February is  the celebration of Black History Month which  is important for all Americans, not just blacks. Since the initiation of this annual celebration remarkable progress has been achieved – the elimination of lynching, legally sanctioned segregation and discrimination, denial of voting rights, and so on. These accomplishments were possible only through the combined efforts, sacrifice and prayers of all races working together.

Black History Month, or National African American History Month, is an annual celebration of achievements by black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history. The event grew out of “Negro History Week,” that was prompted by historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating black history.

While we may not be aware of it, African American inventors impacted and shaped our everyday lives with their contributions. From the time we get up in the mornings, until we go back to bed at night, we are using something that has been invented by notable  inventors.

Dr.  Martin Luther King, Jr.  once said, “by the time we leave for work, Americans have depended on the inventions from the minds of Blacks.”

Every day in America, and around the world, we are using items that were invented by both male and female black inventors. Inventions that we just could not imagine our lives without. Here are just a few:

Lloyd Ray invented an improved Dustpan and received patent in1897.

Lewis Latimer is considered one of the 10 most important Black inventors of all … the chief rival to Thomas Edison, the man who invented the electric light bulb.

When you arrive at your office building, and have the option of taking the elevator instead of walking several flights of stairs, you can thank Alexander Miles. Miles patented the electric elevator in 1887.

An improvement to the ironing board was invented by Sarah Boone on December 30 1887.

The street letter drop mailbox with a hinged door that closed to protect the mail was invented by Philip B. Downing; George E Becket invented the first home mailbox and patent in 1892

Garret Morgan made it possible for you reach your destinations safely with his invention of the traffic light in 1923.

Let us  applaud those who helped make a difference in America.