Do you know who the people in this picture are?

Lydia Newton Walter Sammons Sarah Boone Arthur Wharton William Purvis

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The following people made a valuable contribution to society with their inventions and

without which everyday life would be quite challenging. We have a lot to be thankful

for!

Sarah Boone – Ironing Board Jan Matzeliger – Lasting Machine

Walter Sammons – The Comb Lloyd Ray – The Dustpan

Thomas Stewart – The Mop John Love – The Pencil Sharpener

George T Salmon – Clothes Dryer William Purvis – The Fountain Pen

Lydia Newton – Hairbrush Garett Morgan – Traffic Light System

Albert Robinson – Electric Trolley Frederick Jones – Air Conditioning Unit

Richard Spikes – Automatic Gear Shift John Standard – Refrigerator unit

Britain in the 1980s was in turmoil in the Thatcher era with the after-

effects of the riots in Brixton, Tottenham and Toxteth, black Britons

were fighting for tolerance and acceptance, and against

marginalisation, racism and also trying to define a sense of identity

and purpose. It is in this context that Black History Month was adopted

in the UK.

In 1987 the concept of Black History was developed Akyaaba Addai-

Sebo, a special projects officer at the GLC, and later at the London

Strategic Policy Unit. With the support of these bodies, politicians,

community activists and senior officers Addai-Sebo coordinated the

first official Black History Month event on October 1, 1987.

Many of the people who brought important items to our

Lives, lived in a society where they were persecuted for the colour

of their skin. Let us be thankful for everything they contributed to make

our world a more tolerant place where mutual respect truly is the

foundation of genuine harmony.