Recognizing and Celebrating Transformative Inventors During Black History Month

Each year during Black History Month, we celebrate and honor the extraordinary contributions and groundbraking innovations of African Americans that have influenced and shaped various industries and fields in the world today. 

Dr. Patricia E. Bath

Ophthalmologist and Inventor

Dr. Patricia Bath changed the face of medicine by inventing a new device and technique for cataract surgery known as laserphaco in 1986. Prior to her laser invention, Dr. Patricia was the first woman to chair an ophthalmology residency program in the U.S. at Drew-UCLA in 1983. Dr. Patricia was also the first woman ophthalmologist to be appointed to the faculty of the UCLA School of Medicine Jules Stein Eye Institute.

Watch this video to learn about Dr. Patricia Bath
Video by Good Morning America

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Lewis Howard Latimer

Inventor and pioneer in the field of technology

Lewis Latimer taught himself mechanical drawing and landed a job at a paten firm in Boston as a draftsman. Latimer worked alongside Alexander Graham Bell and helped develop a more efficient transmitter that improved the quality of sound on the telephone. He also worked with Thomas Edison on the incandescent lightbulb. In addition, he worked with Hiram S. Maxim on carbon filaments and invented a method of manufacturing that made carbon filaments mass-producible. This invention was patented in 1882. In total, Latimer received patents for seven of his own inventions including an early air conditioning unit and improved railroad car bathroom.

View the inventions and patents awarded to Lewis Howard Latimer

Watch this video to learn about Lewis Howard Latimer
Video by EdisonAwards

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Walter Lincoln Hawkins

Inventor and pioneer in the field of 

Walter Lincoln Hawkins is known for being the first African-American to join the technical staff at AT&T's Bell Laboratories. Walter developed a durable plastic to cover telephone wires that was lightweight, durable, and less expensive than the lead sheathing that was used at that time. Walter was awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, Computer Science  in 1992 for his invention and contribution to the commercialization of long-lived plastic coatings and for his leadership in encouraging minorities to pursue science and engineering careers. By the time Hawkins retired from his career, he had received 18 U.S. and 129 foreign patents.

Watch this video to learn more about Walter Lincoln Hawkins
Video by The Last Talk Show