Slide 1: Introduction
Overview of the presentation: 5 African-American inventors, 10 slides (2 slides per inventor). We will learn who they are, what they invented, how it’s used, and the benefits.
Slide 2: Inventor 1 — Garrett Morgan
- Who the person is: Garrett Augustus Morgan Sr. (1877–1963), African-American inventor and businessman.
- What they invented: The traffic signal and a safety hood (early gas mask).
- How the invention is used: The traffic signal helps control vehicle and pedestrian flow; the safety hood helps people breathe safely in smoky or toxic environments.
- Benefit of the invention: Increased road safety and better protection for firefighters and workers in dangerous situations.
Slide 3: Inventor 1 — Garrett Morgan (continued)
- Impact on society: His traffic signal concept and fire safety gear saved lives and influenced future safety designs.
- Fun fact: Morgan’s traffic signal was an early version with three positions (stop, go, caution) and influenced modern signals.
Slide 4: Inventor 2 — Madam C.J. Walker
- Who the person is: Sarah Breedlove, better known as Madam C.J. Walker (1867–1919), entrepreneur and philanthropist.
- What they invented: Hair care products and a successful business model for African-American beauty care.
- How the invention is used: Products for grooming and styling hair, especially for Black women.
- Benefit of the invention: Created economic opportunities, pioneered Black-owned businesses, and promoted beauty and self-care.
Slide 5: Inventor 2 — Madam C.J. Walker (continued)
- Impact on society: Built one of the first female, self-made millionaires in the United States; inspired future generations of entrepreneurs.
- Fun fact: Her business trained many sales agents who built a national network.
Slide 6: Inventor 3 — Louis Latimer
- Who the person is: Lewis Howard Latimer (1848–1928), inventor and engineer.
- What they invented: Improvements to the electric lamp and carbon filament process.
- How the invention is used: Enhanced electric lighting; longer-lasting bulbs for homes and streets.
- Benefit of the invention: Helped make electric lighting affordable and reliable.
Slide 7: Inventor 3 — Louis Latimer (continued)
- Impact on society: Contributed to the practical development of electric lighting and chemistry.
- Fun fact: Worked with Thomas Edison and was part of the team improving lamps.
Slide 8: Inventor 4 — Dr. Alexa Canady
- Who the person is: Dr. Alexa Irene Canady (b. 1950), American surgeon and pediatric neurosurgeon.
- What they invented: Pioneering medical techniques in pediatric neurosurgery (robotic and microsurgical approaches in practice).
- How the invention is used: Advanced treatment for children with brain and nervous system conditions.
- Benefit of the invention: Improved outcomes and safety for young patients.
Slide 9: Inventor 4 — Dr. Alexa Canady (continued)
- Impact on society: Broke barriers as the first African-American woman neurosurgeon in the U.S., inspiring students to pursue medicine.
- Fun fact: Her career opened doors for women and minorities in neurosurgery.
Slide 10: Inventor 5 — Granville T. Woods
- Who the person is: Granville T. Woods (1861–1910), inventor and electrical engineer.
- What they invented: Improvements to railway signaling and the electrical storage battery for trains.
- How the invention is used: Safer railway systems and more reliable power for trains.
- Benefit of the invention: Increased safety in transit and more efficient rail transportation.
Slide 11: Inventor 5 — Granville T. Woods (continued)
- Impact on society: Helped shape modern electric rail travel and signaling technology.
- Fun fact: Nicknamed the Black Edison for his contributions to electrical engineering.
Slide 12: Conclusion
Recap of the 5 inventors and how their inventions change daily life. Invite students to discuss how innovation improves safety, economy, and opportunity.