Trailblazers in Black History: Benjamin Bradley, Inventor

 

Notable invention: Warship steam engine

Having worked at the Annapolis Naval Academy, Bradley performed scientific experiments and was credited for building a steam engine at the age of 16. It was made entirely from scrap metal and used on warships to help travel faster at sea. Though he wasn’t able to patent his work, he sold his idea in exchange for his freedom. 

Source: The 25 Most Important Black Tech Pioneers