Some of the most powerful lessons don’t come from structured curriculum. For children in after school programs, the history behind the tools they use every day can be just as educational — especially during Black History Month. The following 10 items were invented by Black inventors who changed the world.
- John Lee Love invented the hand-cranked pencil sharpener in 1894. Without his invention, we wouldn’t have electric pencil sharpeners today that allow children to keep their pencils sharp for drawing, doing homework, and working on projects.
- In 1890, William Purvis invented improvements in the fountain pen leading to the ball point pens we use today. Staff use pens every day in program for taking attendance, and parents use those same pens to sign out their children from program at the end of the day. Children also use pens for doodling, making crafts, writing stories, and other fun projects.
- James E. West invented the electret microphone technology in 1964 that is used in walkie talkies. Walkie talkies are an important piece of safety during after school programs. Staff use walkie talkies to communicate when children are moving throughout program space, leaving for the day, and other important program details.
- Garrett Morgan invented the stop light in 1923. Though we don’t have stop lights in our programs, children play games inspired by Morgan’s inventions such as Red Light, Green Light!
- Nathaniel Alexander patented the first folding chair in 1911 with the hopes of these being used in churches and schools. Children use folding chairs in After School during snack time, playing chess with each other, reading, doing homework, and more.
- George Washington Carver is often credited for evolving the peanut industry. But Carver, a scientist, also developed hundreds of other products including lotions and soaps. Children and staff wash their hands before snack time, and frequently during program to keep everyone healthy.
- Thomas Elkins patented a device in 1879 that changed refrigeration, creating an ice-insulated cabinet to keep food cold longer. Refrigerators are crucial for after school programs, keeping all perishable snacks such as milk and string cheese from spoiling.
- Robert F. Flemming Jr. patented the Euphonica, a version of what we know as the acoustic guitar. Children have fun playing instruments and creating music during after school programs.
- Alfred L. Cralle invented the ice cream scoop in 1897 when he noticed servers struggling to scoop ice cream and remove it from the spoon. Ice cream is a fun treat at after school, and this tool makes it much easier to scoop ice cream for children who can’t wait to eat it.
- Osbourn Dorsey invented the doorknob in 1878. Without doorknobs, we’d have a much harder time running outside for fun on the playground, opening the refrigerator for snack, and so many other ways we rely on handles and knobs.
History isn’t only something we study — it’s something we use. The contributions of Black inventors to after school programs across the country show up in many items children and staff touch every day.
