How The USA Overlooked the People of Color Who Made It Amazing

People of Color have made some incredible contributions to society, including in the realms of music and culture. There are so many examples that we will not attempt to fit them all in this post. But we decided to pull together a short list of some of the things invented by black people that are noteworthy — as a simple reminder that black history really is everyone’s history.

The Ice Cream Scoop
Who doesn’t enjoy a fresh scoop of ice cream on a hot day? Alfred A. Cralle invented the ice cream scoop making it easier for people everywhere to enjoy their favorite treat. Cralle studied at a seminary, worked as a carpenter and then became interested in mechanics. He was the first black man to receive a patent in Pittsburgh.

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The Traffic Light
Imagine what the roads would look like without traffic lights. Well, thanks to Garrett A Morgan, we don’t have to. Born to freed slaves, with only 6th grade level of education, Morgan owned a repair shop, clothing business, and cosmetic product line. He started The Cleveland Call black newspaper in 1920, and patented the mechanical traffic light in 1923 and sold it to General Electric.

Open Heart Surgery
Although Daniel H. Williams didn’t invent the procedure, he was the first surgeon to do it successfully. He also opened the first hospital with an interracial staff (Provident Hospital in 1893). In 1894, he was appointed chief of surgery of Freedman’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., which originally treated former slaves.

The Dougie

Inglewood natives Cali Swag District released the song in 2010 after a friend encouraged them to make a song about the popular dance. However, rapper Doug E. Fresh is hailed as the originator of the popular dance, which is reportedly named after him, a feat he admitted he’s quite proud of. “This is the first time in history, in Hip-Hop, a rap artist didn’t make the dance himself, like make a song about the dance himself,” the rapper said during an interview. “This was people making the dance about you. Taking your dance and doing it about you. That ain’t never been done before. This is another level. It was a blessing and I appreciated it. It Feels good that people know you created something and it wasn’t for money, it was for the love of Hip-Hop.”