Black Inventors Who Changed History 1800s-1900s

By: Debra D. Rich

African American scholar and historian Lerone Bennett Jr. once said, "If our children are to make history, they must first know their own history." Deeply inspired by this sentiment, author Debra Rich set out to chronicle the lives of groundbreaking black inventors who have helped shape the world but who receive little credit or fame. With great talent and an unbreakable spirit, these African Americans overcame prejudice, poverty, violence, and hatred to create inventions we still use today. Finally, their stories must be told.

About the Author

Debra D. Rich is actively involved in her community, acting as a role model for young people through organizations such as Girls Inc., Youth Villages, and the Academy for Youth Empowerment. She is a veteran of the United States Air Force, and is a licensed cosmetologist with over 30 years of experience. Debra has been married for 38 years and has two children, April and Bobby, and two beautiful granddaughters, Khoi and Riyan.