WHERE IS OUR SCIENTIFIC VOICE?

It has been documented that "fewer than seven percent of women who receive doctorates in the United States in 2010 were black" (Blair, 1). Factors that contribute to the lack of black women in the science industry are underrepresentation of black women scientists and lowered self esteem in math and science disciplines. Our foremothers that have worked hard so that younger generations can have a voice would not be pleased with such results. Sadly, searching for an African American female scientist or inventor can seem quite tough. The accomplishments of black women scientists fade within the groups of African Americans or women but not in a category of their own. We have to work hard on digging up the histories of our scientifically inclined sisters and let their story be heard.

THIS ONE'S FOR YOU BESSIE!

"A Black woman can invent something for the benefit of humankind" Bessie Blount-Griffin

Bessie Blount Griffin 1914-2009 was a forensic scientist, physical therapist, and inventor.

It is hard to pinpoint exactly when Blount-Griffin found her passion for science; however, it has been noted that from an early age Blount expressed an interest in the medical field. In adulthood Blount Griffin studied to become a physical therapist at Panzar College of Physical Education and Union Junior College; both located in the state of New Jersey.

Blount-Griffin received extensive physical therapy training during World War II. During the war Blount-Griffin worked with wounded soldiers and amputees. It was this experience that ultimately led to Blount-Griffin's inventions of the electronic feeding tube, the portable receptacle support, and the disposable cardboard emesis basin. The electronic feeding tube is a device that an amputee could deliver food one mouthful at a time through with a simple bite of the mouthpiece. The portable receptacle support is a brace used around the neck to support various dishes. The emesis basin is a pan that fits against the neck to collect vomit.

Unfortunately Blount-Griffin did not receive much support for her inventions from the American Veteran's Administration. In the United States Blount-Griffin and her inventions aired on a TV show called "The Big Idea"; however, her inventions received true recognition in France and Belgium.

In 1969 Blount-Griffin further her scientific journey by joining various forensics teams with different law enforcement agencies.

In 1977 Blount-Griffin became the first black woman to work at Scotland Yard.

By the age of 83 Blount-Griffin was a business-owner operating as a forensic investigator. Blount-Griffin used her business to research and analyze various documents such as slave papers and pre-Civil War documents.

At 95 years old Bessie Blount-Griffin overcame many obstacles and accomplished great  feats. In present day France and Belgium the electric feeding tube and portable receptacle support are still being used. Blount-Griffin's hard work and drive show the importance of never giving up on your passion. Although in earlier years Blount-Griffin did not receive much recognition for her inventions in 2007 she was inducted into the New Jersey's Cumberland County Black Hall of Fame.

Resources used for this project:

"Bessie Griffin." Virginian-Pilot, The (Norfolk, VA) 08 Jan. 2010: NewsBank. Web. 20 Oct. 2012.

Blair, Jenny. "Where are All the Black Women in Science? ." NewScientist. N.p., 19 2002. Web. 20 Oct 2012.  

<http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn22258-where-are-all-the-black-women-in-science.html>.

Correia de Barros, A., C. Duarte, and J. B. Cruz. "First Sketches for a History of Daily Living Aids."

Craig, Berry. "Bessie Blount Benefits Humankind While Breaking Barriers." O&P Business News 15.1 (2006): 34.

                SPORTDiscus. Web. 20 Oct. 2012.

"Savior of the Handicapped, Bessie Blount!." African American Registry. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Oct 2012.

                <http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/savior-handicapped-bessie-blount>.

Stanley, Autumn. Mothers and daughters of invention: Notes for a revised history of technology. Rutgers University

 Press, 1995.

Sullivan, Otha Richard. Black stars: African American women scientists and inventors. New York: John Wiley and

 Sons. Inc, 2002.

All Images From:

2012. African American InventorsWeb. 20 Oct 2012. <http://african-americaninventors.org/inventors.php?id=6>.