The African American Scientist and Inventor day marks an important day in Black History. Every year, we celebrate our fellows in STEM on 25th February. This year let’s join hands in remembering the Black community that has contributed to science. From the field of chemistry to math and computers to space. The Black community plays an important role in research and science. Today, we will talk about the greatest African American scientists that the world has seen. So, join us in exploring the field of science with our Black scientists.
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George Washington Carver
George Washington Carver was born in January 1864 and passed away on January 5th, 1943. Carver was one of the leading African American scientists. He was an agricultural chemist, agriculturalist, and educator. His work makes him famous for discovering new and helpful ways to farm. His most famous work was finding many uses for peanuts. Who could’ve thought that you can use peanuts in so many ways?
While he didn’t invent peanut butter. But Carver made lots of other things from peanuts. These include things like soap, face powder, mayonnaise, shampoo, metal polish, and adhesives. So, these discoveries by Carver have made life better for many people and helped farmers. Thus, providing us ways to create useful items from agricultural material. We remember him for his important contributions to agriculture and science.
Dorothy Johnson Vaughan
Vaughan was born on September 20th, 1910, and died on November 10th, 2008. She was one of the leading mathematicians at NASA. Thus, her math skills helped NASA in working their way to space. Her findings and research also helped in launching many satellites. Vaughan was famous as the “human computer” due to her impressive math skills. Moreover, she was also part of a team that did mathematical calculations to help launch satellites. Thus, her work still helps humans go into outer space. So her group helped NASA in understanding the affects of wind and gravity on aircrafts.
They separated Vaughan’s departments initally. This was mainly due to racial segregation. Vaughan, along with her fellow Black researchers, used separate dining areas and bathrooms. So they faced this opposition for the next six years. After which, Vaughan became the manager of her division and the first Black supervisor. Finally, a decade later, this segregation was to end. This was when Vaughan got the chance to join the Analysis and Computation Division. There, she learned computer programming and other tools. Which were to later help her in launching John Glenn and other astronauts into space. Thus, helping Vaughan become one of the first African American women in STEM.
Madame C. J. Walker
Walker was born on December 23rd, 1867 and died on May 25th, 1919. She was one of the greatest inventors and businesswomen of her time. Her main aim was to hire more Black women. Thus, giving them the opportunity to work and make a career. So, she was one of the biggest employers of Black women. She was one of the first black woman to start a line of beauty products. That too, for the African American community. She used her experience as a pharmacist to help her build her career. One of her popular works was the hair-softening cream and shampoo. This helped heal dry skin and other itchy problems. Moreover, Walker hired many Black women as salespersons. This helped them have a job and earn for themselves.
Mark E. Dean
Dean was born on March 2nd, 1957. He is one of the leading figures in the world of computer sciences and engineering. Moreover, he is also the top engineering mind at International Business Machines, IBM. Dean’s first remarkable work was when he and his colleague made computers to talk with other devices. These devices included printers, fax machines, and other such devices. So, make sure to thank Dean whenever you’re printing anything.
Overall, Dean holds 20 patents to his name. Thus, in 2000, California African American Museum named him in their “50 Most Important African Americans in Technology.” After all, he is the one to make one of the most important finds in tech. Moreover, Dean is on a mission to raise awareness about the works of Black engineers. So, make sure to help him progress his mission by learning more about the Black scientists and inventors.
Mae C. Jemison
Jemison was born on October 17th, 1956, and is yet another women in space on our list. Her list of feats is something that will definitely surprise you. Jemison earned two undergrad and a medical degree and served two years as a Peace Corps medical officer in West Africa. All this before her 30th birthday. Moreover, NASA selected her to join their astronaut training program. Thus, leading to her eight-day space flight. Jemison took her first flight into the depths of space in 1992. Thus, making her the first African American female to fly into outer space. She took on this mission inside NASA’s Endeavour space shuttle.
Percy L. Julian
Julian was born on April 11th, 1899 and died on April 19th, 1975. He is one of the most famous chemists on our list. Julian, also famous as the soybean chemist, is famous for his work with soya products. He was successful in making many chemicals and drugs using just soya. How amazing is that? One of his finds proved to be especially helpful during the World War II. This was his firefighting solution which was famous as the “bean soup”. This “soup” helped save lives of thousands of sailors and naval airmen during the war. Thus, he got more that 130 chemical patents to his name due to his work.
“I have had one goal in my life, that of playing some role in making life a little easier for the persons who come after me.” – Percy L. Julian.
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