Black Excellence and Woman’s History
The first Negro History Week was established February 1926 by Carter G. Woodson who was the second African American and Black person behind W.E. Dubois to earn a PHD which was completed at Harvard a University. Carter G. Woodson is also given the title and known as the “ Father Of Black History”. In February 1970 The Black Educators and The Black United Students at Kent State University expanded Negro History Week to include a whole month and since 1976 every US president has claimed and designated February as Black History Month. At the beginning of March it will be Women’s History Month and during this time we like to spotlight all the contributions that women have made in American History. For both Black History Month and Women’s History Month I would like to honor and put the spotlight on Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner. Although the name may not sound familiar maybe some of Mrs. Mary’s work is; Mary Kenner was a inventor May 1912 and still holds the record for the greatest number of patents awarded to a black woman by the U.S. government. One of the best creations that Mrs. Kenner invented was the Sanitary Belt/ Sanitary Napkin that was worn by women during their menstrual cycle. Although Mary came up with this invention in the 1920’s she could not afford the patent so she worked on improving her product and in 1957 Sonn-Nap-Pack Company got word of Mary’s invention and contacted her about marketing her product, but once they found out that Mary was African American/Black they declined. Although Mary did not formally receive recognition for her work; her contributions and innovations help pave the way for creativity and innovations in future generations. If you have any time in your busy and demanding schedule please check out more of Mary’s art of creativity and inventions that are still being used today and some of your favorite Black Excellence Leaders and Women who have created history and continue to inspire and motivate all of us to continue to believe in our selves and do amazing and monumental things. Also to all my Ramadan Observers I am sending you all clarity, healing, privacy, and zen.