As you might have already guessed, we really love cars! Whether it’s selling cars, fixing them, showing them, or driving them, there’s nothing we adore more than our vehicles. From standard gear shifts to automatics, from EVs to hybrids to diesel, we can’t think of a better thing to be enthused about. They bring us so much joy! And it should come as no surprise that part of our enthusiasm and interest in cars includes taking a dive into the history books to learn more about how they were made and who envisioned them! Today’s blog is dedicated to some of the finest engineers, scientists, and bright minds in the automotive industry. Check out our picks for highlighting Black Inventors and Ingenious minds in the Automotive Industry for Black History Month!
Charles Richard Paterson began his life born into slavery, but eventually made his way to Ohio where he trained as a blacksmith. In 1872, he partnered with J.P. Lowe, creating a carriage building business. In the early 1900s, Patterson became the sole owner of the business, C.R. Patterson and Sons; it was in business from 1915 through 1939. Patterson’s work force consisted of 50 integrated employees, and they manufactured 28 different model options; most notably they produced the Patterson-Greenfield Automobile. This was the first African American founded car company!
Morgan began his entrepreneurial start at only 14 years old, when he left home to find work as a handyman and sewing machine repairman. Wow! By 1907, he’d gained enough experience to open his own repair shop, and became one of the country’s leading inventors. His successes allowed him to purchase a car, which was nearly unheard of in those days. While out and about on his daily commutes, Morgan observed that manually operated traffic lights were inefficient. Since the current traffic lights gave no indication they were switching from “stop” to “go,” Morgan invented a warning light (modern day “yellow, slow down!”) He patented his design -- a T-shaped metal pole with three lighted settings. Eventually he sold the rights to General Electric to the tune of $40,000!
In 1913, he created the directional signal on vehicles, being first employed by Pierce Arrow, but soon following suit as standard for all cars and trucks. In 1932, he patented an updated and much improved gear shift transmission, and was awarded an astronomical amount upwards of $100,000 (unheard of in those days!) The modern automatic transmission we use today is modeled on his original design! In addition, he also created the automatic brake safety system, in case the normal means of stopping a car should fail. Many modern-day buses employ his tech as their failsafe stopping mechanism. Head over up to Buffalo for a visit to the Pierce-Arrow msueum to learn even more!
Wendell Scott first found his love for cars by working alongside his father as an auto mechanic. Upon returning home from serving in WWII, he opened his own mechanic shop. At the time the NASCAR circuit was still segregated, Scott raced in the Dixie Circuit in the meanwhile; after some convincing, he managed to secure a NASCAR steward’s approval for a license, and he became the first African American NASCAR licensee. Scott went on to win the Jacksonville 200, and became the first African American driver to win a Nascar race! He went on to compete in 495 Grand National races, and was inducted to the NASCAR Hall of fame in 2015 in honour of his groundbreaking accomplishments.
Want to learn even more? Here’s more facts and a few names you may not have heard yet!
Here’s a fantastic list of 14 Black Inventors you may be unfamiliar with as well!
We would also like to take a moment to remind you that Black History Month is not the only time we should be celebrating the Black Community. There are quite a few ways you can support the community all year round, and be more inclusive in your pursuit of education and a fair, equitable workplace. Here are some suggestions to ge you started:
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Support Black-Owned Businesses and Organizations in your local area with regular patronage.
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Donate to Black Non-Profits and Community relief efforts such as food pantries, local area shelters, health and wellness programs, or Mutual Aid/Crowdfunding efforts.
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Support arts funding and programming in Black Communities and Schools, and especially those that foster youth involvement and interest.
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Order takeout from Black-Owned restaurants during the pandemic and ongoing
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Promote racial equity in the workplace and advocate for inclusion and diversity
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Support legislation that promotes equity as well as equality, especially when it comes to those who are disabled, disadvantaged, or in less affluent neighborhoods
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Read and watch diverse media that features Black Authors, Creators, Directors, Writers, and Actors
Happy Black History Month!