Updated: 7:37 AM PST, February 10, 2021
During Black History Month, a look at how Black Americans changed the world and everyday lives, from peanut oil to home security systems.
Many know the history of George Washington Carver and how he changed American farming. Fewer may be familiar with Marie Van Brittan Brown, a nurse who worked long hours and came home alone, late at night to her Queens, New York apartment, and ended up inventing the first home security system.
From changing the world to making everyday life easier, Black scientists and inventors have long imagined, then created, pioneering works, often without recognition or compensation.
9 Everyday Things We Wouldn t Have Today Without These Black Inventors
The first home security system was created by a Black woman in Queens, NY. Feb 8, 2021
The United States is one of the most innovative and technologically advanced countries in the world. You know this already. In fact, you re probably reading this on a smart device while simultaneously using another form of technology (listening to music, riding your Peloton, chatting with Alexa). How’d we get here? Well, it definitely wasn’t by luck. The bright minds, the innovative spirit, and the hard work of the American people paved the way.