As Black History Month comes to a close for 2025, we want to take a moment and share some of the things we’ve learned this month. Black History Month, celebrated every February in the United States and Canada, is a time to honor the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. Born out of a desire to acknowledge the rich and complex heritage of the African diaspora, Black History Month serves as a reminder of the struggles, triumphs, and enduring spirit of a community that has profoundly shaped the fabric of societies worldwide. While members of our staff took the time to educate us all on the important contributions of black inventors and what they have contributed to our lives, as a Woman-Owned business, we were especially thrilled to learn about the black women inventors, and hope that you will enjoy learning about them as well.
Lyda D. Newman revolutionized Black hair care in the 1890’s by creating the first synthetic bristle hair brush. At that time, most hair bristles were made from animal hairs, like Boar hair. While these fibers are gentle on hair, they are also quite soft and that makes it difficult for them to work through coarse hair. The synthetic bristles not only work best with coarse hair, but also are easier to clean between clients in a salon setting.
In a similar vein, Madam C.J. Walker, born Sarah Breedlove in 1867, is celebrated as the first self-made female millionaire in America. She developed and marketed a line of beauty and hair products for Black women under the company she founded, Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company. Her most famous product was the “Walker System,” which included a hair-straightening formula and hot comb method that transformed hair care for Black women. Beyond her inventions, Walker was also a philanthropist and civil rights advocate.
Dr. Patricia Bath, born in 1942, was a pioneering ophthalmologist and inventor who made history as the first African American woman to receive a medical patent. She invented the Laserphaco Probe, a device that uses laser technology to perform minimally invasive cataract surgery. Her invention has restored sight to millions of people who were blinded by cataracts. Dr. Bath was also a co-founder of the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness, advocating for vision health as a basic human right.
Marie Van Brittan Brown, born in 1922, was an inventor who made significant contributions to home security systems. In 1966, she invented the first home security system, which included a camera, monitors, and a two-way microphone. Her invention laid the foundation for modern security systems and has been instrumental in enhancing home safety. Brown's work is a testament to how innovative thinking can address everyday problems and improve quality of life.
While Sarah Boone’s contribution may relate to something that falls into the traditional “women’s work” genre, it is interesting to think about how much easier it makes the task of ironing. Boone was a dressmaker who wanted to improve the process of ironing fashions in the early 1890s. Her ironing board design featured a narrow end for sleeves and other small areas; padding to prevent impressions from the wood, and collapsable legs for easy storage.
Alice H. Parker developed a way to heat homes more efficiently than using fireplaces or wood stoves. Her 1919 patent was powered by natural gas, and included ducts that could heat individual rooms. It is the precursor for HVAC systems in use today, so he is largely responsible for keeping our homes warm and cozy in the winter without the need to chop wood.
Black History Month is a celebration of the resilience, creativity, and enduring spirit of the African American community. It is a time to honor the past, recognize the present, and inspire future generations to continue the pursuit of equality and justice. By reflecting on the achievements and contributions of Black individuals, we acknowledge their pivotal role in shaping our world and commit to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. Black women’s contributions have profoundly impacted our lives, yet their innovations are often overlooked. Next time you turn up the heat or set the alarm, recognize these trailblazing women!
