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:

1. Alexander Mils invented the elevator.
2. Richard Spikes invented the automatic gearshift.
3. Joseph Gammell invented the Super Charge System for internal combustion engines.
4. Garrett Morgan invented the traffic signal.
5. Elbert R. Robinson invented the electric trolley.
6. Charles Brooks invented the street sweeper.
7. John Love invented the pencil sharpener.
8. William Purvis invented the fountain pen and the hand stamp.
9. Lee Burridge invented the Type Writing Machine.
10. W. A. Lovette invented the Advanced Printing Press.
11. William Barry invented the Postmarking and Canceling Machine.
12. Phillip Downing invented the Letter-Drop.
13. Joseph Smith invented the lawn sprinkler.
14. John Burr invented the lawn mower.
15. Frederick Jones invented the air conditioner.
16. Alice Parker invented the heating furnace.
17. Lewis Latimer invented the Electric Lamp.
18. Michael Harvey invented the lantern.
19. Granville T. Woods invented the automatic cut-off switch.
20. Thomas W. Steward invented the mop.
21. Jan E. Matzelinger invented the Shoe Lasting Machine.
22. Walter Sammons invented the comb.
23. Sarah Boone invented the ironing board.
24. George T. Samon invented the clothes dryer.
25. John Standard invented the refrigerator.

Reprinted from the Oklahoma Observer, February 2002.

Updated Sunday, March 07, 2004