Mental Floss

11 Black Inventors You Should Know

A list of Famous Black Inventors

• Mark E. Dean helped invent the first personal computer for IBM.

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• Madam C. J. Walker, America's first self-made millionaire, invented various hair products.

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• Thomas L. Jennings was the first black person to receive a patent. 

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• Dr. Shirley Jackson was the first black woman to graduate from MIT with a Ph.D. 

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• Charles Richard Drew developed America's first blood banks.

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• Marie Van Brittan Brown invented and patented the first TV home security system. 

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• George Carruthers created ultraviolet camera/spectograph.

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• Dr. Patricia Bath invented the Laserphaco Probe to help with Laser Cataract Surgery. 

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• Jan Ernst Matzeliger, invented the automated shoe making machine.

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• Alexander Miles invented safer, automated elevator doors.

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• George Washington Carver used the Peanut to develop products like laundry soap, diesel fuel and different types of plastics.

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