1 . Benjamin Banneker — almanac Born to freed slaves in 1731 , Banneker became an astronomer , author , inventor , mathematician , and surveyor . He invented some of the most effective clocks of his time , planned out the city of Washington , D . C ., and published six almanacs that each included political and social commentary , particularly advocating for the rights of slaves and free blacks .
2 . Patricia Bath — laser surgical device Bath is a contemporary inventor and ophthalmologist from Harlem , New York . She is the first black female doctor to receive a medical patent . In 1986 , she invented the Laserphaco Probe , which has revolutionized the treatment of cataracts .
3 . Charles Drew — blood bank Drew was born in Washington , D . C . in 1904 . As a surgeon , researcher , and inventor , he invented the modern blood banks . Since World War II , his invention has gone on to save thousands of lives .
4 . Thomas Elkins — modern toilet In addition to other inventions , Elkins created the chamber commode in 1872 . It included a mirror , washstand , mirror , and more .
5 . Philip Emeagwali — world ’ s fastest computer Emeagwali was born in Nigeria in 1954 . Although he came of age during a brutal civil war , he earned many advanced degrees including a Ph . D . in scientific computing . In 1989 , he created the world ’ s fastest computer .
6 . Frederick Jones — refrigeration machine Jones was a self-taught engineer with a number of important inventions . His most notable invention was a refrigeration machine used to transport blood , food , and medicine during World War II .
7 . Lewis Latimer — light bulb Born in 1848 to runaway slaves , Latimer became an inventor and engineer . In addition to his invention of one of the earliest air conditioning units , he assisted in the development of some of the world ’ s most important inventions , including the light bulb and the telephone .
8 . Alexander Miles — improved elevator Known as “ the wealthiest colored man in the Northwest ,” Miles created an automatic device to open and close elevator doors . Because of his invention , we are able to enjoy this modern luxury .
9 . Garrett Morgan — traffic light , gas mask Born in Kentucky in 1877 , Morgan is the inventor of something many utilize every day , the traffic signal . He created this after witnessing so many accidents on busy urban intersections . In addition to this , he created the gas mask which grew in popularity when it was used to aid workers after an underground explosion .
10 . Daniel Hale Williams — pioneer of open heart surgery Williams was born in Pennsylvania in 1856 . He would go on to become a physician and surgeon . In 1891 , he founded the first integrated hospital , and just two years later , he 11 became the first person to successfully complete open-heart surgery .