Question 1

Who was the first Black inventor to get a patent in the United States?

Accepted Answer

The first Black inventor to get a patent in the U.S. was Thomas L. Jennings. He got it in 1821 for a method of dry cleaning clothes.

Question 2

What did Garrett Morgan invent?

Accepted Answer

Garrett Morgan invented the traffic light and the gas mask. His traffic light made roads safer for cars and people.

Question 3

How did Granville T. Woods help trains?

Accepted Answer

Granville T. Woods invented devices that helped trains talk to each other. This kept trains safe by avoiding crashes.

Question 4

What did Madam C.J. Walker do that was special?

Accepted Answer

Madam C.J. Walker created hair care products for Black women. She also became one of the first Black women to become a millionaire.

Question 5

What invention is George Washington Carver famous for?

Accepted Answer

George Washington Carver is famous for inventing many new uses for peanuts. He didn’t invent peanut butter, but he found over 300 other ways to use peanuts.

Question 6

Who invented the Super Soaker water gun?

Accepted Answer

The Super Soaker water gun was invented by Lonnie Johnson. He came up with the idea while working as a NASA engineer.

Question 7

What did Elijah McCoy invent?

Accepted Answer

Elijah McCoy invented a device that oiled steam engines automatically. People would ask for 'the real McCoy' because his invention was so reliable.

Question 8

What is Lewis Latimer known for?

Accepted Answer

Lewis Latimer helped improve the light bulb. His work made light bulbs last longer and be more affordable.

Question 9

How did Patricia Bath help people see better?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Patricia Bath invented a laser tool to help remove cataracts from people's eyes. Her invention has helped many people see better.

Question 10

What did Marie Van Brittan Brown invent to keep homes safe?

Accepted Answer

Marie Van Brittan Brown invented the first home security system. Her invention helped people feel safer in their homes.

Question 11

Why is Otis Boykin important in technology?

Accepted Answer

Otis Boykin invented many important electrical components used in computers and pacemakers. These inventions are a big part of today's technology.

Question 12

What was significant about John P. Parker?

Accepted Answer

John P. Parker had a lot of inventions and was an important figure in helping slaves escape to freedom. He was both an inventor and a hero.

Question 13

Who invented the automatic elevator door?

Accepted Answer

Alexander Miles invented a safer way for elevator doors to open and close automatically. This made elevators much safer for everyone.

Question 14

What did Alice H. Parker invent to keep homes warm?

Accepted Answer

Alice H. Parker invented a special heating system that used natural gas. This invention helped many homes stay warm during the winter.

Question 15

Who is known for helping to improve blood storage for transfusions?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Charles Drew improved the way blood is stored and used for transfusions. His work helped save many lives during World War II.

Question 16

What did Sarah E. Goode invent?

Accepted Answer

Sarah E. Goode invented a folding cabinet bed. Her invention was great for people who lived in small homes and needed more space.

Question 17

Why is Philip Emeagwali's work important for computers?

Accepted Answer

Philip Emeagwali's research helped make computers work faster by using many processors at once. He is considered a pioneer in making supercomputers.

Question 18

What did Valerie Thomas invent that makes TV and computer screens better?

Accepted Answer

Valerie Thomas invented a special way to make 3D images. Her invention is used in making screens that show 3D pictures.

Question 19

Who invented the first potato chip?

Accepted Answer

George Crum is often credited with inventing the potato chip. He made it by accident when a customer complained about their fries being too thick.

Question 20

How did Benjamin Banneker help map Washington D.C.?

Accepted Answer

Benjamin Banneker was a mathematician and helped survey the land where Washington D.C. was built. His work helped shape the city's layout.

The History of Black Inventors and Their Innovations - 20 FAQs Explained Simply