Uncover the Hidden Genius of Black Inventors who helped shape America.
We help kids to see themselves as inventors and problem-solvers—to see themselves in what they read. Teachers gain a compelling resource to diversify history/STEM lessons. Parents are able to foster cultural pride and curiosity at home.

BOOKS
Through "COLORED" Eyes:
The Story of Henry E. Baker, The Man From Mississippi Who Created A List That Changed The World
Uncover the Hidden Genius of Black Inventors who helped shape America. This project helps educators and parents teach untold Black inventor histories to inspire kids with real-world innovation and legacy. Explore powerful biographies, 3D patent illustrations, and over 400 real inventions by African Americans—a perfect resource for educators, parents, and curious young minds. It aims to provide primary and secondary educators, STEM programs, and the like with content that integrates with current curriculum and engages kids to see themselves as inventors and problem-solvers—to see themselves in what they read. Teachers gain a compelling resource to diversify lessons. Parents are able to foster cultural pride and curiosity at home. We spotlight African American Inventions from Baker’s List of 400+ groundbreaking contributions of inventors.

How did a man from Columbus, Mississippi, become one of the most pivotal unsung heroes in African American history? Through "Colored" Eyes highlights Henry E. Baker's personal journey and lifelong dedication to documenting and celebrating the overlooked contributions of African American inventors in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The author provides insightful historical context, correcting historical omissions and misinformation, filling in the gaps, and ensuring that readers see a fuller, more accurate picture of the innovation of these inventors.

This compelling book examines Baker’s life, exploring his groundbreaking work and unrelenting determination to preserve the legacy of Black inventors in a way that nicely blends creativity and technology for an engaging experience.

At its heart, the book showcases 10 remarkable inventions from Baker’s extensive list, each paired with insightful biographies of the inventors, full of context, and stunning full-color 3D illustrations recreated from their original patent drawings. These inventions not only highlight ingenuity and resilience but also stand as symbols of triumph in the face of systemic adversity.

In addition to these featured inventions, the book includes Baker’s list of over 400 African American inventions, providing a comprehensive resource that underscores the monumental impact these individuals have had on science, industry, and society.

This book inspires Black children. It challenges stereotypes and promotes an inclusive education—perfect for educators, students, parents, entrepreneurs, historians, and anyone passionate about untold stories.Own your learning journey.
Get the List of Over 400 African American Inventions
BAKER'S LIST of "Colored" Inventors highlights and puts within your grasp more than 400 African American inventions. This book presents a rare and invaluable list of African American inventions that shaped industries, revolutionized everyday life, and established a foundation for subsequent generations of thinkers and creators—curated from the historical records of Henry E. Baker, Assistant Patent Examiner at the U.S. Patent Office. Through meticulous research, Baker uncovered and validated these pioneering works, overcoming historical barriers to ensure that these inventors received rightful recognition.

The author provides insightful historical context, correcting historical omissions and misinformation, filling in the gaps, and ensuring that readers see a fuller, more accurate picture of the innovation of these inventors. The book includes "The Basics About Patents," a practical chapter outlining the patent process—offering guidance for aspiring inventors who wish to bring their ideas to life today.

Perfect for educators, students, parents, entrepreneurs, historians, and anyone passionate about untold stories, BAKER’S LIST of “Colored” Inventors ensures these extraordinary legacies are celebrated, preserved, and passed down.

Discover the Untold Genius of Black Inventors

Dive into Celebrating INNOVATION: 12 Inventions by African American Inventors from Baker's List of Over 400 Inventions—a powerful free eBook that beautifully illustrates the brilliance of Black inventors during the 1800s and early 1900s and puts you in control of your educational journey.

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HENRY E. BAKER
Why we know what we know about Early African American Inventors
Henry E. Baker, 1857-1928 (c. 1902)
The Negro As Inventor, D.W. Culp, 1902, derivative © RKSmith
"It is not so apparent, however, to the general public that along the line of inventions also the colored race has made surprising and substantial progress; and that it has followed, even if "after off," the footsteps of the more favored race. And it is highly important, therefore, that we should make note of what the race has achieved along this line to the end that proper credit may be accorded as having made some contribution to our national progress" (Baker, 1913, p. 1-2).
Our inspiration for this project stems from a unique and rare collection of African American inventors and their inventions, as chronicled by Henry E. Baker in the early 1900s.
"The Colored Inventor: A Record of 50 Years"
Henry E. Baker's Book (published reprints)

Henry E. Baker's The Colored Inventor: A Record of 50 Years, published in 1913, provides the historical context and details of his important work to ensure history would bear proper record of the accomplishments of African American inventors and their inventions. Below are publications of his book from respective publishers. Enjoy.

Book - The Colored Inventor: A Record of 50 Years
Book - The Colored Inventor: A Record of 50 Years