Today marks the eighth day of 28 Days of Black Excellence created by VocalEssence Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III. Phillip highlights the work of Lewis Howard Latimer, who was responsible for many inventions, including the carbon filament in light bulbs which made electricity more efficient and cost effective. Stevie Wonder’s effervescent “You are the Sunshine of My Life” (in a friendly key for all voice ranges) serves as our musical pairing for the day.
Lewis H. Latimer (1848-1928)
Notable Achievements: Lewis Howard Latimer was an inventor and draftsman best known for his contributions to the patenting the process for efficiently manufacturing the carbon filament in lightbulbs, the first water closet (i.e., toilet) for railroad cars, and a forerunner of the air conditioner. He wrote the first book on electric lighting, “Incandescent Electric Lighting,” and supervised the installation of public electric lights throughout New York, Philadelphia, Montreal, and London.
Learn More
- https://lewislatimerhouse.org/about/
- https://www.biography.com/inventor/lewis-howard-latimer
- https://www.aip.org/sites/default/files/history/teaching-guides/african-american-inventors-work/African%20American%20Inventors%20in%20History_Lesson%20Plan.pdf
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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