African American Inventors Past and Present

Eric Marquette

Let’s rewind to the very start of the U.S. patent system—back to 1790, when the Patent Act was signed into law. It was a groundbreaking moment for innovation, but not for everyone. In theory, the system was meant to promote progress by granting inventors exclusive rights to their creations. But in practice? Well, it left a lot of people out, particularly Black Americans.

Eric Marquette

You see, during the early days of the United States, slavery was an entrenched institution. Enslaved individuals weren’t considered citizens, and they had no legal standing, which meant they couldn’t own property—patents included. Even inventions that were revolutionary, like Stephen Slade’s 1839 tobacco curing method, went uncredited. Instead, the benefits often flowed to their enslavers or others who claimed the ideas as their own. It’s heartbreaking, but also, unfortunately, not surprising for the era.

Eric Marquette

And beyond slavery, there were legal barriers for free Black inventors as well. In 1857, the Dred Scott decision declared that Black Americans—free or not—couldn’t be U.S. citizens. This meant they couldn’t take what was known as the Patent Oath, a requirement to obtain a patent. The system, which should’ve been a tool for progress and equality, became another symbol of exclusion.

Eric Marquette

But despite these barriers, Black inventors never stopped creating. Take Thomas Jennings, for example. In 1821, this free Black man became the first African American to receive a U.S. patent. His invention? A dry cleaning process that not only brought him financial success but also helped free his family from slavery. Think about that—one invention changed lives, and it’s a testament to his resilience and innovation.

Eric Marquette

Still, many free Black inventors faced insurmountable hurdles. Some had to conceal their race entirely to avoid discrimination during the patenting process. Henry Boyd, who invented a stronger, innovative bed frame, had to partner with a white man who applied for the patent in his own name. Once he secured it, Boyd managed to build a booming business in Cincinnati. It’s inspiring, but it also underscores how systemic racism forced Black inventors to navigate the system in ways their white peers couldn’t even imagine.

Eric Marquette

And this wasn’t just about recognition—or the lack of it. It was about the missed opportunities for these inventors. Their ingenuity helped shape industries, yet the system continually sidelined them. It’s a silent legacy of inequality that we’re still reckoning with today.

Eric Marquette

Moving forward from those early systemic barriers, let’s focus on some of the incredible transformations led by African American inventors. One name that really stands out is Granville T. Woods. Known as the “Black Edison,” Woods was a self-taught genius who racked up more than 60 patents. His innovations in communication systems, like improved telegraphs and railway signal devices, literally helped modernize America’s railroads. I mean, imagine the kind of grit and determination it must’ve taken to compete with giants like Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell at the time—and win.

Eric Marquette

Another remarkable figure is Garrett Morgan. His story is not just one of innovation but also of saving lives. In the early 20th century, he invented the gas mask. And it wasn’t just theoretical—Morgan actually used his invention in 1916 to save 24 lives after a massive explosion in a tunnel under Lake Erie. And let’s not forget his traffic signal, which made streets safer and became the foundation for the systems we rely on today when driving around. It’s kind of mind-blowing to think about how much his work is still impacting our daily lives.

Eric Marquette

Now, stepping further back in history, we find Norbert Rillieux. He was a free black man in the 1800s who revolutionized sugar refining with his multiple-effect evaporator technology. This wasn’t just about making sugar production more efficient—it reduced costs and significantly improved safety for workers. At a time when industrial progress was reshaping society, Rillieux’s work stood apart as a mix of technical brilliance and social impact.

Eric Marquette

Fast forward to more recent decades, and you’ve got innovators like Dr. Patricia Bath. Her groundbreaking invention, the Laserphaco Probe, changed the way cataracts are treated around the world. It’s a life-changing technology—restoring sight to countless people—and Bath didn’t stop there. She continued to advocate for better access to eye care globally. When we talk about progress, people like Dr. Bath remind us that inventions can change lives in the most direct and personal ways.

Eric Marquette

And how could I leave out Lonnie Johnson? A NASA engineer by trade, Johnson gave us something that’s both practical and pure fun—the Super Soaker. It’s the most successful water toy in history, generating nearly a billion dollars in sales. But Johnson didn’t stop there; his current work in sustainable energy solutions shows how inventors can move between industries while still making an impact. From childhood play to solving world problems—now that’s range.

Eric Marquette

Now, let’s bring all of this into the present. While today’s patent system doesn’t come with the overt exclusions of the past, there are still disparities that keep Black inventors on the sidelines. For instance, a study found that Black inventors receive just six patents per million people, compared to 235 patents per million for inventors across the entire U.S. That’s not just a gap—it’s a chasm. And it leaves so much untapped potential on the table.

Eric Marquette

The reasons behind this disparity aren’t exactly a mystery, though. It ties back to systemic inequities—like access to STEM education, mentorship, and financial resources. These aren’t new issues, but their impact has been persistent. And what’s really striking is how big the payoff could be if we closed these gaps. Analysts estimate that boosting participation by Black inventors could increase America’s GDP by more than 3%. That’s massive. It’s a reminder that innovation isn’t a zero-sum game—it’s something we all stand to gain from.

Eric Marquette

So, what’s being done? Well, there’s a growing push for solutions. Programs aimed at increasing STEM exposure for underrepresented groups are gaining traction, and mentorship from seasoned professionals is proving pivotal. Access to capital is critical, too, since financial barriers stop many ideas before they ever take off. And, of course, there’s a need for policy reforms to ensure the patent system is as inclusive as it was originally intended to be—an open door for everyone with a great idea.

Eric Marquette

And you know, when these solutions work, they’ve got the potential to change everything. Take Jessica Matthews, for example—her soccer ball that doubles as a power generator came out of a need she observed while attending a wedding in Nigeria. Fast forward, and that one idea has evolved into a company with 15 patents and millions in venture funding. Or Marian Rogers Croak, whose work in voice-over-internet technology paved the way for things like Skype and Google Hangouts. These are just a couple of examples showing how diverse perspectives drive innovation that resonates with the world.

Eric Marquette

At its core, this issue is about more than just fairness. It’s about unlocking creativity and solving problems in ways we haven’t even imagined yet. By addressing these barriers and fostering an environment where inventors from all backgrounds can thrive, we’re not just fixing the system—we’re setting ourselves up for a future where progress knows no limits.

Eric Marquette

And on that note, that’s all for today. As always, thanks for listening, and I'll catch you next time. Stay curious.