20 Extremely Rare Photos Of Black Inventions That Will Have You Questioning Everything You Learned In School

Brushing your hair, driving through a busy intersection, doing laundry, or even taking the elevator to a different floor of your apartment building. While these may just sound like normal parts of your daily routine[1], the thing they all have in common is that all roads to these modern creations[2] lead back to a Black inventor[3]. And since we can bet that you don't know the stories behind these inventions, we've done all the heavy lifting for you by creating a list of all the biggest creations that have been patented by Black inventors within the past 150 years.

Caia Image / Getty Images, Milan Markovic / Getty Images

Here are 20 revolutionary Black inventions, how they came to be, and a look at how much they have changed from their initial design to now:

1. The Super Soaker was invented in 1986 by Lonnie Johnson[4], an aerospace engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur.

Houston Chronicle / Getty Images

While working as a NASA engineer[5] in 1982, Lonnie was developing[6] a new heat pump that used pressurized water instead of Freon.

When he attached a nozzle to his bathroom sink, a high-pressure leak sprayed a stream across the room, which inspired him to create a powerful water gun. He built the first prototype from PVC pipe, acrylic, and a 2-liter soda bottle. Here's a look at the patent:

After seven years of being rejected by various toy companies[7], he partnered with Larami Corporation[8] in 1989, and the toy was released in 1990.

It was initially called the "Power Drencher," but was later renamed the "Super Soaker," and within two years, it made over £200 million in sales.

Here's a picture of Lonnie posing outside his home with the Super Soaker in 1986 next to a more recent photo of him in 2025.

Thomas S England / Getty Images, Derek White / Getty Images

2. Garrett Morgan[9] invented the prototype for the modern gas mask in 1914.

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He was inspired by[10] the need for firefighters to breathe through smoke, so he created a canvas hood with a long tube that hung near the floor to draw in cleaner air. It was originally called a "Safety Hood and Smoke Protector[11]," and Garrett proved its usefulness in 1916 after a gas explosion[12] 250 feet below Lake Erie left workers trapped underground. Along with his brother, Garrett and other volunteers used the hood to enter the tunnels and rescue the workers.

Here's a look at the patent:

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Related: 10 Hands-Down Fascinating, Random Historical Facts That Absolutely Everybody Should Know[13]

Despite Garrett's demonstration, white officials were still hesitant to purchase from a Black inventor.

Garrett disguised himself as a white, Native American "inventor" named "Big Chief Mason[14]" and hired white actors to promote the invention. Eventually, the device was adopted by US soldiers[15] in World War I[16] and contributed to the modernization of firefighting equipment.

3. The first three-position traffic signal was also invented by Garrett Morgan in 1923.

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In the early 1900s, Garrett was among the first Black automobile owners in Cleveland, Ohio. After witnessing a severe crash between a car and a horse-drawn carriage, he was inspired to create a safer, automated way to control intersections.

At the time, traffic lights only had two positions (stop and go), but his T-shaped, hand-cranked design included a "caution" (yellow) light that allowed the intersection to clear and helped prevent collisions. Here's a look at the patent:

Later, General Electric bought the rights to his invention for £40,000, paving the way for modern, automated electric traffic lights. Here's a photo of the inventor and businessman from 1943, wearing the Medal for Bravery he got from the City of Erie[17] in recognition of his rescue of the men from the tunnel explosion.

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4. The first home security system was developed by Marie Van Brittan Brown[18], who worked as a nurse[19] with late-night hours in Jamaica, Queens, in 1966.

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Concerned about rising crime rates and her safety when alone at night, she and her husband, an electronics technician, created a circuit television (CCTV) home security system[20] to monitor and defend her residence. The system featured a camera that could slide between four peepholes to show live footage of visitors on a home monitor, microphones that let her communicate with visitors without opening the door, a button to trigger an alarm that alerted police or neighbors, and a way to unlock the door remotely. It wasn't mass-produced, but her invention greatly influenced video doorbells and smart home security, as her patent was cited by many later systems[21].

Here's a look at the patent from 1969:

5. Dr. George Franklin Grant, a Boston dentist and avid golfer[22], invented the golf tee in 1899.

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Frustrated by the need to create "sand tees" multiple times during a round, he designed a cleaner, more efficient alternative. His device was a wooden tee with a gutta-percha[23] (latex resin used in dentistry) crown to hold the ball.

Here's a look at the patent:

Since he was not a businessman, Grant didn't market the invention commercially. Instead, he had them produced locally and gave them to friends.

Despite holding the original patent from 1899, his invention was overlooked for decades until the USGA recognized his contribution in 1991. Grant was also the first Black faculty member at Harvard[24].

6. The rocket catapult ejection system was invented by Hugh D. MacDonald Jr. in 1973.

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Where previous ejection systems were often fatal and clumsy, Hugh developed a system[25] in which the rocket motor's longitudinal axis is always directed toward the seat-occupant's center of gravity. It featured precise control of thrust in a rocket catapult arrangement, designed for consistent, safe ejection force.

Hugh's patent is considered a major advancement in pilot safety, with technology integrated into modern ejection seats. Here's a look at the patent:

Related: 24 Absolutely Bizarre Historical Events I Can Hardly Believe Actually Took Place[26]

7. Lyda D. Newman invented the first hairbrush with synthetic bristles in 1898.

Kanur Ismail / Getty Images

She was a hairdresser[27] who aimed to make hair brushing[28] more hygienic and efficient.

At the time, most hairbrushes were made with animal[29] hair, which was too soft for the thicker texture of Black people's natural hair[30]. Lyda chose to use synthetic fibers instead, as they were more durable and easier to clean. The brush featured evenly spaced rows of bristles with open slots to remove debris, directing it into a hollow compartment.

The back could be opened with a button for cleaning. Here's a look at the patent:

Lyda was also the third Black woman to ever receive a patent[31].

Here's a photo of her:

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8. The automatic gear shift transmission system was invented by Richard B. Spikes in 1932.

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He aimed to make vehicles easier to operate and to reduce mechanical stress, so he developed a system that used constant mesh gears[32] for smooth, automatic shifting.

Here's a look at the patent:

Although it wasn't the first automatic transmission, Richard's improvements were vital to the development of modern automatic systems. Here's a photo of him:

9. The first folding cabinet bed design (later known as the "Murphy Bed") was invented by Sarah E.

Goode in 1885.

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She owned a furniture store in Chicago[33] and aimed to assist local apartment residents and customers concerned about limited space.

She created a "folding bed" that could be hidden inside a functional roll-top cabinet when not in use, which also included space for writing utensils and stationery[34]. Here's a look at the patent:

Sarah was one of the first[35] Black women to receive a patent.

Here's a photo of her:

10. The automatic clothes dryer was invented by George T. Sampson in 1892.

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Related: Only True Disney Fans Can Name These Movies With Just 3 Hints[36]

Early ventilators used metal drums with ventilation holes, hand-cranked over an open fire to dry clothes. This often left clothes smelling like smoke and at risk of catching fire.

He eliminated the need for an open fire by using a more controlled heat source[37], which improved efficiency and safety in clothes drying. His design involved a frame that suspended clothing over a stove, enabling faster and safer drying without the risk of soot, smoke, or fire damage. It was commonly used throughout the 19th century and laid the groundwork for future improvements in modern dryers.

Here's a look at the patent:

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11. Automatic elevator doors were invented by Alexander Miles in 1887.

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In the late 19th century, elevator shaft doors had to be opened and closed manually by passengers or operators, often leaving shafts exposed. After witnessing the dangers of open shafts[38], he developed a mechanism using a flexible cable attached to the elevator cage, which triggered the closing or opening of the shaft doors via a system of levers and rollers when the car arrived. This improved safety by automating the closing of shaft doors, preventing fatal falls.

While this wasn't the first attempt at automation, Alexander's design became the standard for modern, automated, and secure elevator doors. Here's a sketch of him:

12. Improvements to the toilet paper holder were invented by Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner and her sister, Mildred Davidson, in 1982.

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Their design solved the common problem where the end of the toilet paper lies flat against the roll, making it difficult to find and grasp.

These improvements kept the toilet paper in an accessible position[39]. Here's a look at the patent:

Many of Mary's practical, consumer-focused inventions aimed to enhance daily convenience, as she also patented the sanitary belt[40].

Here are photos of Mary and Mildred:

Calvin Eaton via 540westmain.org, Wiki Commons via en.wikipedia.org[41][42]

13. The reversible baby carriage was invented by William H. Richardson in 1889.

Best View Stock / Getty Images

While other models at the time had fixed axles, William's design[43] allowed wheels to move independently, creating a much smaller turning radius. The carriage bassinet could swivel 360 degrees on a central joint, enabling the child to face the parent or the direction of travel.

William's improvements made strollers more practical, safe, and accessible to families, influencing modern stroller design. Here's a look at the patent:

14. The self-wringing mop was invented by Thomas W. Stewart in 1893.

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At that time, mops were mostly single-piece tools that needed to be wrung out by hand. Thomas designed a metal lever mechanism that allowed users to easily squeeze water from the mop head.

His invention featured a screw-on/off mechanism[44] for replacing or cleaning the mop head, and a device attached to the handle that enabled hands-free wringing, making it more sanitary. Thomas's innovation improved floor cleaning efficiency and laid the foundation for future mop designs. Here's a look at the patent:

15. The fire escape ladder was invented by Joseph Winters in 1878.

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As a mechanic in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania[45], Joseph was inspired by seeing firemen waste crucial time manually removing heavy ladders from fire wagons. He designed a foldable extension ladder[46], along with a canvas rescue bag, that could be transported through narrow streets.

The ladder was also mounted on the wagon, allowing for rapid deployment to higher floors of buildings. Here's a look at the patent:

While his first patent was for the wagon-mounted fire escape ladder, he later patented[47] a fire escape ladder that could be attached directly to buildings in 1882.

Joseph went on to form the Winters Fire Apparatus Company[48] to produce his inventions, which significantly improved urban fire safety. Here's a photo of him:

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Related: 10 Historical Lies We Were Told When The Truth Is Sooooo Much Juicier[49]

16. The standing street mailbox was invented by Philip B.

Downing in 1891.

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At that time, people had to go to post offices to send mail, which motivated Philip to design a four-legged metal container[50] with a hinged, secure door for placement on street corners. This design made mail deposits easy, weather-protected, and theft-resistant. It is cited as the predecessor of the modern blue curbside mailboxes[51] used by the United States[52] Postal Service today.

Here's a look at the patent:

17. The door knob was invented by Osbourn Dorsey in 1878.

Futurewalk / Getty Images

At the time, many doors relied on devices like string-operated latches or simple bolts. His "door-holding device" was designed not only to serve as a handle but also to securely hold the door at a desired angle, preventing it from swinging shut due to drafts, which was especially important for protecting glass.

The invention included a knob-spindle with a slotted collar[53], a sliding pin, a toothed lever, and a latch mechanism that allowed for better security and easier operation. Osbourn's invention revolutionized door security and usability, with his designs becoming widely used for both residential and public doors. He was approximately 16 years old[54] at the time of his invention.

Here's a look at the patent:

18. The window cleaner was invented by Anthony L. Lewis in 1892.

Artmarie / Getty Images

The device replaced traditional sponge-and-bucket methods and included a handle[55] attached to a wooden block, featuring a flexible rubber reservoir designed to hold water and release it through tiny perforations.

It had a scraper, creating a "two-in-one" tool that allowed users to apply water, clean, and wipe the glass without constantly switching tools. Anthony's invention was a major improvement in maintenance tools, which predated modern window cleaners like Windex (1933) or the Ettore squeegee (1936). Here's a look at the patent:

19. The curtain rod[56] was invented by Samuel R. Scottron in 1892.

Toa55 / Getty Images

Samuel was an activist and entrepreneur from Brooklyn, New York[57], and while existing curtain fixtures were often fixed in size, he developed adjustable mechanisms that allowed rods to extend or retract. This innovation simplified the installation process and made window treatments more practical and accessible.

Here's a look at the patent:

In addition to the rod, Samuel also invented a "multi-angled mirror" to see behind oneself and a unique process to make glass resemble onyx. Here's a photo of him:

20. The first portable, hand-cranked pencil sharpener was invented by John Lee Love in 1897.

Moodboard / Getty Images

At that time, pencils were often sharpened using pocket knives.

While working as a carpenter[58] in Fall River, Massachusetts, John Lee designed a simple and portable device with a built-in shavings compartment, enabling users to easily sharpen pencils while on the move. It featured a conical opening where the pencil was inserted, and a hand crank turned a blade against the pencil to produce a precise point. It also served as a desk accessory or paperweight.

Here's a look at the patent:

Are there any Black inventions that we missed? Tell us about them in the comments!

It's the 100th anniversary of Black History Month[59] this year!

Follow all of our coverage here[60].

Of course, the content doesn't end after February.

Follow BuzzFeed's Cocoa Butter on Instagram[61], TikTok[62], and YouTube[63] to keep up with our latest Black culture content year-round!

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Also in Rewind: "Rich White People In The Bay Area Are So Entitled": People Are Sharing The Most Spoiled Behavior They've Ever Seen[64]

Also in Rewind: People Are Sharing The Weirdest, Eeriest, Most Fascinating Historical Events That 100% Read Like A Time Traveler Altered History[65]

Also in Rewind: Answer These '80s, '90s, And 2000s Trivia Questions And We'll Guess Your Exact (And I Mean EXACT) Age[66]

Read it on BuzzFeed.com[67]

References

1. ^ daily routine (www.buzzfeed.com)
2. ^ modern creations (www.buzzfeed.com)
3. ^ Black inventor (www.buzzfeed.com)
4. ^ Lonnie Johnson (www.buzzfeed.com)
5. ^ NASA engineer (www.invent.org)
6. ^ was developing (www.history.com)
7. ^ toy companies (www.buzzfeed.com)
8. ^ partnered with Larami Corporation (lonniejohnson.com)
9. ^ Garrett Morgan (www.buzzfeed.com)
10. ^ inspired by (www.invent.org)
11. ^ Safety Hood and Smoke Protector (www.wrhs.org)
12. ^ after a gas explosion (www.biography.com)
13. ^ 10 Hands-Down Fascinating, Random Historical Facts That Absolutely Everybody Should Know (www.buzzfeed.com)
14. ^ Big Chief Mason (www.pbs.org)
15. ^ adopted by US soldiers (highways.dot.gov)
16. ^ World War I (www.buzzfeed.com)
17. ^ he got from the City of Erie (www.ite.org)
18. ^ Marie Van Brittan Brown (www.buzzfeed.com)
19. ^ worked as a nurse (idaho.pressbooks.pub)
20. ^ home security system (www.buzzfeed.com)
21. ^ cited by many later systems (lemelson.mit.edu)
22. ^ Boston dentist and avid golfer (www.usga.org)
23. ^ with a gutta-percha (www.pga.com)
24. ^ first Black faculty member at Harvard (perspectivesofchange.hms.harvard.edu)
25. ^ developed a system (patents.google.com)
26. ^ 24 Absolutely Bizarre Historical Events I Can Hardly Believe Actually Took Place (www.buzzfeed.com)
27. ^ a hairdresser (lemelson.mit.edu)
28. ^ hair brushing (www.buzzfeed.com)
29. ^ animal (www.buzzfeed.com)
30. ^ natural hair (www.buzzfeed.com)
31. ^ ever receive a patent (blackpast.org)
32. ^ constant mesh gears (blackpast.org)
33. ^ furniture store in Chicago (clarabartonmuseum.org)
34. ^ writing utensils and stationery (www.core77.com)
35. ^ one of the first (www.lib.uchicago.edu)
36. ^ Only True Disney Fans Can Name These Movies With Just 3 Hints (www.buzzfeed.com)
37. ^ using a more controlled heat source (www.r-rights-400years.com)
38. ^ witnessing the dangers of open shafts (blackpast.org)
39. ^ improvements kept the toilet paper in an accessible position (shopping.yahoo.com)
40. ^ sanitary belt (patents.google.com)
41. ^ 540westmain.org (540westmain.org)
42. ^ en.wikipedia.org (en.wikipedia.org)
43. ^ William's design (aaregistry.org)
44. ^ a screw-on/off mechanism (www.thoughtco.com)
45. ^ mechanic in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania (aaregistry.org)
46. ^ foldable extension ladder (blackpast.org)
47. ^ later patented (patents.google.com)
48. ^ Winters Fire Apparatus Company (www.publicopiniononline.com)
49. ^ 10 Historical Lies We Were Told When The Truth Is Sooooo Much Juicier (www.buzzfeed.com)
50. ^ four-legged metal container (blackpast.org)
51. ^ modern blue curbside mailboxes (blackamericaweb.com)
52. ^ United States (www.buzzfeed.com)
53. ^ knob-spindle with a slotted collar (patents.google.com)
54. ^ approximately 16 years old (theblackwallsttimes.com)
55. ^ included a handle (theblackwallsttimes.com)
56. ^ curtain rod (www.buzzfeed.com)
57. ^ entrepreneur from Brooklyn, New York (theblackwallsttimes.com)
58. ^ working as a carpenter (www.biography.com)
59. ^ Black History Month (www.buzzfeed.com)
60. ^ here (www.buzzfeed.com)
61. ^ Instagram (www.instagram.com)
62. ^ TikTok (www.tiktok.com)
63. ^ YouTube (www.youtube.com)
64. ^ "Rich White People In The Bay Area Are So Entitled": People Are Sharing The Most Spoiled Behavior They've Ever Seen (www.buzzfeed.com)
65. ^ People Are Sharing The Weirdest, Eeriest, Most Fascinating Historical Events That 100% Read Like A Time Traveler Altered History (www.buzzfeed.com)
66. ^ Answer These '80s, '90s, And 2000s Trivia Questions And We'll Guess Your Exact (And I Mean EXACT) Age (www.buzzfeed.com)
67. ^ Read it on BuzzFeed.com (www.buzzfeed.com)