March 12, 2007
Those who wanted to learn about black inventors had a chance today at the International Black Inventions Museum held in the Bell Memorial Union.Chico State students and elementary students from around the area came to view the replicas of inventions including ankle weights and a welding helmet.
Curator Hamza Salifu said the children enjoyed the museum and were impressed by the inventions. Students also viewed a movie about black inventions and their inventors that played on a big screen in the front of the auditorium.
The home security system, invented by Marie Van Britton Brown, was of the inventions at the event. Brown received a patent for the invention in 1969 and it featured a television monitor.
Most of the displays had copies of their U.S. patents that Salifu researched diligently.
Facts can never be distorted, he said.
Salifu said the museum's purpose is to promote positive images and self-esteem for blacks. Many people associate black achievement with sports, but academic contributions are overlooked, he said.
Jack Johnson was a famous boxer, but he also invented the wrench, Salifu said.
Diversity coordinator Tray Robinson said the museum is a way to show students the contributions that blacks have offered to society.
"It gives you a sense of pride," Robinson said.
Shannon Lawrence can be reached at slawrence@theorion.com
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