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Independent Historian

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John Lee Love (?-1931)

John Lee Love was an African American inventor, most known for his invention of the hand-cranked pencil sharpener, the “Love Sharpener,” and an improved plasterer’s hawk. Little is known about the early life of Love. His date and place of birth are unknown, but it is … Read MoreJohn Lee Love (?-1931)

Thomas Mensah (1950- )

Dr. Thomas Mensah is a world-renowned Ghanaian-American inventor and chemical engineer. Mensah is most well-known for his pioneering innovations in fiber optics and nanotechnology, though he has found success in other fields of science and throughout his career. Though he frequently travels, Mensah lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife and two children, Kimberly and Michelle. … Read MoreThomas Mensah (1950- )

Russell C. Davis (1938- )

Lieutenant General Russell C. Davis is a former Chief of the National Guard Bureau in Arlington, Virginia. He served as Chief from 1998 to 2002. Davis’ great-great grandfather also helped raise money to found Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) and worked closely with Booker T. Washington. After retirement, … Read MoreRussell C. Davis (1938- )

Wayne L. Black (1962?- )

Wayne L. Black is a Brigadier General and Assistant Adjutant General of the Indiana Army National Guard. As Assistant Adjutant General, Black is the primary advisor to the Adjutant General and aids in managing and coordinating the Indiana Army National Guard. Black also acts as a representative of … Read MoreWayne L. Black (1962?- )

Edward Honor Sr. (1933-2008)

Edward Honor, Sr. was a former Lieutenant General of the U.S. Army, former president of the National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA), and one of the founding members of the ROCKS, Inc. Honor is also a lifetime member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Honor served for 35 years … Read MoreEdward Honor Sr. (1933-2008)

Henry Blair (1807-1860)

ENTRY SPONSOR: Quintard Taylor Henry Blair was an African-American inventor who, in 1834, became only the second black man to receive a United States patent for his mechanical corn planter. For years Blair was believed to be the first African American to receive a patent, but it … Read MoreHenry Blair (1807-1860)

Larry R. Jordan (1946- )

Lieutenant General Larry R. Jordan is a former Army officer, former Senior Vice President of Burdeshaw Associates, Ltd., and current Principal of LNJ Group, LLC. Jordan served for 35 years as member of the U.S. Army, completing two active combat tours in Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm(Iraq). Jordan ended his … Read MoreLarry R. Jordan (1946- )

William E. Brown, Jr. (1927- )

Lieutenant General William E. Brown, Jr. is a former United States Air Force pilot, former commander of Allied Air Forces Southern Europe and former deputy commander of U.S. Air Forces in Southern Europe. Brown ended his military career with over 5,100 flying hours, the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of … Read MoreWilliam E. Brown, Jr. (1927- )