The series reveals the legacy of U.S. Assistant Patent Examiner Henry E. Baker (1800–1900s) and over 400 African American inventions that changed the world.
Nationwide — Author and creative technologist Reggie K. Smith announces the release of his Black Innovation book series. “This is a visually striking and deeply educational tribute to African American inventors of the 1800s–1900s who too often have either been left out of or removed from history books,” according to Smith. The series features the little-known Henry E. Baker, a Black U.S. assistant patent examiner in the 1800s.
Baker was the first to chronicle the historical list of thousands of Black inventors we reference today. Inventions such as Lewis H. Latimer’s electric lamp are featured in Smith’s book series along with beautiful illustrations that break down and explain the components of the invention, showcasing inventive thinking and problem-solving. According to Smith, “This series places in the hands of the Black community emphatic and documented proof of the contributions of African American inventors as well as a valuable tool that teaches students innovation, inventive thinking, and entrepreneurship.”
About the Book Series
The book series consists of a lead book, Through “COLORED” Eyes: The Story of Henry E. Baker, The Man From Mississippi Who Created A List That Changed The World; a companion book, Baker’s List of Colored Inventors; and a workbook, The Patent PLAYBook: Think Like an Inventor, Play Like a Kid Workbook. The lead book in the series isn’t only about Black inventors.
Smith notes, “It reveals hidden networks, relationships, influence, and intersections between Black inventors and iconic historical figures such as Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, Hiram S. Maxim, W.E.B. Du Bois, and others who shaped modern history.”
The companion book, according to Smith, is for those who only want the reference list of Black inventors featured in the main book. It likewise includes the biography of Henry E. Baker. The workbook is an activity book that “engages students and others to think, invent, create, observe, and solve problems through mock patent applications and imaginative play.”
Learn more at Smith-Lenoir.com
About the Author
Reggie K. Smith is a creative technology innovator, a seasoned expert in video production technology and graphic communications, with four decades of experience in the tech and creative industries. He is a graduate of Greenville High School and the University of Southern Mississippi, a native of Greenville, Mississippi, a resident of Nashville, TN, and a lifelong advocate for innovation.
Reggie has spent the last 20 years studying and documenting the contributions of early African American inventors and brings this wealth of research to the literary world with compelling publications in a way that nicely blends creativity and technology for an engaging experience.
For press inquiries, contact Reggie K. Smith at reggie@smith-lenoir.com or 615-406-0433