This book not only documents the valuable contributions of African American thinkers, inventors, and entrepreneurs past and present, but also puts these achievements into context of the obstacles these innovators faced because of their race.

Successful entrepreneurs and inventors share valuable characteristics like self-confidence, perseverance, and the ability to conceptualize unrealized solutions or opportunities. However, another personality trait has been required for African Americans wishing to become business owners, creative thinkers, or patent holders: a willingness to overcome the additional barriers placed before them because of their race, especially in the era before civil rights.



The Entrepreneurial Spirit of African American Inventors provides historical accounts of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship among black Americans, from the 19th century to the present day. The author examines how these individuals stimulated industry, business activity, and research, helping shape the world as we know it and setting the precedent for the minority business tradition in the United States. This book also sheds light on fascinating advances made in metallurgy, medicine, architecture, and other fields that supply further examples of scientific inquiry and business acumen among African Americans.









Presents a chronology of patents issued to African Americans from the period of slavery to the present



Includes illustrations of patents and trademarks as well as advertising copy and photographs of African American entrepreneurs and patentees



Provides a bibliography of significant materials from the fields of invention, intellectual property, entrepreneurship, and business



A helpful index offers access to the entries by inventor, invention, patents, trademarks, periodicals, and field/profession



An appendix holds a comprehensive roster of African American patentees listing the inventor's name, U.S. patent title and number, and date of issue