Black inventors have contributed countless innovations that shaped daily life in ways many people may not realize. From home safety to modern communication tools, these inventions improved convenience, health, and productivity. Although not always widely recognized, their influence remains essential to how society functions today. Drawing on sources such as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, and historical archives, here are eight little-known inventions by Black innovators that continue to make an impact in everyday life.
1. Home Security System
In 1969, Marie Van Brittan Brown, a nurse from New York, patented one of the first home security systems. According to the U.S. Patent Office, her design included cameras, monitors, and a two-way microphone that allowed homeowners to see and communicate with visitors before opening the door. This invention laid the groundwork for today’s modern security systems used worldwide. Brown’s invention gave families peace of mind in addition to increasing home safety. Her contribution remains a cornerstone in the development of surveillance technology used in both residential and commercial spaces.
2. Automatic Elevator Doors
Alexander Miles revolutionized elevator safety in 1887 when he patented automatic doors that closed and opened without human intervention. Before this, passengers risked falling down open shafts when doors were left unclosed. The National Inventors Hall of Fame highlights that Miles’ design significantly reduced accidents and became a standard feature in modern elevators. His invention was critical in making tall buildings safer and more accessible, supporting the expansion of cities. Though often overlooked, his contribution is part of why elevators remain safe for millions of riders every day.
3. Gas Mask
Garrett Morgan, an inventor and businessman, patented a safety hood in 1914 that became the foundation for the modern gas mask. According to the Smithsonian Institution, his device filtered out smoke and harmful gases, saving countless lives in fires and hazardous environments. Morgan’s gas mask gained national attention after he used it to rescue workers trapped during a 1916 tunnel explosion in Cleveland. This invention later influenced military equipment in World War I and beyond. Morgan’s practical safety innovation remains vital in both firefighting and emergency response worldwide.
4. Improved Ironing Board
In 1892, Sarah Boone, one of the first African American women to receive a U.S. patent, created an improved ironing board. According to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, her design included a narrow, curved surface that made it easier to press sleeves and women’s garments. This innovation improved household efficiency and became a standard design feature in modern ironing boards. Boone’s invention represented progress not only in domestic tools but also in expanding opportunities for women inventors during the late 19th century.
5. Super Soaker
In 1989, engineer Lonnie Johnson invented the Super Soaker, a pressurized water gun that became one of the most popular toys in history. The National Toy Hall of Fame notes that Johnson, who previously worked as a NASA engineer, applied his engineering knowledge to create a high-powered water blaster. By the mid-1990s, the Super Soaker was generating hundreds of millions in sales and remains a childhood staple. Johnson’s playful yet innovative invention highlights how Black inventors have shaped industries far beyond science and engineering, influencing popular culture and fun worldwide.
6. Modern Traffic Light
Garrett Morgan, best known for his gas mask, also patented an improved traffic signal in 1923. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, his design added a “caution” signal to stop-and-go lights, reducing accidents at intersections. This three-light system became the model for traffic lights used globally today. Morgan eventually sold the rights to General Electric, ensuring widespread adoption. His contribution transformed road safety during a time of rapid automobile growth, and the basic framework of his invention continues to guide traffic management worldwide.
7. Potato Chips
While the story of potato chips’ invention has several versions, George Crum, a Black chef in Saratoga Springs, New York, is credited with popularizing them in 1853. The New York State Museum highlights that Crum accidentally created the snack when a customer complained about thick-cut potatoes, leading him to slice them thin and fry them crisp. The unexpected hit spread rapidly, becoming one of America’s most beloved snacks. Though often overlooked as an invention, potato chips revolutionized snack culture and remain a global food staple today.
8. Three-Light Railroad Signal
In 1881, Granville T. Woods, known as the “Black Edison,” patented a three-light railroad signal system to improve train safety. The National Inventors Hall of Fame records that his invention helped prevent collisions by allowing better communication between trains and stations. Woods, who held more than 50 patents, made critical contributions to transportation technology, and his signaling system became a key advancement in railway operations. This innovation laid the groundwork for modern transportation safety systems, ensuring smoother and more reliable travel on America’s railroads.
