Black History

Granville Woods: The Black Edison

Granville T. Woods, a name that reverberates through the annals of technological innovation, was a trailblazing inventor whose contributions transformed the world. Born before the U.S. Civil War, Woods overcame significant obstacles to become one of the most prolific inventors of his time.

Published

10 months ago

July 11, 2023

Oakland Post

Granville Woods. Public domain photo

By Tamara Shiloh

He was born on April 23, 1856, in Columbus, Ohio. Coming of age during the era of racial segregation, Woods faced immense challenges in pursuing his passion for engineering. Denied formal education, he taught himself through relentless self-study and practical experience. Despite racial discrimination, Woods went on to establish a successful career as an inventor, leaving an indelible mark on American technological advancements.

He left school at the age of 10 due to his parents’ poverty and apprenticed in a machine shop learning the trades of a machinist and blacksmith. At 18, he worked as a fireman on a railroad in Missouri, moving to Springfield, Illinois, where he worked at a mill. From 1876-78, some sources say he attended college and studied mechanical and electrical engineering.

He worked on a steamship and rose to the position of chief engineer before returning to Ohio where he became an engineer with the Dayton and Southwestern Railroad. He established a business as an electrical engineer and inventor in 1880 in Cincinnati, reorganized it as the Woods Electric Co. and 12 years later, moved research operations to New York City where he worked with his brother, Lyates, who was also an inventor.

Granville Woods’ most significant contributions were in the field of railway technology. He invented numerous devices that revolutionized the safety and efficiency of railroad systems. One of his notable inventions was the “Synchronous Multiplex Railway Telegraph,” which allowed communication between trains, reducing the risk of accidents.

Additionally, Woods developed the “Induction Telegraph System,” enabling moving trains to communicate with station operators. His inventions played a pivotal role in enhancing the safety, reliability, and coordination of train operations, earning him the nickname “The Black Edison.”

Beyond the railroad industry, Woods made groundbreaking advancements in electrical engineering and communication. He invented the “Telegraphony,” a device that combined the telegraph and telephone, allowing voice communication over long distances.

Woods also developed the “Multiplex Railway Telegraph,” which allowed simultaneous communication on multiple telegraph lines. His inventions greatly influenced the development of telegraph and telephone technology, leading to improved communication systems.

One invention that is still used today is the safety dimmer, allowing theaters to decrease their electricity use by 10%.

Before he died of a cerebral hemorrhage in Harlem on Jan. 30, 1910, he had sold a number of his devices to Westinghouse, General Electric and American Engineering.

Woods held over 60 patents for his inventions, leaving an enduring legacy in the field of engineering. Woods’ contributions were posthumously recognized, and in 2006, he was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Up Next

Summer Heat Prompts Rattlesnake Advisory in East Bay Parks

Don't Miss

King Kanja And Bobby V Collaborate on New Music, Launching Foreign Exchange EP Today

Oakland Post

Click to comment

Activism

S.F. Black Leaders Rally to Protest, Discuss ‘Epidemic’ of Racial Slurs Against Black Students in SF Public School System

Parents at the meeting spoke of their children as no longer feeling safe in school because of bullying and discrimination. Parents also said that reported incidents such as racial slurs and intimidation are not dealt with to their satisfaction and feel ignored.

Published

5 days ago

May 4, 2024

Oakland Post

Rev. Amos C. Brown, president of the San Francisco NAACP and pastor of Third Baptist Church. Photo courtesy Third Baptist Church.

By Carla Thomas

San Francisco’s Third Baptist Church hosted a rally and meeting Sunday to discuss hatred toward African American students of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD).

Rev. Amos C. Brown, president of the San Francisco NAACP and pastor of Third Baptist Church, along with leadership from local civil rights groups, the city’s faith-based community and Black community leadership convened at the church.

“There has been an epidemic of racial slurs and mistreatment of Black children in our public schools in the city,” said Brown. “This will not be tolerated.”

According to civil rights advocate Mattie Scott, students from elementary to high school have reported an extraordinary amount of racial slurs directed at them.

“There is a surge of overt racism in the schools, and our children should not be subjected to this,” said Scott. “Students are in school to learn, develop, and grow, not be hated on,” said Scott. “The parents of the children feel they have not received the support necessary to protect their children.”

Attendees were briefed last Friday in a meeting with SFUSD Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne.

SFUSD states that their policies protect children and they are not at liberty to publicly discuss the issues to protect the children’s privacy.

Some parents said they have removed their students from school while other parents and community leaders called on the removal of the SFUSD superintendent, the firing of certain school principals and the need for more supportive school board members.

Community advocates discussed boycotting the schools and creating Freedom Schools led by Black leaders and educators, reassuring parents that their child’s wellbeing and education are the highest priority and youth are not to be disrupted by racism or policies that don’t support them.

Virginia Marshall, chair of the San Francisco NAACP’s education committee, offered encouragement to the parents and students in attendance while also announcing an upcoming May 14 school board meeting to demand accountability over their mistreatment.

“I’m urging anyone that cares about our students to pack the May 14 school board meeting,” said Marshall.

This resource was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library via California Black Media as part of the Stop the Hate Program. The program is supported by partnership with California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.