Africa is not only the original home of humanity, it is the cradle of its intellect. It was on Africa's savannas, riverbanks, highlands, deserts, and forests that the first men and women used the power of their minds to shape their environment in ways that suited them. Here man established himself as a tool maker and hunter and advanced social animal. Over the course of millions of years, groups of prehistoric Africans of the genus Homo reasoned, judged, understood, and created the basis for much of the technology and industry that exists in the world today. By John E. Pfeiffer.

Throughout history, African Americans have invented some important and fun devices. Read examples of the men and women and see what they invented.Think about what kind of obstacles they may have faced, personally and professionally. For example in 1916 Garrett Morgan (shown in the picture) invented the Gas Mask and the first traffic signal.