In honor of Black History Month, we’re sharing a series of posts highlighting the significant contributions of the Black community in shaping and driving the energy industry, as well as important initiatives to advance equal access to clean, affordable energy.
Lewis Howard Latimer (1848-1928)
Lewis Howard Latimer’ work, curiosity and innovation led to the widespread international adoption of the light bulb and telephone, as well as the development the United States’ power industry. Latimer was an inventor and engineer whose inventions, patented and unpatented, relate to improving the quality of life. His contributions have gone largely unrecognized compared to those of his contemporaries due to racial bias in the attribution of credit, and in the framing and keeping of historical records.
Born to parents who had fled slavery, Latimer was self-taught in mechanical drawing, engineering and patent filing. His drawing, engineering and patent expertise was pivotal in enabling the widespread adoption of the light bulb and telephone, and also led him to develop several of his own inventions. He was an instrumental collaborator to Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell, innovating on Edison’s light bulb design which burned out within hours, and ensuring and protecting both men’s patents.
Accomplishments and Contributions
Latimer’s numerous accomplishments include:
- Improving on Edison's initial light bulb design by making it long-lasting and feasible for widespread adoption
- Patenting the improved light bulb’s design and manufacturing processes, in addition to protecting Edison’s patents from infringement
- Supervising the installation of public electric lights throughout New York, Philadelphia, Montreal, and London
- Becoming one of the 28 charter members (and the only Black founding member) of the Edison Pioneers, a prestigious and highly selective group credited with helping create the nation's electric power industry
- Writing the first book on incandescent lamps, “Incandescent Electric Lighting: A Practical Description of the Edison System”, which was praised for being an easy-to-understand explanation of the system
- Drafting drawings that helped Graham Bell patent the first telephone
- Holding several patents relating to the electric lamp, early air conditioning units, the safety elevator, locking coat racks and improvements of bathrooms in railroad cars
Personal Life
Latimer also engaged in multiple artistic pastimes, including playing the flute, and writing poetry and plays. He also gave back to the community by teaching mechanical drawing and English to recent immigrants at the Henry Street Settlement in New York.
The Energy Spotlight Series in Honor of Black History Month
- Post 1: Lewis Howard Latimer (1848-1928)
- Post 2: Donnel Baird & BlocPower
- Post 3: Ugwem Eneyo & SHYFT Power Solutions