Contributions By African-Americans
By David Watkins, Camelot Reader
Little known facts in American history include many contributions made by African-Americans. Here are a few:
- Alexander Mils invented the elevator.
- Richard Spikes invented the automatic gearshift.
- Joseph Gammell invented the Super Charge System for internal combustion engines.
- Garrett Morgan invented the traffic signal.
- Elbert R. Robinson invented the electric trolley.
- Charles Brooks invented the street sweeper.
- John Love invented the pencil sharpener.
- William Purvis invented the fountain pen and the hand stamp.
- Lee Burridge invented the Type Writing Machine.
- W. A. Lovette invented the Advanced Printing Press.
- William Barry invented the Postmarking and Canceling Machine.
- Phillip Downing invented the Letter-Drop.
- Joseph Smith invented the lawn sprinkler.
- John Burr invented the lawn mower.
- Frederick Jones invented the air conditioner.
- Alice Parker invented the heating furnace.
- Lewis Latimer invented the Electric Lamp.
- Michael Harvey invented the lantern.
- Granville T. Woods invented the automatic cut-off switch.
- Thomas W. Steward invented the mop.
- Jan E. Matzelinger invented the Shoe Lasting Machine.
- Walter Sammons invented the comb.
- Sarah Boone invented the ironing board.
- George T. Samon invented the clothes dryer.
- John Standard invented the refrigerator.
Reprinted from the Oklahoma Observer, February 2002.
