CAN WE LIVE?
Can We Live? was my senior thesis project. It focuses on unrecognized African American inventors to acknowledge their impact on American society and more importantly, to acknowledge them as individuals not as a collective to advance African Americans. I created five handwritten, hand-bound accordion books dedicated to five lesser known African American inventors.
Norbert Rillieux
(March 17, 1806-October 8, 1894)
Norbert invented the multiple effect evaporator, which effectively created a better refinement process. During his lifetime, it was primarily used to refine sugar.
Sarah Boone
(1832 - 1904)
Sarah invented the ironing board, specifically designed to help in the process of ironing shirts and pants.
Lewis Latimer
(September 4, 1948 - December 28, 1928)
Lewis created eight inventions in his lifetime. He is most recognized for his improvements on the filament of the lightbulb. His innovation allowed for lightbulbs to last for months instead of days.
Madeline Turner
(1865? 1872? 1875? 1880? - 1945?)
Madeline invented the fruit press. Her invention paved the way for blenders
and food processors.
Sacramenta Tankins
(~1892 - ?)
Sacramenta invented a comb, better known as a pressing or hot comb. Although she was not the first to create one, her comb was unique because
it had a thermometer. This allowed women to know when the comb was hot enough to take off the stove and place in their hair.