February 20, 2024 by SME Communications Throughout history, Black inventors and engineers have played a crucial role in shaping the technologies and processes that underpin the industry as we know it today. By celebrating Black History Month, we highlight the remarkable contributions of the following trailblazers who have left an indelible mark on manufacturing, from groundbreaking inventions to transformative leadership. In this post, we pay tribute to George Washington Carver, Dr. Etta Falconer, Madam C.J. Walker, and Jerry Lawson. Each has played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of technology, business, and education. George Washington Carver: Agricultural Scientist and Inventor Born in 1864, George Washington Carver's journey to becoming an agricultural scientist and inventor is both inspiring and impactful. Despite facing adversity, Carver's early interest in plants led him to develop innovative products using peanuts, sweet potatoes, and soybeans. His dedication to education and research at Tuskegee University left an enduring legacy. Carver's childhood home is now a national monument, honoring the first Black American to receive such recognition. In his teachings, he utilized a horse-drawn movable school vehicle he called the Jesup Agricultural Wagon. When it became a mechanized truck, he still called it a Jesup Wagon, which he used to transport agricultural exhibits to county fairs and community gatherings. For more information visit George Washington Carver | Tuskegee University. Dr. Etta Falconer: Mathematician and Educator Born November 21, 1933, Dr. Etta Falconer, a lifelong learner and influential figure in mathematics and science education, dedicated her career to breaking barriers. From her early teaching days in Mississippi to her tenure at Spelman College, Falconer inspired countless students including women to pursue careers in STEM. She also contributed to many professional organizations to advance the field of STEM. Her commitment to promoting mathematics and science education for African American women earned her numerous awards and honors. For more information visit Etta Zuber Falconer | Mathematical Association of America (maa.org). Madam C.J. Walker: Entrepreneur and Activist Madam C.J. Walker, born Sarah Breedlove on December 23, 1867, overcame poverty to become one of the wealthiest African American women of her time. After facing many hardships, Walker launched her own line of hair products for African American women, establishing the Walker Manufacturing Company. An advocate for Black women's economic independence, she employed thousands and contributed significantly to philanthropy and political causes. Walker's legacy extends beyond her business success, as she actively worked toward the advancement of Black Americans. For more information visit Madam C.J. Walker | National Women's History Museum (womenshistory.org). Jerry Lawson: Electrical Engineer Born December 1, 1940, in New York City, Jerry Lawson became a trailblazer in home video gaming. Inspired by George Washington Carver as a child, Lawson's interest in electronics led him to Silicon Valley's Homebrew Computer Club in the 1970s. As the only Black member at the time, he collaborated with visionaries including Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Lawson's most significant achievement was his role in creating Fairchild Channel F, the first home video game system with interchangeable games, paving the way for future gaming consoles like Atari 2600, Nintendo, Xbox, and PlayStation. For more information visit Jerry Lawson: The Black Man Who Revolutionized Gaming As We Know It – NAACP | Milwaukee Branch (naacpmke.org) As we reflect on the achievements and challenges overcome by these forerunners, we are reminded that the path to progress is paved with the dedication and brilliance of individuals from all backgrounds. The stories shared in this series underscore the need for a continued commitment to diversity and inclusion in the manufacturing sector. By recognizing, appreciating, and amplifying the voices of Black innovators, we contribute to a more vibrant, dynamic, and equitable future. If your company has implemented inclusive practices that you would like to share or if you self-identify as a member of an underrepresented community in manufacturing and would like to tell your story, please share it with us! Please email membership@sme.org to reach out to SME Membership to share your diversity, equity, inclusion or accessibility story.
