SOME FACTS ABOUT BLACK HISTORY MONTH & INVENTIONS

HISTORY:

2 a: a chronological record of significant events (as affecting a nation or institution) often including an explanation of their causes;

4 a: events that form the subject matter of a history. 

As a citizen of the United States of America, I would take pride in the accomplishments and/or contributions made by any citizen that would impact my life, other citizens or the overall state of the nation in a positive way. Sadly, the contributions made by Black (coloreds centuries ago) or African-American citizens were not acknowledged or considered significant by the Majority (Anglo-Saxons); therefore Black people decided to make sure that no contribution made by their ancestors would go unnoticed or undocumented in the annals of United States history. Because, U.S. history was deplete of these important accomplishments; the study of Black history became important to African-Americans many years ago ( since 1915). It was crucial that men, woman and children were educated about their heritage and ancestors.  



  

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,” the brainchild of noted 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.

I invite you to peruse an A – Z listing of Black inventions, which were documented as early as the mid-1800s with the exception of one recorded in the 1700s. Aside from the color of their skin, the inventors were just like other citizens of the United States. 

Their desire was to improve the quality of human life with essential items, machines or appliances that could used for business, personal, medical and household needs with convenience.

 

BLACK INVENTORS AND THEIR INVENTION LIST
air conditioning unit		Frederick M. Jones	July 12, 1949
almanac	Benjamin Banneker		Approx. 1791
auto cut-off switch	Granville T. Woods		January 1, 1839
auto fishing devise	G. Cook		May 30, 1899
automatic gear shift	Richard Spikes		February 28, 1932
baby buggy	W.H. Richardson		June 18, 1899
bicycle frame	L.R. Johnson		October 10, 1899
biscuit cutter	A.P. Ashbourne		November 30, 1875
blood plasma bag	Charles Drew		Approx. 1945
cellular phone	Henry T. Sampson		July 6, 1971
chamber commode	T. Elkins		January 3, 1897
clothes dryer	G. T. Sampson		June 6, 1862
curtain rod	S. R. Scratton		November 30, 1889
curtain rod support	William S. Grant		August 4, 1896
door knob	O. Dorsey		December 10, 1878
door stop	O. Dorsey		December 10, 1878
dust pan	Lawrence P. Ray		August 3, 1897
egg beater	Willie Johnson		February 5, 1884
electric lamp bulb	Lewis Latimer		March 21, 1882
elevator	Alexander Miles		October 11, 1867
eye protector	P. Johnson		November 2, 1880
fire escape ladder	J. W. Winters		May 7, 1878
fire extinguisher	T. Marshall		October 26, 1872
folding bed	L. C. Bailey		July 18, 1899
folding chair	Brody & Surgwar		June 11, 1889
fountain pen	W. B. Purvis		January 7, 1890
furniture caster	O. A. Fisher		1878
gas mask	Garrett Morgan		October 13, 1914
golf tee	T. Grant		December 12, 1899
guitar	Robert F. Flemming, Jr.		March 3, 1886
hair brush	Lydia O. Newman		November 15, 18--
hand stamp	Walter B. Purvis		February 27 1883
horse shoe	J. Ricks		March 30, 1885
ice cream scooper	A. L. Cralle		February 2, 1897
improve sugar making	Norbet Rillieux		December 10, 1846
insect-destroyer gun	A. C. Richard		February 28, 1899
ironing board	Sarah Boone		December 30, 1887
key chain	F. J. Loudin		January 9, 1894
lantern	Michael C. Harvey		August 19, 1884
lawn mower	L. A. Burr		May 19, 1889
lawn sprinkler	J. W. Smith		May 4, 1897
lemon squeezer	J. Thomas White		December 8, 1893
Lock	W. A. Martin		July 23, 18--
lubricating cup	Ellijah McCoy		November 15, 1895
lunch pail	James Robinson		1887
mail box	Paul L. Downing		October 27, 1891
mop	Thomas W. Stewart		June 11, 1893
motor	Frederick M. Jones		June 27, 1939
peanut butter	George Washington Carver		1896
pencil sharpener	J. L. Love		November 23, 1897
phone transmitter	Granville T. Woods		December 2, 1884
record player arm	Joseph Hunger Dickenson		January 8, 1819
refrigerator	J. Standard		June 14, 1891
riding saddles	W. D. Davis		October 6, 1895
rolling pin	John W. Reed		1864
shampoo headrest	C. O. Bailiff		October 11, 1898
spark plug	Edmond Berger		February 2, 1839
Stethoscope	Imhotep		Ancient Egypt
stove	T. A. Carrington		July 25, 1876
straightening comb	Madam C. J. Walker		Approx. 1905
street sweeper	Charles B. Brooks		March 17, 1890
thermostat control	Frederick M. Jones		February 23, 1960
traffic light	Garrett Morgan		November 20, 1923
tricycle	M. A. Cherry		May 6, 1886
typewriter	Burridge & Marshman		April 7, 1885

 

WILL YOU BE MINE?



This month's observations are: Black historical accomplishments and Valentine's Day. Unlike American history, which has shaped the life of every Black American {and not always in positive ways}; Black history should be acknowledged by all White Americans because, many Black men and women, gave their blood, sweat and tears to make this nation what it is today. The products and achievements of ingenious Black men and women have been a benefit to every citizen of this nation, but unfortunately, American history books are deplete of  any mention of  Black {or Negro} citizens, outside of slavery and the Emancipation Proclamation, which President Abraham Lincoln issued on January 1, 1863. 

As I think about Valentine's Day, I find it ironic that we only celebrate love for one day, when it should be celebrated all year long. One songwriter penned: "Love makes the world go round." I don't believe that love actually causes the world to revolve around the axis of earth, but love does make hearts beat faster and can put pep in the step of those in love. Love feeds the hungry, clothes the naked and makes the lonely feel wanted.  Without love, hatred rules in the hearts of men, women and children. Anger and hatred are the ingredients for murder or genocide., which is what is occurring in our nation today.  We need to not only survive, but to thrive individually and collectively [e.g. our family]. 

  

It’s been many decades, but I do recall the excitement of Valentine’s Day, when I was in elementary school.  My mother would take me and my siblings to the store to purchase packaged Valentine cards.  Do you remember those cute cards?  They came in several varieties and the individual cards in the package had a simple message of affection with pictures of cupids, hearts and cartoon characters.  I took time to meticulously sign my name on each card and then wrote the names of my favorite classmates on the envelopes provided.  On Valentine’s Day, I proudly took my stash of cards to school to give out during the scheduled class party.  It was a fun time exchanging cards and eating treats, to include candy hearts, cookies and punch.  But, the next day, we returned to school and back to our usual class routine, while anticipating the next holiday party and a chance to get a break from classwork {Lol}.

The adult tradition of celebrating Valentine’s Day has most often included giving or exchanging  cards—preferably Hallmark; expensive chocolates, personal gifts to include flowers, perfume, jewelry and others items. The evening would not be complete without a movie and/or dinner at an upscale restaurant.  On this day, expressions of love are freely and generously given to family members, spouses, or that ‘special’ someone.  Like other holidays, it is a day to be enjoyed, but is sometimes dreaded by those, who don’t have anyone special with whom to celebrate.  After all the fanfare and romanticism of Valentine’s Day, it seems that people return unaffected to their usual routines of life.  Shouldn’t this popular day of love have some lasting impact on our lives?  I believe that many of us have celebrated this holiday for years without even knowing its’ history.

“The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Some believe that Valentine's Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine's death or burial -- which probably occurred around 270 A.D.” (Excerpts from www.history.com)

This month many will celebrate Valentine’s Day extravagantly,  others more simply and some will choose not to celebrate at all because, they are alone and/or without God in this world.  I started to think that perhaps, I would have no reason to give attention or observation to this holiday because, I am single and without a significant other.  I started to assume that this year would be just like the last several years. Whenever, I considered the commercial observation of Valentine’s Day, I would fall into the ‘loneliness trap,' but not anymore! Thank God for His Holy Spirit, Who reminded me that as a believer in Jesus Christ, I am not alone for the Lord has promised never to leave me or forsake me! (Hebrews 13:5b_KJV)  If you know you will be without that ‘special invite’ this year and have no plans to be your single friends, don’t be discouraged—make a date  to spend your evening with Jesus, the faithful, righteous One, who is full of love.  The Bible declares that God is love (1John 4:16b) and also contains many expressions or Valentines of His love, care and desire for you and me.  His timeless love letters found in the Holy Bible were written for all mankind and He continues to ask: “Will you be mine?”

If you would indulge me, I would like to share paraphrases of familiar Bible verses (or Valentines) that express God’s loving care for us:

·       John 3:16 – God loved the world so much, He gave His Only Son, so those in the world would not perish, but have His everlasting life.  This Valentine is for: Whoever believes in Him

·       Matthew 11:28-30 –An invitation to come unto the Lord; to take His yoke, which is easy with a light burden; to learn of Him and find rest for one’s soul.  Addressed to: All you, who work and are tired and burdened

·       Hebrews 4:16 – We are exhorted to come boldly to God’s throne of grace in prayer in order to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  This Valentine is for: All of us

In preparation for your personal Valentine’s Day celebration, remember to imitate Christ before others.  As you willingly show love to those, who love you; also show love to one another and any strangers in your midst as the Lord commanded. (John 15:12)  When the holiday is over, let love can continue because, God’s love is everlasting. (Jeremiah 31:3)

Remember to set aside some quality time this Valentine’s Day to extol and bless the Lover of your soul. (Psalm 103:1-5)  The Lord always desires to be in fellowship with us and when we get too busy, He woos us by His Holy Spirit.  Remember, Jesus will not force Himself on you but, because of a desire to commune with you, He is standing at the door (of your life) and knocking.  Don’t you hear Him as He softly asks again: “Will you be mine?”  He wants to be your Valentine above all others; to come in to you (your abode) so; He can sup with you and you with Him. (Revelation 3:20_KJV) “For He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.  To-day if ye will hear His voice harden not your heart . . .” (Psalm 95:7-8 _KJV) If you don’t get the invite or box of gourmet chocolates you expect for Valentine’s Day, Jesus awaits you with something sweeter and calorie-free: eat God’s Words, which are sweeter than honey; Oh taste and see! (Psalm 119:103; Psalm 34:8_KJV)

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

A NEW YEAR AND NEW POSSIBILITIES!

 

Thank you for visiting and reading my first post for 2014. It is my prayer that you, your family and loved ones will experience unexpected blessings from God, who blesses us all with new mercies each day (Lamentations 3:22-23). I count it a blessing for us see another year and have an opportunity to fulfill personal dreams and goals.
 
I apologize for being remiss about having a post ready for the 1st; but I just realized this morning during my prayer time that I hadn't done a thing and needed to write a new blog to share with you.

Each new year brings the need for some to make resolutions. Did you make any for the new year--like most people; or have you finally realized that resolutions end up being short lived? Because, they're not the best way to make positive changes, I consider them good intentions (that don't get very far); so I stopped making resolutions many years ago. What I thought about this morning in lieu of making resolutions was the option of making 'definitive choices' for personal improvement. One definition of definitive is:

Fully differentiated or developed; serving to provide a final solution or to end a situation.

Having a final solution for indecision is always a good thing. Resolution is the act of determining; but many are not able to determine (for sure) if they will follow through with their desire to make the necessary changes in their lives.

Here are a few things you can consider and initiate to prepare you for the new possibilities in 2014:

• List your goals for each month, six months or the entire year. This can be helpful and serve as a guideline for your activities or essential obligations. With some structure, you can be focused instead of being all over the place in an attempt to accomplish your goals. It's the same as having a map to help you from getting lost and going out of the way to your destination.
• With every year, it is needful (and helpful) to do a personal assessment of every area of your life: spiritually, physically, emotionally and financially. Although, it's healthy to forget the past, we must assess our past choices, mistakes and mishaps to help us tweak our future decision-making. 
• A new year is a good time to consider associations: personal and professional. Some associations are necessary (in the workplace, family, business) and others are optional. Are there associations that you need to terminate this year? Knowing, who needs to go on this year's journey with you is important and can make a difference between relational success and failure. Always respect the Law of Association, because one will become like the company he keeps.

"If you lay down with dogs: you will get up with fleas." Colloquial quote

“Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” ~ Proverbs 13:20_NLT 

Being human, there are some things we can't do, because they exceed our human abilities.

"And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." ~ Luke 18:27

What do you do, when there is something outside of your human ability? I don't know about you; but when I have challenges too great for me, I go to my heavenly Father in prayer. Prayer is something many people consider as a last resort effort, when things go bad or in the event of an emergency; but it is not and shouldn't be considered a 'quick fix.' 

"PRAYER is a holy occupation;" and the way believers in Jesus Christ communicate and fellowship with God their heavenly Father. Prayer requires practice to be perfected; and God's Word to be free of vain repetitions. Prayers prayed according to God's will requires His Word or His Holy Spirit, who always makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:27). Prayers can be long or short; but they must be specific to the need. God knows our thoughts and also hears the meditation of our very hearts (Psalm 5:1-2).

Scripture says that we should pray without ceasing; but it doesn't mean we have to try to pray for 24 hours per day. To pray without ceasing is maintaining an attitude of pray. The one, who is in continual fellowship with God--will always be ready to pray at any time and for any petition.

This year, I encourage you not to worry about anything; but to pray about everything (Philippians 4:6-7). If you were to share a problem with a friend, it would be a relief knowing that you didn't have to carry the concern alone. Friends are good for some things; but their human ability and power is limited just as yours. It's good to have a relationship with a loving, Omnipotent God just as you do with your closest friend; because He calls those, who love and obey His commands--friend (James 2:23).

We've all heard the quote: "Doing the same things and expecting different results is insanity." Some people might find it funny, but it is really good advice to consider. Consider the things you need to do, when setting your goals and planning your calendar for the year. If some of the things you did last year didn't fly or caused you frustration or failure; this is a sure indication that you need not repeat those things for this year. What's not broke can be kept for future use; and what's not working should be discarded.

Don't be a pack rat of unproductive habits and negative expectations. It you truly expect the best this year; you will take the steps necessary to create positive results. Get excited about taking on new challenges and spread your wings in confidence as you take flight to accomplish them in excellence. Be bold, courageous and rise to each new challenge that comes your way in the days, weeks and months ahead. May God continue to make His face shine upon you and grant you new possibilities this year that are beyond your wildest dreams (Ephesians 3:20-21).

 SHALOM TO ALL!