Marjorie Joyner is a name that may not be familiar to many, but her contributions to the beauty industry have had a lasting impact. Born in 1896, Joyner was a trailblazer in her time, breaking racial barriers and creating innovative products that are still used today. Her most notable invention was the permanent wave machine, an innovation that revolutionized the beauty industry and made it…
Charles R. Drew (1904-1950) was an African-American physician, surgeon, and medical researcher who made significant contributions to the field of medicine. He is best known for his development of the blood bank and his work in blood plasma research, which saved countless lives during World War II. However, there are many other lesser-known facts about this trailblazing figure that are equally…
Gladys West, a brilliant mathematician, inventor, and pioneer in the field of geodesy, has made a significant contribution to the world of technology. Born in 1930 in Virginia, West grew up in a segregated society where opportunities for African Americans were limited. However, her remarkable academic achievement and exceptional mathematical abilities paved the way for her to become one of the…
George Washington Carver, an American agricultural scientist and inventor, was born into slavery in the mid-19th century. Despite his humble beginnings, Carver would go on to become a renowned public figure with a multitude of groundbreaking inventions to his name. His life’s work was dedicated to improving the livelihoods of farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture. Carver’s…
Katherine Johnson (1918-2020) was a pioneer in the fields of mathematics and space exploration, whose contributions to the NASA space program have been recognized as vital to the launch of the first American astronaut into orbit. Johnson’s remarkable career spanned over six decades and saw her playing a crucial role in some of the most significant events in American history. Her numerous…
Ernest Everett Just was an African-American scientist and biologist who made significant contributions to his field during the early 20th century. Despite facing discrimination and racism throughout his career, Just persevered and became known for his groundbreaking research on fertilization and development in marine organisms. He was also a prolific inventor, creating numerous patents that…
Lonnie Johnson is a prolific inventor whose innovative creations have made significant contributions to various industries. He is best known for his invention of the Super Soaker, the popular water gun that has become a staple of summertime fun for kids and adults alike. However, the Super Soaker is only one of many groundbreaking inventions that Johnson has brought to the world.Through his…
Percy Julian (1899-1975) was a pioneering African American chemist whose contributions to the field of organic chemistry revolutionized medicine, industry, and agriculture. Despite facing numerous obstacles as a person of color during his lifetime, Julian persevered to become one of the most prominent chemists of the 20th century, earning over 130 patents for his inventions and being awarded…
Daniel Hale Williams (1858-1931) was a pioneering African American physician, who broke barriers in the medical field and contributed to the advancements that have revolutionized modern medicine. Born in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, Williams grew up in a family of free black people and had to overcome numerous challenges to pursue his dreams. Despite facing racial discrimination and financial…
As we look back through history, it is difficult to imagine the technological advancements that were made in ancient times. However, there were individuals who innovated and created technologies that stood the test of time. These individuals were known as technologistas. In this blog post, we will explore the top-ten technologistas of antiquity, and their contributions to the world. From the…
