exellis video we

will be featuring 25 black technology

Pioneers so without further Ado let's

get started one Benjamin Baner the son

of a slave Baner developed a Fascination

for repairing watches by taking them

apart and studying their components

after mastering his craft he would go on

to build America's first ever wooden

clock using carved wooden pieces the

clock worked for more than 40 years

bancker banged on his Nationwide

exposure and started up his own walk

watch and clock repair business two

Ronald s demon Ronald demon designed an

all-purpose shoe that automatically

adapts to the wearer's needs adjusting

the cushion to suit the pace of activity

in which he or she is engaged as a

16-year-old he first came up with the

idea for an adjustable shoe so while

playing basketball in Miami Florida

inventor and CEO of Vectra send

Technologies patented a sport shoe

geared towards athletes and nicknamed it

the smart shoe three

Lonnie Johnson Lonnie Johnson is a

nuclear engineer tusi University

graduate and former NASA scientist after

7 years of tinkering and tireless sales

pitching his Super Soaker water gun

became massively successful in the 1990s

Lonnie's plastic water cannon went on to

become the world's top 20 bestselling

toys raking in more than 1 billion in

sales and cementing its place in pop

culture as one of the most beloved toys

of Our Generation four Benjamin Bradley

having worked at the anopolis Naval

Academy Bradley performed scientific

experiments and was credited for

building a steam engine at the age of 16

it was made entirely from scrap metal

and used on warships to help travel

faster at Sea though he wasn't able to

patent his work he sold his idea in

exchange for his

freedom five Norbert Ru this American

engineer revolutionized the sugar

industry with a multiple effect

evaporator a device that produced high

quality sugar and reduced production

costs by using steam efficiently to

evaporate water and prevent sugar from

burning or being discolored after

patenting his Creation in 1843 sugar

manufacturers from Cuba to Egypt

requested real use machine it's still

used today to make glue soap milk and

other products six Andrew Jackson beard

before the Jenny coer railroad cars were

manually joined together as one of the

many railroad workers who lost a limb

his leg in a coupling accident beard

saved many lives with his invention

which automatically locked two car bums

together he patented the device in 1897

the same year Congress created a federal

safety Appliance act that made it

illegal to operate railroad cars without

automatic couplers we would like to

thank kyen T Joseph and Company they are

an international tax team who can help

American entrepreneurs and business

owners expand and operate

internationally

in particular pyen Joseph and Company

helps American business owners expand to

Southeast Asia visit

www.tj.com

Edison's original draftsman and

sketching invention plans for Alexander

granbell ladimer was best known for

improving the railroad toilet system

with the water closet or what we know as

the flush toilet he would also create a

method to make carbon filaments for the

electric lamp and become the only

African-American member of the

engineering division at the Edison

Company eight Meredith gordin gordine

has been praised as a Pioneer researcher

and for creating electrogas Dynamics the

generation of electrical energy from the

conversion of the kinetic energy

contained in a high pressure ionized

moving combustion gas his most popular

creation the incinerate system was used

to banish smoke from burning buildings

and fog from airport runways adding to

his legacy he would also create the

focus flow heat sink a device that

cooled down computer chips nine Jan

Ernst Matt zeliger half Dutch half

camese Matt zeliger crafted a machine to

help expedite the final step of shoe

making connecting the leather from the

upper shoe to the inner sole the device

helped ensure better quality and fit and

increase shoe making speed by up to 900%

10 Garrett Morgan after witnessing a

traffic collision Morgan decided to

build a non-electric three-way traffic

signal that featured stop go and all

directional stop positions he would

create another safety inspired device

the gas mask which he used to save 32

men trapped during an explosion in an

underground tunnel in Lake Erie the man

even invented the first human hair

straightener and sold it under the name

GA Morgan hair refining cream 11

Granville t- Woods referred to often as

the black Edison this self-taught

inventor managed to combine the

Telephone and Telegraph to form the

telegraphy a system used to send voice

and Telegraph messages over a single

wire his other most notable invention

was a detection system that informed

train Engineers of how close their

trains were to Collision he also

received credit from a few historians

for inv