Famous African-American Scientists

We couldn't possibly do most of the activities in our life without depending on the technology invented by the scientists all over the world. There are several African-American researchers and scientists who have made many notable contributions in every field of science, medicine and technology.

Noted African-American Scientists

Here are only some of the most popular ones whose contributions have changed the world.

Daniel Hale Williams (1856-1931)
Daniel Hale Williams was the first African-American cardiologist who is also considered as the innovator of the open heart surgery. Daniel Hale Williams opened the first non-segregated hospital in America so that other Afro-American people wouldn't face problems due to racism.

George Washington Carver (1864-1943)
George Washington Carver is one of the most popular African-American scientists. He is the pioneer of developing commercial uses of peanuts, soy and sweet potatoes; and also finding different methods for improving the quality of soil. As his work was dedicated to help others, none of the works of George Washington Carver were patented.

Garrett Morgan (1877-1963)
Garrett Morgan is credited with inventions of several kinds. The traffic signal used in most of the countries is the most popular invention of Garrett Morgan. He invented a gas mask (or the breathing device) and a hair straightener. He is one of the few African-American scientists to be patented with so many inventions.

Granville Woods (1856-1910)
Granville Woods was known as the 'Black Edison', as his inventions and contributions were similar to that of Thomas Edison. He invented a machine known as telegraphony which was a combination of the telephone and telegraph. He is credited for the invention of the third rail and improved steam boiler furnace.

Lewis Latimer (1848-1928)
Lewis Latimer is famous for his simple but an important invention of the water closet in railroad cars. He also received a patent for inventing improved carbon filaments for bulbs. Latimer worked with many other famous scientists like Thomas Edison and Alexander Bell.

Percy Julian (1899-1975)
Percy Julian is the inventor of the physostigmine, a drug which is effective in treating glaucoma and Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Julian's works laid the foundation for the inventions of other steroids and birth control pills.

Sarah Goode (1850-1905)
Among famous African-American female scientists, Sarah Goode is the most popular as she is the first African-American woman to receive a patent in the US. Her invention of the folding bed or the cabinet bed has been the most useful inventions which will be applicable forever.

Some More African-American Scientists and Inventors

Apart from these, here is a list of African-American inventors whose works are equally noteworthy.

• Elijah McCoy - Railroad Lubricators
• Jan E. Matzeliger - Shoe Shaping Machine
• Dr. Jocelyn Simpson - High Performance Piezoelectric Polymer
• Marie Brown - Closed Circuit TV Security System
• Marjorie Stewart Joyner - Wave Machine
• Norbert Rillieux -Sugar Processing Evaporator
• Sarah Boone - Ironing Board
• Madame Walker - Hair Care and Beauty Products

These scientists played an important role in helping in advancement of technology, industry, and also products of day-to-day life. There were several others whose contributions were not recorded. However, the common thread between all of them was that they worked tirelessly for the betterment of entire humanity.