Black Inventions

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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.

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.

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.

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

Pacemaker

Otis Boykin, who ironically died of heart failure, invented a control unit for the artificial cardiac pacemaker.

https://twitter.com/leademerging/status/964680617333051392

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.

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.

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.