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Black History Month is often seen as a time for Black people to reflect on our past, but in reality, it’s for everyone. And honestly, I didn’t fully get that until I grew older. Growing up, I thought it was mostly a celebration of Black achievements and milestones—but now I realize it’s a lot deeper. The more I learn about history, the more I see how hidden history affects everyone. When we don’t know each other’s story, it keeps us divided. We all lose out on understanding how connected we really are, and how much progress we’ve made together.
Take a minute and think about the contributions of Black Americans to the country. A lot of the things we take for granted today—things that are a part of our daily lives—owe a lot to Black inventors and innovators who, for years, were left out of the mainstream history books. And I’m not just talking about old-school stuff like the light bulb or the traffic light (though those are major). Let’s talk about inventions and ideas that shaped the tech we use today, the economy we live in, and even things like AI and the internet.
For example, did you know that in the 1940s, a Black inventor named Lloyd Hall developed food preservation techniques that we now rely on for everything from packaging to processing? His work on preserving food not only revolutionized the food industry but also has a huge economic impact today, especially in global trade and logistics. That’s still relevant now, as tech in food preservation, like refrigeration and packaging innovations, is key to keeping the global economy moving.
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Now, let’s get into some more modern stuff. Ever heard of Mark Dean? He’s an African American computer scientist who co-invented the personal computer with IBM. Dean is credited with designing the first color PC monitor and developing the architecture that allowed computers to have multiple peripherals connected. If you use a computer today, you’re using something he helped make possible. His work made computing personal and accessible, and let’s be honest: we’re all glued to our computers, phones, and tablets for a reason.
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Then there’s Dr. Marie Maynard Daly, the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry in the U.S. Her work helped lay the groundwork for better understanding cardiovascular health. While that may seem far from AI or tech, consider this: the health tech industry today is booming, and innovation in health tech impacts everything from apps to wearables that monitor our health and keep us connected to medical services. Without the foundational work of people like Dr. Daly, many of the advancements we take for granted today wouldn’t exist.
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And speaking of innovation, let’s talk about the role Black people have had in shaping AI. Dr. Timnit Gebru, an AI researcher originally from Ethiopia, co-founded the Black in AI group, which advocates for diversity in the field of artificial intelligence. Her groundbreaking work focuses on ethical AI, looking at how algorithms can perpetuate bias and harm underrepresented communities. With AI taking over huge parts of the economy and shaping everything from job markets to healthcare, Dr. Gebru’s work is critical in ensuring that the systems we build are fair, transparent, and just for everyone.
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These are just a few examples of how Black Americans have helped shape today’s world. Their contributions have had a lasting impact on industries like tech, medicine, food, and beyond. When we ignore these stories, we’re not just erasing history; we’re missing out on recognizing the real impact Black Americans have had in creating the world we live in today. Black History Month is a reminder that understanding everyone’s story isn’t just about honoring the past—it’s about recognizing how interconnected we all are in shaping the future.
When we embrace all of our histories, we build a stronger, more inclusive society. And that benefits everyone.
