Black Inventions
BHM: Did You Know These Beloved Things Were Invented By Black People?
Share the post
Share this link via
Or copy link

Source: Comstock / Getty
Black folks have a legacy of being great when it comes to sports and entertainment. But for some reason, we never hear much about African Americans contributions when it comes to inventions that changed the world.
But all that is changing:
3-D Glasses
Kenneth J. Dunkley is known for inventing Three Dimensional Viewing Glasses (3-DVG) in 1986.
In honor of Black excellence and Black History Month, check out these dope inventions that you probably didn’t know were invented by Black people.
BHM: Did You Know These Beloved Things Were Invented By Black People? was originally published on globalgrind.com
Gifs/Online Video
Lisa Gelobter was involved with the development of Shockwave, a technology that formed the beginning of web animation and is credited for playing a major role in the emergence of online video.
BHM: Did You Know These Beloved Things Were Invented By Black People? was originally published on globalgrind.com
Caller ID/Call Waiting
Dr. Shirley Jackson conducted breakthrough basic scientific research that enabled others to invent the portable fax, touch tone telephone, solar cells, fiber optic cables, and the technology behind caller ID and call waiting.
BHM: Did You Know These Beloved Things Were Invented By Black People? was originally published on globalgrind.com
Playboy Bunny Costume
Zelda Wynn Valdes was a fashion designer, known for creating pieces that highlighted the female body. In the late 40’s, Hugh Hefner commissioned Zelda to design the first-ever Playboy Bunny costumes.
https://twitter.com/abronxchick/status/962545601157173248
BHM: Did You Know These Beloved Things Were Invented By Black People? was originally published on globalgrind.com
Pacemaker
Otis Boykin, who ironically died of heart failure, invented a control unit for the artificial cardiac pacemaker.
https://twitter.com/leademerging/status/964680617333051392
BHM: Did You Know These Beloved Things Were Invented By Black People? was originally published on globalgrind.com
Three-Light Traffic Signal
Before Garrett Morgan, traffic signals only had a stop and go light. Thanks to his addition, car accidents greatly decreased. Morgan is also credited for created the gas mask.
BHM: Did You Know These Beloved Things Were Invented By Black People? was originally published on globalgrind.com
Super Soaker
Lonnie G. Johnson wasn’t even a toy inventor. He was actually an Aerospace Engineer for NASA with over 40 patents under his belt.
BHM: Did You Know These Beloved Things Were Invented By Black People? was originally published on globalgrind.com
Laser Cataract Surgery
Patricia Bath is the first African-American female doctor to receive a medical patent. She invented the Laserphaco Probe for cataract treatment in 1986.
BHM: Did You Know These Beloved Things Were Invented By Black People? was originally published on globalgrind.com
-
Win $250 in Back 2 School Cash!
-
Miss Lawrence: HIV Awareness, Hollywood Insights, and Keeping It Real
-
2025 Cincinnati Music Festival Lineup Announced
-
20 Photos of Ja'Marr Chase’s GF Deja Nicole Hiott
-
Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2025
-
Kierra Sheard Reflects on Life, Musical Collaboration and More
-
CareSource Adopt a Classroom
-
‘Sistas’ Stars Devale Ellis and Crystal Renee Hayslett Talk Growth, Authenticity, and Industry Challenges