Bioengineer Kwabena Boahen invented a silicon retina that is able to function like a human retina when it comes to processing images. Tweet

John Thomas White received a patent for the lemon squeezer on December 8, 1896. Tweet

Joseph Hunter Dickinson created many inventions involving musical instruments. He invented the player piano, the reed organ, and a mechanism to control the volume on mechanical musical instruments. Tweet

Oscar Micheaux is noted as the first African American to make a full length feature film. He was also into ownership- something that Black Hollywood lacks today. Tweet

Norbert Rillieux invented the vacuum sugar evaporator. It was patented in 1864. His invention made the process of processing sugar safer and more efficient. His device was implemented by sugar processing plants all around the world. Tweet

In 1853, George Crum invented the potato chip. He packaged an sold the chips as Saratoga Chips, and potato crunches. At one time, George Crum also owned his own restaurant. Tweet

Philip Downing created the letter drop box that contains a hinged door that closes to protect the mail. Tweet

Maggie Lena Walker was the first woman to direct a bank. She was the head of St. Luke Penny Savings Bank. She was also the owner of the St. Luke Herald newspaper. Tweet