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Famous Black Scientists
When it comes to famous black scientists, George Washington Carver, Mae C. Jemison, and Neil Degrasse Tyson probably come to mind. But do you know about Otis Boykin and how he's helped old hearts beat a little better? And how about Garrett Morgan, whose inventions have kept hair straighter, clothes fitter, and traffic more efficient? Learn more about these famous black scientists and more.
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Featured Black Scientists
Meet inspiring black scientists who've helped shape our world, like George Washington Carver and his countless discoveries on how to use the peanut, as well as Mae C. Jemison and her ascent into space as the first African-American woman. Their accomplishments are all here and more in our Black Scientists Group.
See all Famous Black Scientists (16)
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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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Mae C. Jemison
- In these groups:
- Famous Black Scientists
- Girl Scouts
- Groundbreaking Women
Mae C. Jemison
Astronaut, Doctor, Scientist / 1956 -
Doctor Mae C. Jemison is the first African-American woman ever to be a U.S. astronaut. In 1992, she flew into space aboard the Endeavour.
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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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Neil deGrasse Tyson
- In these groups:
- Famous Black Scientists
- Famous Libras
- Columbia University Alumni
Neil deGrasse Tyson
Scientist, Television Personality, Writer / 1958 -
Astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson hosted NOVA ScienceNow and appeared on such shows as The Daily Show and Real Time with Bill Maher.
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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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James West
- In these groups:
- Famous Black Inventors
- Famous Black Scientists
- Famous Aquarians
James West
Inventor, Scientist / 1931 -
James West is an American inventor who developed the foil electret microphone, now used in 90 percent of all contemporary microphones, in 1962.
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