BY SIMONE J. SMITH
“The celebration is a testament to the strength of our community and the importance of investing in future generations.” CACD Founder and CEO Ron Cunningham
The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper is proud to stand in full support of this meaningful initiative and we were honoured to be invited to the CACD Black History Month Celebration. As a publication committed to uplifting and amplifying the voices of our community, we recognize the immense value of this event in preserving and celebrating the history, resilience, and contributions of people of African descent. This year’s theme—Ubuntu: “I am because we are”—beautifully reflects the strength found in unity, the power of cultural pride, and the enduring spirit of our ancestors.
“It was an opportunity to engage, learn, and honour the legacy of African excellence.”
On Tuesday, February 25th, 2025, I made my way down to the Mississauga Valley Community Centre, where this dynamic, multi-faceted celebration was taking place. The event had its usual community focused elements: educational workshops, youth empowerment sessions, a thought-provoking keynote speaker, cultural food sampling, and a breathtaking performance from our very own Liberty Silver. It was an opportunity to engage, learn, and honour the legacy of African excellence. We all came together in the spirit of Ubuntu to celebrate, reflect, and inspire the next generation of leaders.
Looking beyond February: A year-round commitment
This year, I wanted to take a moment to highlight a different aspect of the CACD Black History Month Celebration. While Black History Month is a significant recognition time, I appreciate the fact that CACD is committed to ongoing education and systemic change. I have always believed that our legacy and contributions should not be confined to February alone, but should be integrated into school curricula, workplace diversity initiatives, and national discourse throughout the year.
Throughout history, many Black inventors have created groundbreaking innovations that have shaped modern life—yet their contributions have often been overlooked or credited to others. Without these inventions, our world would be vastly different. As I went through the program, I was amazed at how many inventions I had credited to Europeans and I thought that this would be a great opportunity to share with our readers some crucial, but uncredited inventions by African innovators:
Caller ID & Touch-Tone Phones (Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson)
Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson’s research at Bell Labs led to the development of caller ID and touch-tone dialing, both of which revolutionized how we communicate. Without her work, we wouldn’t have many of the telecommunication features we take for granted today.
The Light Bulb’s Filament (Lewis Latimer)
While Thomas Edison is credited with inventing the light bulb, his early designs were inefficient and burned out quickly. Lewis Latimer, a Black inventor, improved the carbon filament inside the bulb, making it practical for everyday use. Without his contribution, cities wouldn’t have been illuminated as efficiently, and electric lighting may have remained an expensive luxury.
The Traffic Light (Garrett Morgan)
Imagine a world without traffic lights—chaos on the roads, accidents at every intersection. Garrett Morgan, a Black inventor, created the three-light traffic signal in 1923, adding the yellow light to warn drivers before stopping. Though Morgan patented his design, many sources fail to recognize his role in shaping modern traffic control.
Refrigerated Trucks (Frederick McKinley Jones)
Modern supermarkets, medical supplies, and even fast-food chains rely on refrigerated transport. Frederick McKinley Jones invented the first automatic refrigeration system for trucks, making it possible to ship perishable goods long distances. Without this technology, fresh food and medicine wouldn’t be as accessible.
The Modern Elevator Design (Alexander Miles)
Elevators were dangerous before Alexander Miles improved their design by adding an automatic closing mechanism. Before his invention, people had to manually open and close elevator doors, leading to frequent accidents. His innovation is still used in elevators today.
The First Digital Computer (Mark Dean)
Most people attribute the development of modern computers to white inventors, but Dr. Mark Dean, a Black IBM engineer, co-invented the personal computer and helped develop the first color PC monitor. He also led the team that created the ISA bus, allowing multiple devices to connect to computers. Without his contributions, computing would not be as advanced as it is today.
That’s right folks! African inventors have transformed the world in ways that most people don’t realize. From the everyday convenience of caller ID and automatic gear shifts to life-saving innovations like the gas mask and traffic light, their contributions are undeniable. Without these inventions, modern life would be drastically different—less safe, less convenient, and far less advanced. Thank you CACD for reminding us that our history cannot be encapsulated within a month; our work extends beyond our wildest imaginations.
REFERENCES:
https://www.biography.com/inventors/mark-dean
https://www.invent.org/inductees/alexander-miles
https://www.invent.org/inductees/frederick-mckinley-jones
https://www.somos.com/insights/brief-history-caller-id-how-one-woman-revolutionized-telecom-forever
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