19th Century Black Discoveries

May 1, 2020

|In Black History in Two Minutes (or so), Season 1

Be Woke Presents Black History in Two Minutes (or so)

Black innovators and creators have a long history of studying the framework and exploring new ways of advancing modern technology. Take Lewis Latimer and Sarah Boone, for example. They are two inventors who mastered their craft and elevated their industry.

Latimer, the son of escaped slaves, became a self-taught mechanical drawer. His relationship with Thomas Edison allowed him to extend the life of the light bulb. While Boone, a dressmaker, recognized the challenges in ironing women’s garments and sought out a functional solution. This foresight allowed both Boone and Latimer to utilize their everyday skillset and bring about greater functionality and extended use of products in their field.

In this episode of Black History In Two Minutes or So hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr., with additional commentary from Evelynn Hammonds of Harvard University, we celebrate two black innovators who made major discoveries that we enjoy to this day.

Black History in Two Minutes (or so) is a 4x Webby Award winning series.

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Archival Materials Courtesy of:
• Associated Press
• Alamy Images
• Getty Images
• Library of Congress
• Queens Borough Public Library
• United States Patent and Trademark Office

Additional Footage Courtesy of:
• Inkwell Films, Kunhardt & WNET

Executive Producers:
• Robert F. Smith
• Henry Louis Gates Jr.
• Dyllan McGee
• Deon Taylor

Produced by:
• William Ventura
• Romilla Karnick

Music By:
• Oovra Music

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