Throughout history, some of the world’s greatest, most impactful engineering feats and inventions were devised from the genius minds of great black engineers. Despite this, because of racial prejudices, lack of support and a multitude of hurdles put in their way, many of these great people – and their game-changing work – had been overlooked for decades.
So, for Black History Month 2024, which embraces the theme of ‘Reclaiming Narratives’, we thought we would put the spotlight on a few of our black engineering heroes, to celebrate their stories and remember the contributions they made, not just to the history of engineering, but life today as we know it.
Meredith Gourdine – Electrogas Dynamics
One of the most respected inventors in the history of electrodynamics, Gourdine’s name is attached to 27 patents in his field. Having gained a bachelor's degree in Engineering at Cornell University, and a PhD in Engineering Physics from the California Institute of Technology, he went on to become a director of aerospace laboratories and the chief scientist in charge of developing spaceship engines.
However, it was when Gourdine established his own company, Gourdine Systems, that he really made his mark, going to become the industry leader in electrostatic precipitator systems. His vast catalogue of inventions included Incineraid, for helping to dissipate smoke from burning buildings, and airport fog precipitation methods. He also turned his knowledge to applying electrogas dynamics to circuit breakers, air monitors and coating systems.
Dr. Aprille Ericsson-Jackson – Mechanical Engineering
A true trailblazer, Dr Aprille Ericsson-Jackson is an inspiration. Having been born and raised in New York’s projects, growing up in a time when prejudice was rife, she – against the odds – went on to become the first African American woman to earn a PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Howard University, as well as a PhD in Engineering from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre.
Beyond that, Ericsson-Jackson built a long, distinguished career at NASA, holding a number of key positions across her 30+ year career, including managing the Ice, Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite, and playing an instrumental role in shaping our understanding and knowledge of the solar system.
Walt Braithwaite – Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
Having earned an engineering degree from the American Institute of Engineering and Technology in 1965, Jamaica native Walt Braithwaite joined Boeing, the world’s largest aerospace company, kickstarting what would become an epic engineering career.
At Boeing, Braithwaite led the development of some of the most advanced aircraft the world had ever seen, and was at the forefront of developing computer-based systems that would alter engineering and design forever. In 1975, as Chief Engineer at Boeing, he headed-up the development and deployment of computer-aided design (CAD) software, which has become a crucial component of the design workflow in various sectors, assisting in the development, alteration, examination, and enhancement of designs.
Lewis Howard Latimer – Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
Lewis Howard Latimer’s story has been an influential one since he was young. Born to parents who has escaped slavery in America, at 16 – having lied about his age – he joined the US Navy to serve in the Civil War. Honourably discharged from service at 18, Latimer joined a patent law firm, and it was here where he self-taught himself mechanical drawing and design.
In the following years, thanks to his knowledge of patents, electrical engineering, and his obvious eye for design, Latimer partnered with famous inventors such as Alexander Graham Bell – to help him with the patent for the telephone – and Thomas Edison. His work with Edison is what Latimer is best-known for, having improved the design for Edison’s lightbulb by modifying carbon filaments that stopped the bulbs burning out too quickly.
Elijah McCoy – Mechanical Engineering
Another truly inspirational story is that of Elijah McCoy, a mechanical engineer and prolific inventor. McCoy, like Latimer, was born to parents who had escaped slavery in America. At 15 he left his family in Canada and headed to Scotland for an apprenticeship and mechanical engineering studies at the University of Edinburgh.
Upon returning to America, McCoy aspired to become a Mechanical Engineer. However, due to racial prejudice he was denied the opportunity to do so and was left with the option to become an oiler for the Michigan Railway. It was in this role that, having noticed how inefficient the existing axle oiling system was, he invented an automatic lubrication device that would oil locomotive steam engines on the move, improving efficiency and reliability. A major development in the growing world of rail travel.
