February is Black History Month. It is a time for us to reflect, celebrate and honor the work of African Americans, whose sacrifices, advocacy and innovations have elevated our economic, cultural and social fabric. At a time when there are attempts to erase the teaching and publication of Black history, this is all the more reason to magnify the undeniable loss, legacy and infinite contribution of African Americans.
While our journey as African Americans has been marred by slavery, murder, racism and suffering, it has also made the survivors proud and victorious, proud and courageous. We are role models, scholars, builders, trailblazers and leaders. We are inventors, icons and innovators.
Our imprint and impact are free from obstacles, road blocks, obstructionists, saboteurs and people who think we are below them. However, we did not collapse under the weight of discrimination, anger, alienation and isolation.
Instead, we continue to do intellectual work under these circumstances. Our contributions have been transformative and future-oriented, although little heralds the many advances and innovations of African Americans. The following represent just a few that made an indelible impression:
- Dr. Patricia Bath, an ophthalmologist and laser scientist, invented the Laserphaco Probe and techniques that improved cataract surgery.
- Marc Hannah, Ph.D., a renowned engineer, is the inventor of 3D technology for special effects, which advances cinematography in films and television.
- Shirley Ann Jackson was the first African-American woman to earn a doctorate from MIT. She is also the first woman in MIT history to receive a Ph.D. in physics. His research influenced the invention of fiber optics cable, caller ID, call waiting and solar cells.
- Marc Dean, Ph.D., is a co-inventor of the personal computer and the color monitor.
- Marie Van Brittan Brown created the original design of the security systems in use today. He filed a patent for his closed-circuit TV invention in 1966.
- Jesse Eugene Russell is widely credited with conceptualizing and developing foundational smartphone technology. He holds several patents in mobile and wireless technology.
- Garrett Augustus Morgan Sr. was the inventor of the three-position traffic signal from which our contemporary stoplights are derived. He also designed a protective hood that prevents the intake of smoke. This gear design evolved into what we use today as a gas mask.
These seven examples represent a microcosm of the countless inventions of African Americans. These African American inventors personified brilliance, strength, courage and leadership. Many of the things that make our lives better today were created by one of them. They didn’t launch their inventions just for African Americans. It doesn’t appear that any of them think narrowly. They create inventions for the world, for tomorrow and for everyone.
Reflecting on African American contributions like this gives us an opportunity to rethink how much we can accomplish as a people if we break down barriers, eliminate stigma, remove ourselves from stereotypical behavior and become true allies. The possibilities are amazing.
For African Americans, our past is dark and violent, but our success is inevitable. It is part of our generation. It’s in our DNA. It resonates in our soul. From the plantation to the presidency, from slavery to the Supreme Court, we have shown our ancestors that their sacrifices were not in vain.
Black History Month reminds us of the power of perseverance, the rewards of resistance, and the hard work, heroism and hope that help all people. When one of us rises, we all rise.
Rev. Theresa A. Dear is a national board member of the NAACP and a contributor to the Deseret News.
