TOPIC 6.5 Technical Innovation

The EXTRAORDINARY life of Lewis Howard Latimer

KC-6.1.I.B.i Businesses made use of technological innovations and greater access to natural resources to dramatically increase the production of goods.

“His work in science was an achievement and his personal life was a work of art.” - Amsterdam News, New York’s leading Black newspaper, 1928

Antiracism in the US history classroom:

“While oppression is part of black history and black present, it is imperative that teachers don't make that the whole story. It is not OK to skip over the innumerable contributions of African Americans to the United States. ” - Jamilah Pitts of Teaching Tolerance

Latimer was the son of famous abolitionist parents and his technological achievements made a massive impact on American life. His name and his story deserve inclusion in our curriculum.

Notes

I add these slides and the fascinating story of Lewis Latimer to our class discussion on topic 6.5. Our textbook gives detailed accounts of the development of both the light bulb and telephone but does not mention Latimer who made both inventions possible. The story of George Latimer’s trial and early life of Lewis Latimer also provides excellent context for the African American experience of the late 19th century. This will take about 10-15 minutes of class time, but I find it well worth it!