As our industry moves forward to face new challenges and explore new possibilities, it’s important to acknowledge its rich history and commemorate the people who paved the way for a brighter and more equitable future. In honor of Black History Month, TVPPA celebrates the powerful contributions of Black historical figures to the energy field and recognizes their struggles. Read on to learn about some of the trailblazing Black Americans who helped energize and transform our world.
Lewis Latimer (1848-1928)
Although Thomas Edison patented the first practical incandescent light bulb in the 1800s, he couldn’t have done so without the help of inventor, draftsman and author Lewis Latimer. In 1876, Latimer was hired to draft the drawings for the first patented telephone in the U.S. under Alexander Graham Bell. A few years later, U.S. Electric Lighting Company hired Latimer where he and a colleague improved upon Edison’s paper filament light bulb design by patenting the process for creating a carbon filament bulb.
Latimer then supervised the installation of public electric lights in cities around the world. In 1884, he wrote the first book on electric lighting, Incandescent Electric Lighting, and soon after began working alongside Thomas Edison. His book demonstrated how this newly invented technology could bring electricity to everyone, not just to those who could afford it.
Granville T. Woods (1856-1910)
In a time where Black children had little to no access to classroom educations, Granville T. Woods paved his own way to knowledge. Commonly referred to as “The Black Edison,” Woods began his education in electrical engineering in Columbus, Ohio by reading books about electricity and working railroad machine shops and steel mills. Because Black Americans were excluded from libraries during his lifetime and until after the Civil Rights Movement, he would often have friends check out books for him.
After moving to New York City in 1876, Woods began taking courses on engineering and electricity, and soon after went on to invent “Telegraphony,” a process that combined features of both the telephone and telegraph. The Bell Company, founded by Scottish scientist Alexander Graham Bell, purchased his invention, which enabled Woods to become a full-time inventor. He would go on to develop over 60 inventions , including “trollers,” grooved metal wheels attached to trolleys, that allowed said trolleys to collect electric power from overhead wires.
Annie Easley (1933-2011)
Annie Easley was a pioneer in the fields of computer science, mathematics, and rocket science. Born in Birmingham, Ala., Easley graduated as valedictorian of her high school and completed two years of study at Xavier University in New Orleans, La. After moving to Cleveland, Oh., she read an article about twin sisters who worked as “human computers” at the Lewis Flight Propulsion Research Laboratory. Intrigued by their line of work, she applied for an open position at the laboratory and was hired two weeks later. This began her 34-year-long career and led to her appointment as one the first Black employees at NASA. There, she performed manual computations for researchers as a human computer and was at the forefront of space research and launch missions.
After human computers were gradually replaced by machines, she went on to develop and implement a computer code that was used for energy-conversion systems, analyzing alternative power technology including the battery technology that was used for early hybrid vehicles along with wind and solar energy projects.
Jessica O. Matthews (1988-Present)
Born in 1988, Jessica O. Matthews is an award-winning scientist and entrepreneur who created one of the most unique sources of power generation in recent years. Matthews, who attended Harvard College and graduated from Harvard Business School, developed the Soccket, a soccer ball that stores kinetic energy as its used. The ball can generate enough energy to power a small LED light for 3 hours after only half an hour of play.
Additionally, Matthews is the founder and CEO of Uncharted Power, a tech company building resilient, accessible and cost-effective power access. Uncharted is an award-winning technology company with the goal of providing equitable development of smart and sustainable energy infrastructure. The company operates globally, deploying solar microgrids, EV charging technologies, and other sustainable energy solutions.