Honoring Black History Month: Lewis H. Latimer and Electric Power
The Crude Life is proud to recognize one of the first "pioneers” of the electric power industry, Lewis H. Latimer.
Each February, The Crude Life honors Black History Month, which commemorates the achievements of Black Americans and highlights their central role in history.
Today, The Crude Life is proud to recognize one of the first "pioneers” of the electric power industry, Lewis H. Latimer.
A talented engineer, draftsman, and prolific inventor, Latimer was born on Sept. 4, 1848, in Chelsea, Mass. Recognized for his drawing skills, Latimer was hired by the inventor Alexander Graham Bell to draft the drawing necessary for a patent application of Bell’s famous telephone in February 1876.
In 1881, Latimer began working on improving Thomas Edison’s light bulb while employed by the United States Electric Lighting Company in Bridgeport, Conn. Latimer devised a way of encasing the filament within a cardboard envelope. This prevented the carbon from breaking, prolonging the life of the bulb. The new long-life bulb was more economical and more energy-efficient than previous bulbs.
On Jan. 24, 1918, Latimer was named one of the 28 charter members—and the only African-American member—of the "Edison Pioneers," a distinguished group of people who worked to keep the ideals of Thomas Edison alive. The “Edison Pioneers” are deemed responsible for creating the nation's electric power industry.
Latimer continued to display his creative talents over the next several years, receiving patents for a variety of inventions, including a safety elevator.
Latimer died on Dec. 11, 1928, leaving behind a legacy of achievement and leadership.
The Edison Pioneers were a distinguished group of individuals who worked closely with Thomas Edison and contributed significantly to the advancement of electrical engineering and innovation. Below are some notable members of the Edison Pioneers:
Alfred Ord Tate – Edison's longtime secretary and business associate
Francis Robbins Upton – Mathematician and physicist who assisted in developing Edison's electric light and power systems
Lewis Howard Latimer – African-American inventor and draftsman who improved carbon filaments for light bulbs
Jonas Aylsworth – Innovator in early plastics technology used in electrical insulation
Reginald Fessenden – Early radio pioneer and former Edison employee
William K.L. Dickson – A key contributor to Edison's early motion picture developments
The Edison Pioneers formally organized on February 11, 1918, Edison's birthday, to honor his legacy and continue advancing electrical innovation.
Visit the Association for the Study of African American Life and History’s website for more information about Black History Month.
Hear Edison Electric Institute Director of Investor Relations, Finance, and ESG Aaron Cope talk about Black History Month and his experience as vice president of the D.C. chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy in the above video.
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