2nd ANNUAL INDUCTION CEREMONY
Join Us As We Celebrate a Bridge to Our Past and Our Tomorrow
Learn about the fascinating history of Black Inventors Hall of Fame, from its founding to its current misssion to build tatus as a premier museum in the region.
Inaugural Induction Ceremony
In 2021, BIHOF held its first Induction Ceremony in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on the 100th Commemorative Anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre. Pictured here are members of the Black Excellence Alliance, the organization that helped give rise to the Black Inventors Hall of Fame.
Lonnie Johnson
One of the preeminent Black inventors of our time, Lonnie Johnson, stands among the distinguished honorees inducted into the Inaugural Black Inventors Hall of Fame, joining five other trailblazers whose achievements continue to shape our world.
2026 Inductees
Dr. Mae Jemison
Dr. Mae Jemison
Dr. Mae Jemison
Dr. Mae Jemison transformed science and society as the first African American woman in space, a physician, engineer, and inventor whose innovations advanced
biotechnology and space exploration. Her visionary leadership in STEM education
and global advocacy for equity make her an essential and inspiring inductee into the Black Inventors Hall of Fame.
James West
Dr. Mae Jemison
Dr. Mae Jemison
Prof. Emeritus James West transformed modern sound with his invention of the electret microphone, a breakthrough powering 90% of today’s audio devices. His 250+
patents, pioneering acoustics research, and lifelong advocacy for diversity in STEM make him an essential and foundational inductee into the BIHOF.
Dr. Marian Croak
Dr. Mae Jemison
Dr. Marian Croak
Dr. Marian Croak revolutionized global communication with over 200 patents, pioneering Voice over IP and transforming how billions connect. Her innovations laid the foundation for modern internet calling, telework, and digital collaboration. As a trailblazing Black woman in tech, her impact, leadership, and vision make her indispensable to the Black Inventors Hall of Fame.
Lanny Smoot
Dr. Mae Jemison
Dr. Marian Croak
Lanny Smoot, Disney’s legendary Imagineer and a National Inventors Hall of Fame inductee, has transformed immersive storytelling through more than 100 groundbreaking patents. His innovations—from advanced robotics to next‐generation special effects—redefined global entertainment. His creative genius and technological impact make him essential to the Black Inventors Hall of Fame.
Sir Cato T. Laurencin
Dr. Hadiyah Nicole Green
Dr. Hadiyah Nicole Green
Sir Cato T. Laurencin is a pioneering surgeon‐scientist whose breakthroughs in regenerative engineering and biomaterials have reshaped modern medicine. With transformative patents and landmark research, he created new pathways for healing and tissue regeneration. His visionary impact, leadership, and scientific excellence make him a vital inductee into the Black Inventors Hall of Fame.
Dr. Hadiyah Nicole Green
Dr. Hadiyah Nicole Green
Dr. Hadiyah Nicole Green
Dr. Hadiyah‐Nicole Green revolutionized cancer treatment with her pioneering laser‐activated nanoparticle therapy, offering a targeted, side‐effect‐free alternative to chemotherapy. Her groundbreaking patents and visionary leadership in medical physics position her as a transformative force in modern medicine. Her innovation and impact ma
Dr. Hadiyah‐Nicole Green revolutionized cancer treatment with her pioneering laser‐activated nanoparticle therapy, offering a targeted, side‐effect‐free alternative to chemotherapy. Her groundbreaking patents and visionary leadership in medical physics position her as a transformative force in modern medicine. Her innovation and impact make her an essential inductee into the Black Inventors Hall of Fame.
Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi
Dr. Hadiyah Nicole Green
Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi
Hakeem Oluseyi is an astrophysicist and inventor whose breakthroughs in semiconductor physics, space instrumentation, and solar technology advanced NASA missions and global scientific understanding. His innovative research, patents, and powerful advocacy for STEM equity make him a transformative figure worthy of induction into the Black I
Hakeem Oluseyi is an astrophysicist and inventor whose breakthroughs in semiconductor physics, space instrumentation, and solar technology advanced NASA missions and global scientific understanding. His innovative research, patents, and powerful advocacy for STEM equity make him a transformative figure worthy of induction into the Black Inventors Hall of Fame. Oluseyi’s life story rising from poverty to become a NASA scientist and one of the most visible Black physicists in the world embodies the resilience, brilliance, and cultural resonance that BIHOF seeks to uplift.
Jesse Russell
Dr. Hadiyah Nicole Green
Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi
Jesse Russell pioneered digital cellular technology, laying the foundation for today’s mobile communications. With groundbreaking patents and leadership at Bell Labs, he transformed how the world connects. As one of the most influential living wireless innovators, his visionary contributions make him an essential inductee into the Black Inventors Hall of fame.
2026 Historical Legendary Inductees
Charles Fredrick Page
Charles Richardson Patterson
Walter Lincoln Hawkins
Charles Frederick Page was a visionary Black aviation pioneer whose patented 1904 airship design contributed to the story of early flight before mainstream recognition. His engineering brilliance, aerodynamic insight, and perseverance in a segregated era mark him as a foundational innovator. His restored legacy makes him a profoundly
deserving inductee into the Black Inventors Hall of Fame.
Walter Lincoln Hawkins
Charles Richardson Patterson
Walter Lincoln Hawkins
Walter Lincoln Hawkins revolutionized telecommunications with his durable polymer coating for telephone cables, enabling global, long‐distance communication. His pioneering materials science research, numerous patents, and leadership at Bell Labs transformed modern connectivity. His brilliance, impact, and barrier‐breaking career make him
Walter Lincoln Hawkins revolutionized telecommunications with his durable polymer coating for telephone cables, enabling global, long‐distance communication. His pioneering materials science research, numerous patents, and leadership at Bell Labs transformed modern connectivity. His brilliance, impact, and barrier‐breaking career make him an essential inductee into the Black Inventors Hall of Fame.
Charles Richardson Patterson
Charles Richardson Patterson
Charles Richardson Patterson
C.R. Patterson founded the nation’s only Black‐owned automobile company, pioneering transportation innovation against extraordinary odds. His craftsmanship, engineering vision, and entrepreneurial courage created vehicles that rivaled major manufacturers. His legacy of excellence, resilience, and industry leadership makes him a foundation
C.R. Patterson founded the nation’s only Black‐owned automobile company, pioneering transportation innovation against extraordinary odds. His craftsmanship, engineering vision, and entrepreneurial courage created vehicles that rivaled major manufacturers. His legacy of excellence, resilience, and industry leadership makes him a foundational figure deserving induction into the Black Inventors Hall of Fame.
Annie Turnbo Malone
Charles Richardson Patterson
Charles Richardson Patterson
Annie Turnbo Malone built a haircare empire through patented formulas and manufacturing innovations that empowered Black women economically and culturally. As one of America’s first Black female millionaires, she revolutionized beauty science and entrepreneurship. Her visionary leadership and transformative impact make her a vital inductee into the Black Inventors Hall of Fame.
Frederick McKinley Jones
Frederick McKinley Jones
Frederick McKinley Jones
Frederick McKinley Jones transformed global commerce and food preservation with his patented mobile refrigeration systems. His innovations made fresh food transport possible worldwide and reshaped military logistics. As one of America’s most prolific Black inventors, his engineering genius and lasting impact make him indispensable to the Black Inventors Hall of Fame.
Marie Van Brittan Brown
Frederick McKinley Jones
Frederick McKinley Jones
Marie Van Brittan Brown invented the first home security system, a groundbreaking design that laid the foundation for modern surveillance technology. Her patented innovation addressed safety needs in her community and reshaped global security practices. Her ingenuity and lasting technological influence make her an essential inductee into the Black Inventors Hall of Fame.
David Crosthwait
Frederick McKinley Jones
David Crosthwait
David Crosthwait revolutionized modern heating and ventilation with dozens of patents that shaped climate‐control engineering. His innovations powered safer, more efficient large‐building systems nationwide. As a pioneering Black mechanical engineer whose designs remain foundational today, his technical brilliance and lasting impact make him a vital inductee into the Black Inventors Hall of Fame.
2026 Young Innovators Award
Eniola Shokunbi
Eniola Shokunbi is a groundbreaking young innovator whose advanced air filtration system addresses environmental health and clean‐air access with remarkable scientific maturity. Her novel innovationn, national recognition, and commitment to community impact exemplify the future of STEM leadership. Her brilliance and transformative potenti
Eniola Shokunbi is a groundbreaking young innovator whose advanced air filtration system addresses environmental health and clean‐air access with remarkable scientific maturity. Her novel innovationn, national recognition, and commitment to community impact exemplify the future of STEM leadership. Her brilliance and transformative potential make her a deserving inductee into the Black Inventors Hall of Fame.
In Honor of Women's History Month
Celebrating Black Women Inventors w/ Microsoft
BIHOF staff recently joined Microsoft BAM Consultant, Gina Dominique, and its Garage Director, Mike Pell, for a design sprint celebrating Black women inventors past and present. We were joined by lead architects Mike Ford and Kirk Mitchell, and designers from Ralph Applebaum Associates and Electrosonics
A Thriving Black History Month
This month, the Black Inventors Hall of Fame (BIHOF) installed its Connecting the Dots and Three Eras of Innovation exhibits in Pennsylvania, advancing its mission to educate and inspire through the legacy of Black inventors.
BIHOF is also featured in the annual USA Today Black History Month Special Edition magazine.
Black Inventors Hall of Fame Museum: Connecting the Dots
Black Inventors Hall of Fame Museum - Explore History and Art
Please plan to visit the Black Inventors Hall of Fame Museum exhibit titled Connecting the Dots. Presently shown at the Historic Speedwell in Morris Plains, NJ. The Historic Speedwell will reopen in April and the exhibit will continue into the month of June.
Plan Your Visit
Historic Speedwell
Hours:
Everyday 10am - 4pm
April through October
Address: 333 Speedwell Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: (973) 285-6550
Project Inspire Honors Hispanic Heritage Month
BIHOF Honors Historic and Legendary Hispanic Inventors
Presenting project Inspire was an incredible experience where I had the opportunity to meet with children and share stories about remarkable Hispanic inventors from the past and present. The students were engaged and excited to learn about the creativity and perseverance behind these legendary figures. It was inspiring to see their curiosity grow as they connected these inventors’ contributions to their own dreams and ideas for the future.
Three Eras Traveling Exhibit and Invention Education Kiosk
The Three Eras of African American Inventor Experience Journey tour continues, now appearing at Princeton Public Library on the campus of Princeton University. Feb 1, 2024 to Feb 23, 2024.
The Three Eras of African American Inventor Experience Journey tour continues, now appearing at Essex Community College in Newark, NJ Jan 11, 2024 - Jan 31, 2024. The exhibit is coming off of a two-week stint at Centenary University in Hackettstown, NJ and next appearing at the Princeton Public Library from Feb 1,2024 - February 23, 2024 to kick off Black History month festivities.
INSPIRE: A Self-Guided Learning and Innovation Kiosk
We are pleased to inform you that BIHOF is currently in the process of developing a groundbreaking travel kiosk. The kiosk is a self-learning invention tool that enables the youth of Morristown, NJ, to learn about the process of inventing while also receiving a history lesson on past Black and Latin inventors. This one-of-a-kind self-learning tool is designed to be scalable to underserved communities throughout the region. The project is partially funded by the Kirby Foundation, Hyde/Watson, and Blue Foundry Bank. We are grateful for their contributions and look forward to continuing to work with them to bring this project to fruition.
BIHOF and the community
First BIHOF MUSEUM EXHIBIT
First BIHOF MUSEUM EXHIBIT
First BIHOF MUSEUM EXHIBIT
BIHOF succeeded with its first public exhibit titled Three Eras of African American Invention Journey experience. The three day exhibit was well received by visitors who had a chance to select a given inventor from the display panel and hear a 90sec narrated story. Sponsored by US Inventors and hosted by USPTO in Alexandria, VA.
Morris COunty STEM Day
First BIHOF MUSEUM EXHIBIT
First BIHOF MUSEUM EXHIBIT
The BIHOF Team organized a full day event where kids were encouraged to explore their creativity through idea generation and storytelling. The event began with a lesson on the history of Black Inventors, followed by an opportunity for each group to design their own product geared towards addressing climate control issues.
Harlem Week FUndraiser
First BIHOF MUSEUM EXHIBIT
Washington DC Career Day
BIHOF and its team members sponsored the 2022 Harlem Week Festivities. The event was an opportunity for the community to learn about the upcoming BIHOF Museum and key Black inventors from the past and present. Information sharing about the museum and fundraising was also a part of the event.
Washington DC Career Day
READING PA SCHOOL DISTRICT 5th GRade INVENTOR WORKSHOP
Washington DC Career Day
BIHOF offered their services to the STEM NOLA invention camp in Washington DC. Over 300 children participated, and BIHOF's Director James Howard led a workshop on careers in construction and architecture.
Bronx College Entrepreneurship Workshop
READING PA SCHOOL DISTRICT 5th GRade INVENTOR WORKSHOP
READING PA SCHOOL DISTRICT 5th GRade INVENTOR WORKSHOP
James Howard, Director of BIHOF, gave a lecture at Bronx College on careers in entrepreneurship, film production, and patent and product licensing. Afterwards, students participated in a Q&A session on tips for success in entrepreneurship.
READING PA SCHOOL DISTRICT 5th GRade INVENTOR WORKSHOP
READING PA SCHOOL DISTRICT 5th GRade INVENTOR WORKSHOP
READING PA SCHOOL DISTRICT 5th GRade INVENTOR WORKSHOP
BIHOF spent a day conducting two workshops for 5th graders. The workshop included history lessons on Black and Latin inventors and lessons in Invention education including exercises in Design Thinking idea generation sessions.