Today, we honor the life and legacy of John Albert Burr (1848–1926), an African American inventor whose innovation helped shape the modern lawn mower and transform everyday lawn care. Born in Maryland to formerly enslaved parents, John T. and Anna Wanger Burr, young Burr came of age during the Civil War era. As a teenager,…
This Black History Month, we celebrate Marjorie Joyner — a trailblazing businesswoman, educator, inventor, philanthropist, and activist whose innovation transformed the beauty industry. Joyner is best known as the inventor of the permanent hair-wave machine, a device used by people with both curly and straight hair to create long-lasting styles. In 1928, she became one…
On this day of Black History Month, we proudly spotlight Engineer Henry T. Sampson — a groundbreaking nuclear engineer, inventor, and trailblazer whose scientific achievements helped shape modern technology. Early Life & Education Born in Jackson, Mississippi in 1934, Dr. Sampson began his academic journey at Morehouse College before transferring to Purdue University, where he earned his Bachelor…
Today, we proudly honor Alexander Miles (May 18, 1838 – May 7, 1918) — a brilliant African American inventor and businessman whose innovations transformed elevator safety forever. Early Life & Career Born in Circleville, Ohio, Miles spent much of his early adulthood working as a barber in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where he first became known for…
