By Kory Murphy, Program Officer, The Lemelson Foundation
Each February brings me a deeper appreciation for Black History Month. Yet, alongside this admiration, I can’t help but grapple with mixed feelings. We dedicate a mere 28 days to honoring the remarkable achievements of Black individuals in American history. Despite the community events and workplace discussions, Black History Month often feels like a mere token gesture, akin to a game show consolation prize.
It’s in February when discussions about the history of Black people in America, including the painful legacy of slavery, seem momentarily acceptable, with minimal pushback. It’s as if it serves as a pressure valve, briefly releasing tension before we comfortably revert to silence for the rest of the year. It’s a brief window where being unapologetically Black is somewhat encouraged, but once March arrives, it’s back to the norm.
But what if we aimed for something deeper? What if we dared to move beyond this constrained celebration and embraced an ongoing exploration and admiration of the ingenuity of Black people? What valuable insights and inspiration could we discover if we fully immersed ourselves in the diverse tapestry of Black history, drawing lessons from both triumphs and struggles, and honoring the modern trailblazers shaping our future?
As I settle into my new role at The Lemelson Foundation as a Program Officer for Invention and Entrepreneurship, I’m reminded of the ingenuity of my African ancestors. Their creativity fuels my drive to enhance innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems, enabling Black success across the U.S. and beyond. Now, more than ever, we need inventions, businesses, and innovations that meet the needs of different people. This month, let’s recognize the enduring impact of Black ingenuity and envision the possibilities it holds for our future.
Truly appreciating the ingenuity of Black people in American history goes beyond celebrating their accomplishments; it’s about understanding why they innovated. Many of their groundbreaking inventions were born out of necessity and survival, addressing challenges that were often overlooked. Some innovators fought against injustice, aiming for the betterment of society as a whole. Consider Kimberly Bryant‘s algorithms tackling healthcare disparities or the endeavors of Dr. Charles Drew and Kellee James, prioritizing inventions with positive social and environmental impacts. In 1966, Mary Van Brittan Brown invented the home security system out of necessity, as she often found herself alone in an unsafe neighborhood with unreliable police assistance. Despite facing systemic barriers, Black inventors have significantly contributed to the innovation ecosystem, leaving an enduring legacy through their brilliance, resilience, and dedication to justice.
When we examine the reasons behind their innovation, we can draw valuable lessons applicable to the present. Today, there are significant opportunities to combat climate, social, health, and economic injustices while actively shaping the future we envision. By highlighting the journeys of Black changemakers past and present we can inspire the next generation of innovators, demonstrating that the path to innovation is accessible to everyone irrespective of their background or circumstances. In these times, the need to recognize and embrace Black ingenuity is possibly more critical than ever.
This month, as we rightfully honor cultural giants like Martin Luther King Jr. and Maya Angelou, along with all those who have challenged norms and expanded horizons throughout history, let’s also take a moment to recognize the unsung heroes. This is a special tribute to the Black inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs whose remarkable ingenuity has shaped our society, often without receiving the recognition or compensation they deserved. They are the trailblazers who, despite facing injustice, brutality, and hate, have courageously and tenaciously worked for the betterment of their communities and future generations.
Black history extends far beyond the confines of textbooks or Netflix documentaries; it’s a dynamic narrative of continuous innovation, resonating not just for a month but for generations to come. This year, let’s extend our celebration beyond February and embrace a unique opportunity, perhaps even a challenge, to delve deeper into the groundbreaking contributions of Black inventors.
We’ve started by showcasing here just some of our contemporary Black problem-solvers and change agents who are creating inventions that improve lives and address a wide range of sectors and issues.
But the true celebration occurs daily, as we amplify every voice, dismantle barriers, and witness each invention lighting the path to a brighter future.