In the rapidly evolving world of technology, innovation knows no boundaries. Even so, the contributions of Black innovators in tech have been grossly underrepresented and overlooked. My series, “Breaking Barriers With Bots,” celebrates pioneers who have advanced their respective fields and paved the way for future generations of Black tech-savants. From advancements in energy and personal computing to revolutionizing gaming and telecommunications, these Black tech visionaries, in their own way, have profoundly impacted the tech world. Below, we spotlight five Black innovators whose groundbreaking work continues to shape the modern tech landscape.
Alice. H Parker – Inventor of the Gas Heating System
Alice Parker was born in 1895 in Morristown, New Jersey. She attended Howard University, a prestigious HBCU, and graduated in 1910.
Not much is known about her personal life, but while a student, she invented the gas heater, a model now used in modern central heating techniques worldwide. In 1918, Parker applied for her hearting patent. It was successfully approved in 1919. Her innovation is the starting point for most advancements in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) models.
Mary Seacole – Recognized As A Pioneer in Nursing
Although not American, Mary Seacole is widely known for her lasting impacts on nursing, especially for her care for British soldiers at the battlefront during the Crimean War. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, to a Creole mother who was a skilled “doctress” and herbalist who ran a boarding house, Seacole learned nursing skills at a young age.
After marrying her husband in 1836, Seacole began to use her knowledge of nursing, helping communities in the Bahamas, Haiti and Cuba. After her husband died in 1844, Seacole continued gaining nursing experience by fighting a cholera epidemic in Panama. She would eventually head to England to help British soldiers fight yellow fever during the Crimean War. Mary Seacole’s legacy continues to inspire nurses and healthcare professionals worldwide. Her legacy all lives on through educational programs as well as initiatives that celebrate her pioneering spirit and commitment to healthcare.
Jerry Lawson – Father Of The Video Game Cartridge
Jerry Lawson was one of the first Black computer engineers in Silicon Valley. Lawson is known for designing one of the earliest video game consoles, leading the way for video game cartridges. Born in 1940 in Brooklyn, New York, Lawson was always interested in science. He attended Queens College and City College of New York but did not graduate from either. Instead, Lawson joined Fairchild Semiconductor in San Francisco as an applications engineering consultant within their sales division. After creating some games and working hard to climb the ladder, by the mid-1970s, Lawson was made Chief Hardware Engineer and Director of Engineering and Marketing for Fairchild’s video game division.
Lawson and his team would then refine and improve tech that allowed games to be stored as software on removable ROM cartridges, which would earn him the title of the father of the game cartridge.
Jerry Lawson’s pioneering work laid the foundation for the modern video game industry, enabling the development of interchangeable game cartridges that revolutionized how games were distributed and played. His innovations also made home gaming more accessible and affordable. Despite facing significant racial barriers, Lawson prevailed, inspiring Black engineers and entrepreneurs in tech and gaming.
Dr. Mark Dean – Co-Inventor Of Key Technologies In Personal Computing
Dr. Mark Dean was born in 1957 in Jefferson City, Tennessee. From an early age, Dean showed a love for technology and invention. Dean’s father, who worked on turbines and spillways, would bring him on work trips, introducing him to engineering. As a child, Dean and his father constructed a tractor from scratch. In middle school, Dean began his work as a computer engineer, building computers from scratch.
After college, he joined IBM, quickly climbing the ranks of the company. He created a word processor adapter for IBM’s Datamaster terminal as well as an ISA bus that allowed additional components to be connected to a PC. In 1999, Dean and his team developed a gigahertz microchip, the first in the world.
Mark Dean’s contributions to the tech world can not be underestimated. He’s the first Black American to become an IBM Fellow, one of the highest achievements in the company. Beyond his technical innovations, Dean is a passionate advocate for diversity in STEM.
Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson – Theoretical physicist who made significant advancements in telecommunications
Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson was born in 1946 in Washington, DC. She is an American scientist and educator and the first Black woman to receive a doctorate from MIT. Jackson is known for developing technologies that made communication fast and easier. Growing up, Jackson was very interested in scientific investigation, which was spurred by the space race of the 1950s. After graduating from MIT with a physics degree, Jackson began her career at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (later Fermilab) in Batavia, Illinois.
In 1976, she began working at Bell Laboratories, where she contributed to the inventions of the touch-tone telephone, fiber-optic cables, caller ID, and call waiting. In 1995, she was appointed to head of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) by then president Bill Clinton. She was the first Black woman to serve in that position.
Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson’s legacy extends beyond her groundbreaking contributions to telecommunications. She’s received numerous awards, including the National Medal of Science. Jackson continues to inspire countless young scientists and engineers through her advocacy for opportunities in STEM. Her work has not only transformed the way we communicate but also paved the way for future generations of Black women in science and technology.
The remarkable achievements of Alice. H Parker, Mary Seacole, Jerry Lawson, Dr. Mark Dean and Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson are examples of the profound impact Black innovators have on the tech space. These trailblazers deserve their flowers because their stories highlight the importance of diversity in technology and the need for inclusion and representation. As we celebrate these pioneers, it’s important to recognize the growing industry and how we will play a part in its future.
SEE ALSO:
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Breaking Barriers With Bots: My Journey Into Robotics And Why It Matters
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