Students participated in a school-based presentation of learning for Black History Month that highlighted the positive contributions of lesser-known African American innovators. Here we have reimagined their legacy of innovation with these guiding questions:

• • Why do we acknowledge lesser-known innovators’ creativity and contributions to society? Why are their names less familiar to us? 

  • What does the legacy of their work say about the importance of community? 

  • How can I design a product that honors the legacy of their innovations?

We learned that communities are the sum of many parts, experiences, and perspectives that affect our day-to-day lives in a positive way. There is strength in community, and together we thrive through innovation. This presentation of learning is a culmination of  informational brochures featuring the innovator researched, alongside dioramas that showcase a modern-day take on the innovation in real-life settings. The collection of dioramas is placed in a stair-step orientation to reiterate the powerful impact of community building when we collaborate.

Key people include: George Peake (grain mill grinder), Granville Woods (motors), Marie Van Brittan Brown (home security), Dr. Daniel Hale (1st open heart surgery), Marie Maynard Daly (biochemistry), and Dr. Patricia Bath (eye laser treatment). The presenters will demonstrate how curiosity can inspire our communities' connection, progress, and efficiency in a robust society.