Explore African American Innovators
Discover the Black innovators who changed the world with their creations.
Learn while you color
Every page tells the history of an African American inventor and the invention that corresponds with that letter in the alphabet.
Air Conditioner
Fredrick McKinley Jones -1942
Bicycle Frame
Isaac R. Johnson – 1899
Caller ID/Call Waiting
Dr. Shirley A. Jackson – 1976
The Back-to-Work Power Suit
Fall is upon us and dressing up for work will be exciting all over again with these power suits.
The Traffic Signal Light
Garrett Morgan (1863 -1977)
Invented by Garrett Morgan, the three-position traffic signal revolutionized road safety. This colorful device, featuring red, yellow, and green lights, regulates vehicular flow and prevents accidents at busy intersections. Thanks to Morgan’s ingenuity, motorists can now navigate roads with confidence, knowing when to stop, slow down, or proceed safely.
The Electric Elevator
Alexander Miles (1838-1918)
The electric elevator transformed the way we navigate tall buildings and brought vertical transportation to new heights. With this ingenious invention, people can effortlessly move between floors, eliminating the need for climbing stairs. The electric elevator operates on a system of pulleys and counterweights, propelled by a motor, providing a safe and efficient means of transportation within buildings. Thanks to Miles’ innovation, skyscrapers became practical and accessible, revolutionizing urban architecture and shaping modern cities.
More Noted Inventions by African Americans
Super Soaker
Lonnie Johnson
Folding Chair
John D. Albert
Mail Box
Phillip B. Downing
Potato Chip
George Crum