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BLACK WOMEN AND INVENTIONS
Maggie Lena Walker, a woman of conviction, spirit, courage, and determination to rise out of the depths of human deprivation knew first-hand how the Black female could conquer obstacles and rise above limitations placed on womanhood by those of limited vision. As a businesswoman and the first Black woman to be president of a bank, the thoroughly understood that the mind of humans, no matter their background, was a precious commodity which could not be harnessed or leashed.
As a Black American, Maggie Lena Walker came from a long tradition of inventiveness. Four centuries ago, with the arrival of slave ships, the shores of the African continent were ravaged of many inhabitants. These natives were removed from their environs, became bonds people on a new continent and were deprived of human rights. The conditions were so severe many millions perished; however, a few overcame the injustices heaped upon them to become free. Some excelled in skills known to their African ancestors. Black creative minds that developed brilliant techniques and methods hoped for economic and social rewards. But most learned a bitter lesson: their intellectual prowess (or property, if they successfully applied for a Federal patent) was practically worthless because they could not find the capital necessary to pursue their plans or ideas. Some confided in those they thought trustworthy, looking for support, but instead found charlatans and glib talkers who many times took their money and stole their ideas and concepts. Others thought it best to obtain their protection in the name of a white person.
African Americans have been employed in the patent and trademark offices since 1821. But it was not until 1885 that the first patent was issued to an Afro-American woman. It is estimated by this author that,...