The inventors shown here represent only a few of the many African Americans who have furthered the advancement of science, technology and the electric industry. Their work – whether it was more than a century ago, or as recent as the last decade – has made invaluable enhancements to the quality of our lives today.

We hope that this site serves as an inspiration to all inventors — those dreaming up ideas now, and those yet to come.

George Edward Alcorn pushed the boundaries of what can be accomplished in outer space.

Benjamin Banneker: A self-taught astronomer, he predicted the 1789 solar eclipse more accurately than many better-educated scientists. He went on to publish a widely respected series of almanacs on astronomy, tide tables, medicinal formulas and dissertations on insect life.

Janet Emerson Bashen: Many people – whether from federal agencies or private corporations – are familiar with Janet Emerson Bashen.

Patricia Bath: Patricia Bath is a leader in the field of ophthalmology, a branch of medicine that deals with eye diseases and disorders.

Andrew J. Beard: Born in Alabama and freed from slavery at age 15, Beard first set about improving plows. In 1892 he invented a rotary steam engine that balanced internal pressures, making the engine less likely to explode.

Willard J. Bennett: Many inventors study space, but Willard H. Bennett reproduced it in a laboratory.

Bessie J. Griffin-Blount: This woman’s will was so strong, she crossed an ocean to help people.

Otis Boykin: Capacitors and resistors are some of the most basic components used in virtually all electronic devices. By dramatically improving these components, Otis Boykin made major contributions to both military and commercial products.

George Carruthers: Born in 1939, George Carruthers had an out-of-this world career. As an astrophysicist, he developed telescopes that scientists use to explore outer space.

George Washington Carver: George Washington Carver overcame the odds to become one of the country’s most respected agricultural researchers and educators.

Emmett W. Chappelle: Emmett W. Chappelle was recognized as one of the 100 most distinguished African American scientists and engineers of the 20th Century.

John B. Christian: John B. Christian was working as an Air Force materials research engineer when he invented and patented new lubricants used in high flying aircraft and NASA space missions.

Michael Croslin: Croslin’s accomplishments include the invention of a computerized device that made it easier for medical personnel to measure blood pressure.

David Crosthwait, Jr.: If you’ve ever seen the Rockettes in person at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, you can thank David Crosthwait, Jr., for keeping you comfortable during the show. Crosthwait is responsible for the heating system at the hall.

Mark Dean: With co-inventor Dennis Moeller, Mark Dean created the control system used by IBM-compatible personal computers to interconnect with other devices, and make possible so many practical applications that we now take for granted.

Annie Easley: When she joined NASA in 1955, Easley was one of only four African Americans among 2,500 employees.

Ellen Eglin: Born in 1849, in Washington D.C., Eglin worked as a housekeeper, which is how she came up with the idea to improve the clothes wringer.

Clarence L. Elder: How can a room be “smart” enough to adjust its own heating, ventilation and air conditioning? Because of a control system known as Occustat, that’s how.

Thomas Elkins: Thomas Elkins made conditions a little better for the living – and the dead.

Philip Emeagwali: Even a war couldn’t stop Philip Emeagwali from becoming an internationally prominent computer scientist and geologist.

Joseph Gamell: Gamell has more than 11 patents for devices that enhance the performance of mechanisms and their energy output.

Athan Gibbs: A man with great vision, Gibbs created the TruVote Vote Validation System, an electronic voting machine.

Keith Gipson: Thanks to Keith Gipson, a manager in Peoria can control the temperature in a building in New York.

Meredith Gourdine: When Meredith Gourdine wanted to “clear the air,” he did exactly that.

Joycelyn Simpson Harrison: The creations of this inventor can take the heat.

Walter Lincoln Hawkins: The scientist who helped make electrical cabling more indestructible then set out to get rid of it.

Beulah Louise Henry: Nicknamed “The Lady Edison,” she became a media darling known for her charm and grace.

Peter J. Hutchison: If you've ever watched children enjoying a carousel, think about Peter J. Hutchison. His son, SCE's Harry Hutchison, remembers him in a podcast.

Joseph Jackson: A boy’s curiosity paved the way for parents to take control of the TV.

Thomas L. Jennings: The first African American to receive a patent was Thomas L. Jennings, a tailor who invented a method for dry cleaning clothes – called “dry scouring” – in 1821, when he was 30 years old.

Anthony M. Johnson: Anthony M. Johnson is a pioneer in the field of computing and communications.

Katherine G. Johnson: An inventive woman, Katherine G. Johnson helped chart the path for the first men in space.

Lonnie G. Johnson: Some of Lonnie Johnson’s most challenging inventions have been spacecraft systems, but his most popular have been the world’s best squirt guns.

Frederick McKinley Jones: What’s the connection between modern movies and eating fresh strawberries in winter? It’s Frederick McKinley Jones.

Lewis Latimer: This whiz in the lab and tiger in court also wrote love poems.

Elijah McCoy: The son of parents who escaped slavery on the Underground Railroad, Elijah McCoy made the railroads of steel run more smoothly.

James McLurkin: Ants inspired this inventor to build a better robot.

Thomas Mensah: Thomas Mensah, inventor, scientist and entrepreneur, is leading the design of advanced laser guided weapons.

Garrett Augustus Morgan: The inventions of Garret Augustus Morgan helped to enhance style and save lives.

Judy Reed: Making bread became easier in 1884, when Judy Reed invented a hand-operated machine for kneading and rolling dough.

Henry Sampson: Not only is Henry Sampson an authority on blacks in film in television, he also has a PhD in nuclear engineering.

Richard Spikes: Beer drinkers can thank Richard Spikes for easy access to their brew.

Rufus Stokes: Rufus Stokes worked for cleaner power, way back in the day.

Lawnie Taylor: Lawnie Taylor created a type of bleach that is safe for use on cotton.

Valerie L. Thomas-Richardson: As a girl, Valerie L. Thomas-Richardson was not encouraged to explore her interest in electronics.

John Thompson: When you see things flash, crash, bash or wiggle around on a computer screen, it’s likely that the programming language Lingo, developed by John Thompson, is behind it.

Madame C.J. Walker: Madame C. J. Walker rose from poverty to become a successful entrepreneur and the first African American woman millionaire.

Hildreth "Hal" Walker, Jr.: Hildreth “Hal” Walker, Jr., is a pioneer in the field of electrooptical technologies

Clayton Webb: Clayton Webb is a man in control. Literally.

James Edward West: If you’ve heard it recorded or broadcast live, it probably sounds better because of this man.

Granville T. Woods: Borin in Ohio in 1856, Granville T. Woods left school at the age of 10, and was working as a railroad engineer by the age of 16.