Life at Applied
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A Century of Black History Commemorations
Date Published: March 30, 2026
By: Tammika White
Each February, we pause to reflect on the profound contributions of Black Americans – trailblazers who have shaped history, culture, and innovation. This year’s Black History Month theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” invited us to look back at 100 years of honoring Black excellence while recommitting ourselves to building a future rooted in equity and opportunity.
For a century, these commemorations have been more than moments of recognition. They’ve been acts of resilience and affirmation. They remind us that Black history is American history, and that progress is born from courage, creativity, and community.
From the early days of Carter G. Woodson’s vision for Negro History Week to today’s global celebrations, these milestones reflect a powerful truth: our stories matter, and they deserve to be told.
During Black History Month, our Black at Applied Community of Interest brought these stories to life internally, hosting a webinar for Team Applied that spotlighted extraordinary Black trailblazers and the impact of their innovations. The conversation sparked reflection, learning, and appreciation across our teams.
Now, we’re proud to share these trailblazers and their stories more broadly—extending that same spirit of recognition and learning to our external readers.
We hope you enjoy their stories.
| Inventor | Invention / Contribution | Patent Date / Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| James S. Adams | Airplane Propellers | October 19, 1920 | Developed an improved airplane propulsion system using stored spring energy to drive aircraft forward more efficiently. |
| Marjorie Stewart Joyner | Permanent Wave Machine | November 27, 1928 | Invented a device using multiple heated rods to curl or straighten hair simultaneously, significantly reducing styling time. |
| Richard B. Spikes | Automatic Gear Shift | December 6, 1932 | Created a mechanism that improved manual transmission usability; also invented beer taps, automatic braking signs, turn signals, and a horizontally swinging barber’s chair. |
| David Nelson Crosthwait Jr. | HVAC and Mechanical Innovations | 39 U.S. patents; 80 international patents | Contributed major innovations in refrigeration, thermostat controls, and vacuum pumps; inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2014. |
| Henrietta M. Bradberry | Torpedo Discharge Means (Underwater Cannon) | December 11, 1945 | Designed a pneumatically operated submarine mechanism for releasing torpedoes while preventing water intake. |
| Mary Beatrice Kenner | Sanitary Belt | May 15, 1956 | Introduced improved fluid control and ergonomic design, advancing menstrual hygiene products and women’s health innovation. |
| Marie Van Brittan Brown | Home Security System | December 2, 1969 | Designed the first home security system with cameras, two-way audio, remote door control, and police notification. |
| Gerald “Jerry” Lawson | Fairfield Channel F | June 1976 | Pioneered durable ROM video game cartridges and is considered the father of the game cartridge industry. |
| George E. Alcorn | X-ray Spectrometer | October 21, 1986 | Invented an imaging X-ray spectrometer for analyzing distant galaxies; NASA Inventor of the Year in 1984. |
| Lisa Gelobter | Macromedia Shockwave Player | June 1995 | Co-developed Shockwave; later founded tEQuitable and was announced as New York City Chief Technology Officer in 2026. |
| Janet Emerson Bashen | Linkline (Nalikah) EEO Software | January 10, 2006 | First Black woman to earn a web-based software patent; created software for EEO investigations and claims tracking. |
| Tracy Ustinov | Insurance Technology Innovations | 2014, 2017 | Co-invented patented document scanning, importing, and integrated distribution systems that streamline insurance workflows. |
Celebrating Culture, Inspiring Future Innovators
At Applied Systems, through our Black at Applied Community of Interest (COI), we embrace this legacy by fostering spaces for connection, mentorship, and cultural celebration. We believe that honoring history is not just about looking back – it’s about moving forward. It’s about amplifying voices, creating opportunities, and ensuring that the next generation of innovators sees themselves reflected in the narrative of success.
Watch our video to hear more from Team Applied about the importance of reflection, recognition, and pushing for progress.
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Tammika White
Sr. Quality Analyst, Co-Chair of Black at Applied
Tammika White is a Sr. Quality Analyst and Co‑Chair of Black at Applied, dedicated to fostering belonging, elevating voices, and strengthening culture across Applied. She brings a commitment to excellence, authenticity, and collaboration to every project and community initiative. Tammika is passionate about creating safe, empowering spaces where colleagues can connect, grow, and show up as their best selves.
