Slide 1: Garrett Morgan (Inventor, Safety and Utility Innovations)
Who the person is: Garrett Augustus Morgan Sr. was an accomplished African-American inventor and businessman born in 1877 in Kentucky. He is known for his practical inventions aimed at improving safety and everyday life.
What they invented: The Morgan Safety Lamp and a hair-straightening process. He also developed a traffic signal light system.
How the invention is used: The Safety Lamp provided a safer lighting source for miners; the traffic signal is used to control vehicle flow at intersections; the hair-straightening process contributed to cosmetic science.
Benefit of the invention: The Safety Lamp reduced dangers for miners; the traffic signal improves road safety by preventing accidents; the cosmetic process advanced beauty technology.
- Impact: Increased safety and efficiency in daily life and industry.
Slide 2: Madame C.J. Walker (Entrepreneur and Creator of Cosmetic Innovations)
Who the person is: Sarah Breedlove, better known as Madame C.J. Walker, was an African-American entrepreneur and philanthropist born in 1867. She built a successful beauty empire.
What they invented: A line of beauty products and hair care treatments specifically formulated for Black women, along with practical training on how to use them.
How the invention is used: The products are used for hair care and styling at home or in salons.
Benefit of the invention: Empowered Black women economically, created jobs, and advanced cosmetology for a community often underserved by beauty brands.
- Impact: Business leadership and representation in the beauty industry.
Slide 3: Lewis Howard Latimer (Inventor and Inventive Pioneer)
Who the person is: Lewis Howard Latimer (1848–1928) was an African-American inventor and draftsman who worked on important electrical technologies.
What they invented: Improvements to the electric lamp, including better carbon filament designs, as well as drawings and plans for electric lighting systems.
How the invention is used: These improvements helped create longer-lasting light bulbs and safer electrical lighting in homes and factories.
Benefit of the invention: More reliable lighting and advances in electrical technology, paving the way for modern illumination.
- Impact: Contributed to the practical development of electric light and devices used daily.
Slide 4: George Washington Carver (Plant Scientist and Innovator)
Who the person is: George Washington Carver (c. 1864–1943) was an agricultural scientist and inventor who studied crops and soils at Tuskegee Institute.
What they invented: Innovative crop rotation methods and numerous uses for peanuts, sweet potatoes, and Cajun crops, including hundreds of product ideas from these crops.
How the invention is used: Crop rotation helps restore soil health; peanut and sweet potato products are used in foods, medicines, and industry.
Benefit of the invention: Improved farming practices, better soil, and diversified crops helped farmers earn more and healthier food options for communities.
- Impact: Agriculture innovation that supported sustainable farming and economic growth.
Slide 5: Dr. Patricia Bath (Ophthalmologist and Inventor)
Who the person is: Dr. Patricia Bath (1942–2019) was a pioneering African-American ophthalmologist, inventor, and educator.
What they invented: The Laserphaco Probe for cataract treatment and a method for treating and preventing blindness.
How the invention is used: The Laserphaco Probe is used in laser cataract surgery to remove cataracts and restore vision.
Benefit of the invention: Restored or improved sight for millions, reducing blindness and improving quality of life.
- Impact: Breakthrough in eye surgery and access to vision-saving technology.