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Famous Black Inventors
They are among history's most revered black inventors, known for their relentless inquisition, passionate research, impeccable design and, most importantly, their desire to push the envelope. Some of the world's greatest technological and social advancements, including the modern-day gas mask, light bulb and traffic light, owe their origins to black inventors. Did you know that George Washington Carver developed more than 100 products using peanuts? Or that Madam C.J. Walker was the first American woman to become a self-made millionaire? Learn more about these inventors, as well as Lonnie G. Johnson, Garrett Morgan, Patricia Bath, Percy Julian and more, at Biography.com.
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Featured Black Inventors
Browse some of the world's most famous black inventors, including Lonnie G. Johnson, Madam C.J. Walker, George Washington Carver and Percy Julian.
See all Famous Black Inventors (16)
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Lonnie G. Johnson
- In these groups:
- Famous Black Inventors
- Million-Dollar Ideas
- Famous Black Scientists
Lonnie G. Johnson
Engineer, Inventor / 1949 -
Lonnie G. Johnson is an engineer and inventor who worked on the Cassini mission to Jupiter and invented the Super Soaker.
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Madam C.J. Walker
- In these groups:
- Million-Dollar Ideas
- Famous Black Inventors
- Groundbreaking Women
Madam C.J. Walker
Civil Rights Activist, Entrepreneur / 1867 - 1919
Madam C.J. Walker was the first American woman to become a self-made millionaire. Her business was worth more than $1 million at the time of her death.
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Percy Julian
Percy Julian
Academic, Civil Rights Activist, Medical Professional, Chemist / 1899 - 1975
African-American chemist Percy Julian was a pioneer in the chemical synthesis of medicinal drugs such as cortisone, steroids and birth control pills.
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George Washington Carver
George Washington Carver
Inventor, Botanist, Chemist / 1864 - 1943
George Washington Carver was a prominent African-American scientist and inventor. Carver is best known for the many uses he devised for the peanut.
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Granville T. Woods
- In these groups:
- Famous Black Inventors
- Elementals
- Famous Taureans
Granville T. Woods
Inventor / 1856 - 1910
Known as "Black Edison," Granville Woods was an African-American inventor who made key contributions to the development of the telephone, street car and more.
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Lewis Howard Latimer
- In these groups:
- Famous Black Inventors
- Famous Virgoans
- Famous Inventors
Lewis Howard Latimer
Engineer, Inventor / 1848 - 1928
Lewis Howard Latimer was an inventor and draftsman best known for his contributions to the patenting of the light bulb and the telephone.
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