Black History Month serves as more than a mere acknowledgment of Black individuals’ outstanding achievements, inventions, and contributions in America. It stands as a celebration of unity within our diverse nation, emphasizing that true unity requires the active participation of every race and ethnic group. Much like assembling a puzzle, unity relies on a combination of various pieces, and the contributions of Black people form an integral part of this larger picture.
Take a moment to explore a list of inventions that have shaped our daily lives, many of which were created by Black innovators. From the potato chips invented by George Crum to the gas mask by Garrett Morgan, each item represents a puzzle piece in the grand mosaic of American ingenuity. These contributions extend beyond the commonly known to include lesser-known inventions such as the public outdoor protective mailboxes by Philip B. Downing and the blood bank by Charles Richard Drew.
Here are a few more inventions you may or may not be aware of:
Home Security System – Mary Van Brittan Brown
Three-Light Traffic Light – Garrett Morgan
Refrigerated Trucks – Frederick McKinley Jones
Automatic Elevator Doors – Alexander Miles
Color PC Monitor – Mark Dean
Tissue Holder – Mary Davidson
Automatic Gear Shift – Richard Spikes
Clothes Dryer – George T. Sampson
Dust Pan – Lloyd P. Ray
Golf Tees – Dr. George Grant
Ice Cream Scooper – Alfred L. Cralle
Lawnmower – John Albert Burr
Lawn Sprinkler – Joseph A. Smith
Coin Changer – James A. Bauer
Fire Extinguisher – Tom J. Marshal
Hair Brush – Lyda Newman
Cellular Phone – Henry Sampson
Curtain Rod – S.R. Scottron
These inventions, totaling 22 in this list alone, illustrate the vast impact of Black individuals in fields ranging from technology to daily conveniences. However, it is crucial to recognize that the influence of Black Americans extends far beyond inventions. Literature, music, arts, sports, politics, education, science, commerce, and health are just a few of the realms where Black excellence has left an indelible mark on the fabric of American society.
Yet, despite the positive strides made in acknowledging and celebrating Black contributions, forces still seek to undermine unity. Working in the library, we have puzzles set up on tables for the public to work together to put together. Many come by, stop, and make their contributions by adding a few or a handful of pieces to the puzzle. However, I have seen people (really only small children) come by and take the puzzle apart, pushing pieces to the floor. Now, I believe there’s no real evil intent by these kids; mostly kids whose parents have taken their eyes off of them for more than a few moments while the kids activate their busy minds and busy hands to do something impulsively or carelessly but their actions result in disarray and disunity.
And that’s how I see those who undermine the contributions of people; they tear the puzzle apart, mix up the pieces when someone isn’t looking and sometimes when someone is looking, and they walk away as if nothing happened. This is the definition of disunity.
In understanding the profound impact of Black history across numerous aspects of American life, it becomes evident that unity is a collective effort. Just as puzzle pieces fit together to create a coherent image, the contributions of all Americans, irrespective of ethnicity, play a crucial role in shaping the nation. While Black History Month provides a dedicated time to reflect on these contributions, extending this celebration throughout the year is essential.
By consistently recognizing and honoring the accomplishments of all ethnicities and races, we reinforce the idea that each community contributes unique pieces to the ongoing construction of our nation. Black history is not a standalone narrative; it is an integral part of the larger American story, a story that continues to evolve as more pieces are added to the puzzle of unity.