Today marks the sixth day of 28 Days of Black Excellence created by VocalEssence Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III. Phillip highlights the work of Granville T. Woods, a Black inventor who dedicated his life’s work to developing a variety of inventions, many relating to the railroad industry. His musical inspiration comes from the song “Love Train” made popular by the O’Jays.
Granville T. Woods (1856-1910)
Notable Achievements: Woods’s most notable invention was for a type of communication called the induction telegraph system. The system allowed moving trains to communicate, helping them avoid collisions and dangers on the tracks. It also helped dispatchers locate trains. Woods held nearly 60 patents throughout his life. Many of these inventions were for electric railways. The third rail, which uses electricity to pull trains forward, was one of his inventions and is still widely used today. Woods also improved the automatic air brake used by railroad cars.
Learn More
- https://www.biography.com/inventor/granville-t-woods
- https://www.thoughtco.com/granville-t-woods-1992675
- https://www.transportation.gov/connections/granville-t-woods-inventor-and-innovator
Sponsor Thank You
This episode of 28 Days of Black Excellence was sponsored by Don and Barbara Shelby.
Sponsor Black Excellence
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