Frederick McKinley Jones

Previous Next
19-Jan-2023
MH Author


Frederick McKinley Jones was an African American inventor and engineer who overcame great hardship in his early life to become one of the most accomplished and respected figures of his time.

Jones was born in 1893 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of a former slave. Despite the end of slavery, he and his family faced severe poverty and discrimination in the years that followed. Despite these challenges, Jones was determined to pursue an education and worked tirelessly to achieve his goals.

Jones had a natural talent for mechanics and began working as a mechanic at an early age. He worked in various automotive shops and quickly realized the need for better refrigeration systems for transporting perishable goods. In 1935, he invented the first refrigeration system for trucks and buses, which was able to keep food and medical supplies at a constant temperature during transport.

Jones continued to invent and patent other devices to improve the refrigeration industry, including the first portable refrigeration unit for military field hospitals and a system for automatically adjusting the temperature of refrigeration units. He also invented a device that could automatically change movie reels in motion picture projectors, which greatly improved the efficiency of movie theaters.

Jones' achievements were recognized by many organizations and awards. He was awarded more than 60 patents for his inventions, and was honored with the National Medal of Technology and Innovation by President Bill Clinton in 1991, becoming the first African American to receive this award.

Jones' life and work have had a significant impact on the transportation and entertainment industries. His refrigeration systems revolutionized the way perishable goods were transported, making it possible for food and medical supplies to be delivered to remote areas and for long-distance transportation of these items. Additionally, his invention of the movie reel changing device greatly improved the efficiency of movie theaters and allowed for more films to be shown in a shorter period of time.

Jones' legacy continues to be celebrated today, as an example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and a passion for innovation. He is remembered as a pioneering inventor who helped to shape the modern world with his contributions to technology. His story serves as an inspiration to others, particularly to those who may face similar challenges in their pursuit of success.

Feel free to comment and share!

Black Wall Street Thrived

How the greatest black community thrived before its dismantling

Black Wall Street, also known as Greenwood Avenue in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was a bustling hub of African American-owned businesses during the early 20th century. It was a thriving community that served as a model for other African American business districts across the country.

One of the key factors that contributed to the success of Black Wall Street was the strong sense of community that existed among its residents. Despite facing widespread discrimination and segregation, the people of Greenwood Avenue were able to come together and support one another's businesses. This sense of community was not just limited to the business owners, but extended to the consumers as well, who made a conscious effort to shop at and support their neighbors' businesses.

Another factor that contributed to the success of Black Wall Street was the high level of innovation that was present within the community. Many of the businesses on Greenwood Avenue were able to thrive because they were able to offer unique products or services that their competitors could not. For example, the Dreamland Theater was the first movie theater in the city to show "race films," which were specifically made for African American audiences. These films were a hit and helped to drive business to the Dreamland Theater.

Additionally, the businesses on Black Wall Street were able to form strong partnerships with each other, which allowed them to pool their resources and work together to create a more competitive market. This was especially important for businesses that faced discrimination from their white counterparts, as it allowed them to build a strong and self-sufficient community that was able to withstand economic challenges.

Overall, Black Wall Street was a remarkable example of the power of innovation and community in the face of adversity. Despite facing widespread discrimination and segregation, the businesses on Greenwood Avenue were able to thrive and become a model for other African American business districts across the country.

Check out even more articles

Melanated History Blog
Ancient Kemet
Check out our newsletter!

Learn to use ChatGPT like a Pro!

download a PDF on how to use ChatGPT for your own interest by clicking button below

To download the PDF for FREE individuals must pass human verification. Simply complete an offer after clicking the button to unlock the offer. If you complete an offer and page does not download automatically, refresh your page.