February is Black History Month and Macaroni Kid Westbank wants to showcase some amazing African Americans that have changed our lives. This week we have chosen Five African Americans whose inventions have definitely contributed to make our lives better.
Lonnie Johnson
Inventor of the Super Soaker. His inspiration for this super fun toy that many of us have enjoyed came while experimenting for a major NASA mission
Fred McKinley Jones
African American inventor who developed refrigeration equipment used to transport food and blood during World War II. He designed and patented a portable air cooling unit for trucks carrying perishable foods. He received over 60 patents most related to refrigeration but some for sound machines, engines and x-ray machines, as well.
Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner
Mary Kenner received five patents for her inventions that make everyday life easier. Her inventions include the sanitary belt, a serving tray and pocket that connect to a walker, a toilet paper dispenser and a back washer that could be mounted to the shower wall.
Marjorie Stewart Joyner
Marjorie is an African American inventor, businesswoman, hair-care intrapreneur. She created and patented the first permanent hair wave machine. She helped write the first cosmetology laws for Illinois and founded United Beauty School Owners and Teachers Association with Mary Bethune McLeod in 1945.
Emmett Chappelle
Biochemist Emmet Chappelle discovered the specific combination of chemicals that cause a living organisms to produce and emit light. He invented the ATP fluorescent assay. He made valuable contributions in the field of medicine, philanthropy, food science and astrochemistry.
Reference:
Wikipedia.com , Blackpast.org , biography.com
Images from wikimedia.com
