Black history month may be over but today marks the first day of women’s history month, an annual month highlighting the significant achievements and contributions of women who have helped to advance society. At Shine My Crown, we’re showcasing five women who have made an impact by being behind some of the world’s most historic inventions.
Marie Van Brittan Brown invented the first home security system.
Marie Van Brittan Brown was employed as a nurse who lived in a marginalized community when she found a need to develop a security system.
In 1966, Brown, along with the help of her husband, Albert Brown, developed a high-tech monitoring system, which included a sliding camera, television monitors, two-way microphones, and four peepholes, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The camera and peepholes were able to capture people’s faces, while the built-in microphone assisted with communicating with others outside. If any unwanted intruders would appear, an emergency button was installed to alert police when pressed.
Valerie Thomas invented the illusion transmitter while working at NASA.
Valerie Thomas was only one of two women to study physics at Morgan State University in the 1970s. Upon graduation, she landed a highly-coveted position as a data and mathematical analyst at NASA, where she led the development of image-processing systems for the “Landsat” satellite, according to Britannica.
She was then propelled to create an illusion transmitter, which uses mirrors to create optical illusion images. In 1980, her invention was patented. Her invention led to the development of 3-D imaging, which is still used in photography and film up until today.
Sarah Boone invented the first modern ironing board.
Sarah Boone was born a slave in the south in 1832 but would rise to become an inventor when she took on a role as a dressmaker. In 1892, Boone conceived the idea to build an ironing board with collapsible legs.
“My improved device is not only adapted for pressing the inside and outside seams of the sleeves of ladies waists and mens’ coats, but will be found particularly convenient, also, in pressing curved waist-seams wherever they occur,” according to her patent application, which is now housed at the New Britain Industrial Museum.
Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner invented the first-ever sanitary belt.
Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner was a student at Howard University but was unable to afford tuition so she dropped out in the 1930s. While working odd jobs, she was able to save up enough money to file a patent for her invention: a belt for a sanitary napkin.
The design is comprised of an “adjustable belt with a moisture-proof napkin pocket built inside,” according to VICE. The device was made to prevent menstrual blood from leaking and staining clothes.
Bridget “Biddy” Mason invested money to help develop downtown Los Angeles.
Bridget “Biddy” Mason was the subject of a landmark court case in the 1800s when she and her family were granted freedom after being forced to walk more than 2,000 miles with her enslavers to California. After winning the case, she would become one of the first Black landowners and richest women in Los Angeles.
Mason’s fortune was estimated to be $7.5 million, but rather than keeping the money, she donated most of it and financed the First African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest church founded by African Americans in Los Angeles.
Last year during a wreath-laying ceremony in Mason’s honor, Los Angeles City Councilman Kevin de León said she was one of the “greatest angels our city has ever had,” according to CBS. “We are here to remember her bravery, her hard work, civic-mindedness — and her unparalleled generosity to her fellow Angelenos,” he said. “Without question, she is a pillar in the history of our great city.”
