African Americans throughout history have invented many of the items we use in everyday life.  Without the creation of many of these inventions we would not have the many comforts of today.  Below you will find a list of 50 everyday items invented by African Americans.  As you scroll through the list just imagine how life would be without them. 

1. Air Conditioner- Fredrick Jones, 1949
2. Auto on-off switch- Granville T. Woods,1839
3. Automatic Gear Shift- Richard Spikes, 1932
4. Automatic Shoe Making Machine- Jan Matzelinger, 1883
5. Bicycle Frame- L.R. Johnson, 1899
6. Cascade®- Dennis Weatherby, 1987
7. Cell Phone- Henry T. Sampson, 1862
8. Clothes Dryer- George T. Sampson, 1862
9. Curtain Rod- S.R. Scratton, 1889
10. Digital Toaster- Ruane Sharon Jeter, 1987
11. Dime Presidential Portrait- Selma Burke,1945
12. Disposable Syringe- Phil Brooks, 1974
13. Door Knob/ Door Stop- O. Dorsey, 1878
14. Dustpan- Lawrence P. Ray, 1897
15. Egg Beater- Willie Johnson, 1884
16. Electric Trolley Car- Elbert R. Robinson, 1893
17. Electronic Control Devices for guided missiles, IBM computers, and the pacemaker- Otis Boykin, 1959-1965
18. Elevator-  Alexander Miles, 1867
19. Envelope Seal- F. W. Leslie, 1897
20. Filament for Electric Light Bulbs- Lewis Latimer, 1882
21. Fire Escape Ladder- Joseph Winters, 1878
22. Fitted Bed Sheets, Bertha Bermen,1959
23. Golf Tees- Dr. George F. Grant, 1899
24. Guitar- Robert F. Flemming Jr., 1886
25. Hair Brush- Lydia Newman, 1898
26. Heating Furnace- Alice Parkers, 1919
27. Hole Punch- Charles B. Brooks, 1893
28. Home Security System, using TV surveillance- Marie V. Brittan Brown, 1969
29. Ice Cream Scooper- Alfred Cralle, 1897
30. Improved Hair Comb- Walter Sammons (Philadelphia native), 1920
31. Ironing Board- Sarah Boone, 1887
32. Key Chain- F. J. Loudin, 1894
33. Keyboard Stand- Joanna Hardin, 1993
34. Laser Apparatus for surgery of cataracts- Patricia Bath, 1999
35. Lawnmower- John Burr, 1889
36. Mop- Thomas W. Steward, 1893
37. Optical Fiber Cable with Non Metallic Sheath- Artis C. Jenkins, 1988
38. Peanut Butter- George Washington Carver, 1896
39. Pencil Sharpner- John Love, 1897
40. Portable weighing scale- John W. Hunter, 1896
41. Potato Chips- George Crum, 1853
42. Pullman suitcases- Debrilla M. Ratchford, 1978
43. Refrigerator- John Standard, 1891
44. Rolling Pin- John W. Reed, 1864
45. Sprinkler System- Joseph Smith,1897
46. Stainless Steel Scouring Pads- Alfred Benjamin, 1962
47. Street Sweeper- Charles Brooks, 1896
48. Super Soaker- Lonnie Johnson, 1991
49. Thermostat Control- Frederick M. Jones, 1960
50. Tricycle- M. A. Cherry,1886