Latimer, Lewis Howard

LATIMER, LEWIS HOWARD (4 September 1848–11 December 1928), a Black American inventor, patent draftsman, and electrical pioneer. He invented an evaporative air conditioner, an improved process for manufacturing carbon filaments used in light bulbs, and an enhanced railroad car bathroom system. Latimer was the son of fugitive slaves, and he taught himself mechanical drawing and drafting while in the Union Navy. He worked with other celebrated inventors, such as Alexander Graham Bell, on the development and patent of the telephone; Hiram S. Maxim, on the radical improvement of the production of carbon filament used for incandescent lighting; and Thomas Edison, on the further development, and patent, of carbon filament—which made the widespread use of electric light possible. Latimer’s work played an important role in bringing light to all corners of America as major cities began wiring their roadways, oftentimes with Latimer’s own support and expertise. These contributions helped to propel Latimer’s career despite the unequal access to education and opportunity enforced by Jim Crow-era racism and discrimination. Latimer was the only Black member and the only person of color in a group known as the Edison Pioneers. Throughout his professional career, Latimer avidly participated in other artistic pursuits, including poetry, playwriting, violin, flute, and painting.