UNT Dallas Rising Blazers to Host Exhibition on African American STEAM Pioneers

What do the three-light traffic light, laser cataract surgery, and the first automatic transmission have in common? All were invented by African Americans.

In celebration of Black History Month, the UNT Dallas Rising Blazers program will host a special viewing of the African American Pioneers in STEAM Museum Showcase Feb. 11-12 and 16-17 at the UNT Dallas Innovation Center, 4315 S. Lancaster Road, Suite 180 in Dallas.

It’s a free traveling exhibition that showcases dozens of replicas and examples of items invented or improved by African Americans through their efforts in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM).

The showcase is presented by Fluor and is open to the public.

Rising Blazers program provides mentorship and after-school programs

UNT Dallas Innovation Center [Photo: UNT Dallas]

The Rising Blazers program provides mentorship, youth leadership, and after-school programs to children and youth in South Dallas and Oak Cliff. Its goal is to help its students develop academically, socially, and emotionally so they can become change-makers within their communities.

UNT said the exhibition is designed to inspire by shining a light on the many contributions African Americans have made while illustrating the science behind the engineering feats.

Inventions include groundbreaking game-changers such as the IBM computer (co-invented by Mark E. Dean) and the traffic light (Garrett Morgan) along with common household staples such as the ironing board (Sarah Boone), pencil sharpener (John Lee Love), world’s first hair-straightening formula (Madam C. J. Walker) and curtain rod (Samuel Scottron).

UNT said those pioneers have played a major role in revolutionizing modern society while paving the way for the next generation of STEAM innovators to think boldly and outside the box.

The exhibition also includes contributions made by Hispanic STEAM pioneers, including Dr. Julio C. Palmaz, Dr. Domingo Liotta, Luis von Ahn, and Guillermo Gonzalez Camarena.

The exhibition is on view from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Feb. 11-12 and from 8 a.m. -6 p.m. on Feb. 16-17.