On this final day of February, GPS continues to highlight Black excellence by introducing us to the work of Elijah McCoy, an inventor and engineer who has over 57 patents to his name that touch on many facets of our everyday lives. Our musical inspiration is in the form of Duke Ellington’s legendary ballad, “Come…  Read More →

On this Saturday edition of Take 5, we highlight the extraordinary contributions George Edward Alcorn, Jr. has made to science and technology through his work with NASA and beyond. A physicist, engineer, inventor and distinguished professor, Alcorn Jr. has revolutionized the semiconductor industry. We go back to Motown and the music of The Four Tops…  Read More →

On this episode we celebrate Sarah Elisabeth Goode, inventor of the “hide-away bed.” Our musical pairing is “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” traditional spiritual arranged by Harry T. Burleigh. Sarah Elisabeth Goode (1855-1905) Notable Achievements: One of the first African American women to be awarded a patent in 1885. Learn More https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/goode-sarah-e-c-1855-1905/ https://www.biography.com/inventor/sarah-e-goode Sponsor Thank You…  Read More →

On this episode we celebrate Miriam E. Benjamin, an American school teacher and inventor who invented the “Gong and Signal Chair” for hotels, adopted by the United States House of Representatives and a pre-cursor to the flight attendant signaling system on modern airplanes. Our musical pairing is “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” by…  Read More →

On this episode we celebrate Alfred L. Cralle, an African American businessman and inventor who was best known for inventing the ice cream scoop in 1897. Our musical pairing is “Do Lord,” a traditional Negro spiritual. Alfred L. Cralle (1866-1919) Notable Achievements: He did not become famous for his invention of his ice cream scoop.…  Read More →

  On this episode we explore the contributions of inventor of central heating using natural gas, Alice H. Parker. Our musical pairing is “Heatwave” by Brian & Edward Holland, Lamont Dozier, made popular by Martha and the Vandellas. Alice H. Parker (1895-1920) Notable Achievements:Very little is known about Alice Parker’s life. She attended classes at…  Read More →

On this Monday episode we explore the contributions of Dr. Patricia Bath, Ophthalmologist, Inventor, Humanitarian, and educator, who invented the laser cataract surgery called the Lazerphaco Probe. Our musical pairing is “I’ll Be Seeing You,” by Sammy Fain and Irving Kahal. Dr. Patricia Bath (1942-2019) Notable Achievements: Dr. Patricia Bath discovered and invented a new…  Read More →

On this Sunday edition of Take 5, GPS continues our exploration of Black Excellence by highlighting the contributions of well-known figures. George Washington Carver is regarded is the most influential African American scientist of the early 20th century, with well over 100 inventions credited to his work. Gospel music icon, Rev. James Cleveland, inspires and…  Read More →

On this twentieth day in our series honoring Black Excellence, GPS introduces us to the ground breaking invention of Marie Van Brittan Brown, who created something that many use each day either when leaving their house or heading to sleep. Speaking of sleep, our musical inspiration comes in the form of a song made popular…  Read More →