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From Dream to Patent: The Lemelson Foundation’s Commitment to Equitable Invention




By Rob Schneider, Executive Director, The Lemelson Foundation

Black History Month is a time for reflection, celebration, and a renewed commitment to acknowledging and uplifting the immense contributions of African American and Black inventors throughout history. This month is not merely a commemoration; it is a call to action, a time for us to reckon with the persistent struggle for racial justice and equity.

In 1926, renowned historian Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week – a groundbreaking initiative aimed to counter the pervasive lack of acknowledgement, denial, and erasure of Black history from mainstream narratives. Woodson fervently believed that Black people should be proud of their rich heritage and that all Americans should understand the largely overlooked achievements of Blacks in the U.S. His vision ultimately led to the establishment of Black History Month, which was federally recognized by President Gerald Ford during the U.S. Bicentennial Celebration in February 1976.

Illustration from Tahira Reid Smith’s patent for an automated Double Dutch jump rope machine.

This Black History Month, we have had the privilege of highlighting the groundbreaking achievements of numerous Black inventors, from the brilliance of Alice H. Parker’s safer, more accessible, and more efficient central heating system, to the ingenuity of Angel Teagle’s Car Seat Companion, to Tahira Reid Smith’s playful automated Double Dutch jump rope machine machine. These pioneers — and countless others — have not only enriched lives through their inventions, but have also shattered barriers and paved the way for future generations of inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Their stories serve as a compelling testament to the enduring power of human ingenuity and the profound impact that diverse perspectives can have on the world around us.

Building upon this legacy and that of our Founder, Jerome “Jerry” Lemelson — a prolific inventor himself — The Lemelson Foundation actively works to cultivate invention and ensure that its benefits are accessible to all. Recognizing that systemic inequities hinder innovation, the Foundation focuses on dismantling barriers to entry and amplifying underrepresented voices.

Without question, one of the most significant barriers to equitable innovation is the lack of access to resources and opportunities. The Lemelson Foundation actively addresses this by:

  • Supporting STEM and Invention Education in Underserved Communities: By investing in programs that provide access to quality STEM and invention education, the Foundation is helping to cultivate the next generation of inventors. This includes programs that provide hands-on learning experiences, mentorship opportunities, and access to cutting-edge technologies.
  • Preparing Students for a Future Yet to be Invented: By prioritizing invention education, we ensure young minds have the tools to problem-solve and innovate. This is why The Lemelson Foundation supports a national community of practice focused on collaboration and best-practice standards to provide educators with the tools they need to cultivate future inventors. By developing and disseminating effective resources, we can equip students with the creative confidence to not only adapt to, but shape, the world they inherit.
  • Breaking Down Financial Barriers: Access to capital is a critical hurdle for many aspiring inventors. The Lemelson Foundation provides funding to the organizations and programs that support the development and commercialization of inventive and innovative technologies, ensuring that financial constraints do not stifle groundbreaking ideas.

The realization of an invention ecosystem’s full potential hinges upon the equitable participation of individuals from historically marginalized communities. African Americans, women, underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, first-time entrepreneurs, and those from low-income backgrounds or residing outside major urban centers often face systemic barriers to accessing the support necessary for their inventive and entrepreneurial pursuits. Recognizing this, the Foundation fosters a culture of experimentation, risk-taking, continuous learning, and catalytic action to empower all students with inventive and entrepreneurial skills. Furthermore, we champion the development of products and businesses that address critical societal challenges and improve lives for all. 

We acknowledge that equitable invention and entrepreneurship demand the inclusion of diverse perspectives and lived experiences, and actively seek to amplify their voices and stories. These extraordinary inventors offer unique perspectives and innovative solutions that enrich society. 

The Lemelson Foundation’s commitment to equity is not merely a philanthropic endeavor. It is a strategic investment in a more just and equitable future. By dismantling barriers to entry, amplifying underrepresented voices, and ensuring that innovation serves the greater good, we are cultivating a more inclusive and impactful innovation ecosystem.

Since our founding in 1993, The Lemelson Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a more equitable and inclusive environment for inventors and innovators. By championing the ingenuity of all regardless of background, and by ensuring that the fruits of invention benefit humanity as a whole, we strive to create a future where invention and innovation are catalysts for positive social change and forces for good for all humankind.