Women's History Month: 10 Game-Changing Inventions by Black Women You Need to Know
Black women have been at the forefront of innovation for generations, creating groundbreaking inventions that have transformed industries, reshaped daily life, and paved the way for future advancements.
Take Marie Van Brittan Brown, whose invention of the home security system laid the foundation for modern surveillance technology, or Patricia Bath, whose pioneering work in ophthalmology led to the invention of laser cataract surgery, restoring sight to millions. Their ingenuity is part of a long legacy of Black women developing solutions that improve lives even in the face of systemic barriers.
Whether enhancing safety through innovation or transforming medical treatments with groundbreaking technology, these inventors have consistently pushed boundaries and in doing so they have redefined what’s possible.
As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s the perfect time to give these inventors their well-earned flowers and acknowledge the lasting impact of their work. Here are 10 inventions by Black women that deserve recognition because their contributions not only shaped the past but continue to influence the world today.
The Dough Kneader and Roller – Judy Woodford Reed
Judy Woodford Reed became the first documented Black woman to receive a U.S. patent in 1884 for her “Dough Kneader and Roller.” Her invention improved upon the traditional wooden rolling pin, making it easier and more efficient to mix ingredients—an essential tool for bakers then and now.
The Home Security System – Marie Van Brittan Brown
Marie Van Brittan Brown, a nurse from Queens, New York, co-invented the first home security system. Concerned about rising crime rates and slow police response times, she developed a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system that allowed homeowners to monitor visitors and remotely unlock doors. Her invention laid the foundation for modern security systems used worldwide.
The Illusion Transmitter – Valerie Thomas
A NASA scientist and physicist, Valerie Thomas revolutionized 3D imaging technology with her illusion transmitter in 1980. Inspired by an exhibit showcasing light illusions, she developed a system using concave mirrors to create realistic optical images. NASA later adopted her invention for satellite technology. Her work also influenced modern medical imaging.
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The Fold-Out Bed – Sarah E. Goode
Sarah E. Goode, a formerly enslaved woman, became the second Black woman to receive a U.S. patent with her invention of the fold-out bed in the late 1800s. Also known as the cabinet bed, her design helped those in small apartments maximize space—an early concept of what we now call the Murphy bed.
LinkLine Software – Janet Rita Emerson Bashen
Janet Rita Emerson Bashen made history as the first Black woman to hold a software patent in the U.S. She co-developed LinkLine, a digital database that allowed businesses to securely store and retrieve Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) case data across multiple locations. Her innovation transformed how companies track and manage compliance cases.
Sanitary Pads – Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner
Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner changed feminine hygiene forever with her 1956 invention of the sanitary belt, the precursor to modern sanitary pads. Despite racial discrimination preventing companies from patenting her design for years, her invention ultimately improved menstrual care for women everywhere.
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Voice Recognition Technology – Marian Croak
Marian Croak, an engineer and inventor, pioneered Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, which converts your voice into a digital signal, making it possible for people to make voice calls over the internet. Her work revolutionized communication, leading to modern applications like Zoom, Skype, and other video conferencing tools.
The First Commercially Sold Wigs – Christina Jenkins
Christina Jenkins revolutionized the hair industry in the 1950s by developing the sew-in weave technique. Her method allowed for longer-lasting, natural-looking hairstyles, laying the foundation for modern hair extensions and protective styling methods.
The Curling Iron – Theora Stephens
While the curling iron existed before her time, Theora Stephens is credited for refining and improving the device, making it more accessible for Black women’s hairstyling needs. Her innovation helped shape modern hairstyling tools, ensuring better functionality and results.
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The Laser Cataract Treatment Device – Patricia Bath
Dr. Patricia Bath, an ophthalmologist and researcher, made history in 1988 by becoming the first Black physician to receive a medical patent for the Laserphaco Probe, a device used to treat cataracts with laser technology. Her innovation restored sight to countless individuals and revolutionized eye care worldwide.
