An important part of black history is the many inventive
contributions of black Americans. The achievements of just a few of
them are highlighted below.
George Washington Carver was an African
American scientist and educator, famous for many inventions
relating to peanuts. He was born into slavery but become one of the
most prominent scientists and inventors of his time. He was also a
teacher at the Tuskegee Institute. Carver did not patent most of
his inventions, but did receive three patents, including U.S.
Patent No. 1,522,176 on a Cosmetic and Process for Making Same, and
U.S. Patent No. 1,632,236 on Process of Producing Paints and
Stains.
Lonnie G. Johnson is a former Air Force/NASA
engineer who, among other things, invented the Super Soaker water
gun, for which he received U.S. Patent No. 5,074,437.
