For much of American history, Black inventors have faced significant barriers; in many cases, these innovators were unable to patent their inventions or saw their achievements credited to others. Until the abolishment of slavery in 1865, the U.S. patent system was not even available to enslaved people, as they were not considered American citizens. And even after slavery was abolished, numerous barriers remained due to racial discrimination.  Take, for instance, the case of Ellen Eglin, an African American domestic servant and resident of Washington, D.C., who invented an improved clothes wringer. In 1888, she decided ...Read More