Free African American Inventors Coloring Pages

African American inventors coloring pages have become one of our favorite hands-on ways to highlight the stories behind everyday inventions.

From traffic signals to the ice cream scoop, these printable pages help kids connect real names to real innovations.

We usually add them to our Black History Month activities, but honestly, they’re a great fit year-round, especially when we’re exploring inventors or looking for simple ways to bring history to life through art.

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African American Inventors Featured

Each coloring page features a portrait of the inventor along with illustrations of their most recognized invention, giving kids a visual and meaningful way to learn.

It’s a simple but meaningful way to introduce kids to the people behind everyday innovations.

If you’re looking to explore their stories in more depth, Black Inventors – 35 inventions that changed the world is a great companion book. It features short bios of many of the inventors included here, along with others worth discovering.

Sarah E Goode

Sarah E. Goode was the first African American woman to receive a U.S. patent, awarded on July 14, 1885. She invented the folding cabinet bed to help maximize space in small homes.

Sweet Dreams, Sarah is a great picture book that tells her story, from her early life as a formerly enslaved person to becoming an inventor and entrepreneur.

Granville Woods

Granville Woods, born in 1856, held more than 50 U.S. patents.

His most significant invention, the railroad telegraph, greatly improved communication and safety in public transportation.

Henry Blair

Henry Blair was a farmer and the second African American man to receive a U.S. patent.

His inventions included a seed planter and a cotton planter, designed to improve efficiency in farming.

Annie Turnbo Malone

Annie Turnbo Malone, born in 1877, was a pioneer in the beauty industry and is considered the first African American woman millionaire.

She created a line of hair care products specifically for African American women and built a successful business that also supported education and community work.

Garrett Morgan

Garrett Morgan, born in 1877, invented the first automatic three-way traffic signal, which he later sold to General Electric.

He also created a safety hood that became a prototype for gas masks used in World War I.

For a kid-friendly read, check out Saving the Day: Garrett Morgan’s Life-Changing Invention of the Traffic Signal.

George Robert Carruthers

George Robert Carruthers, born in 1939, invented the ultraviolet spectrograph used during NASA’s Apollo 16 mission.

His work helped scientists study Earth’s atmosphere and deep space from the Moon.

Alfred L Cralle

Alfred L. Cralle, born in 1866, received a patent for the ice cream scoop in 1897.

His design made it easier to serve ice cream and is still used in kitchens today.

Marie Van Brittan Brown

In 1966, Marie Van Brittan Brown developed the first home security system.

Her design included peepholes, a sliding camera, monitors, and a two-way microphone, laying the groundwork for modern CCTV systems.

Joseph Winters

Joseph Winters, born in 1824, invented the wagon-mounted fire escape ladder.

It was first used by the fire department in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and mounted to a horse-drawn wagon.

Alexander Miles

Alexander Miles, born in 1838, patented automatic elevator doors, improving elevator safety by preventing open shafts, something we still rely on in buildings today.

Want to keep the learning going? Our inventors and inventions worksheets are perfect for upper elementary through middle school. With research prompts, coloring pages, and inventor profiles, it’s a great way to bring science and history lessons to life.

More Printable Activities for Black History Month

Looking for more ways to explore Black History through hands-on learning? These printable Black History Month activities combine fun with educational value, making them a great fit for all ages.

Try our Black History Month word scramble and Black History word search to introduce key figures and important events in an interactive way. They’re perfect for reinforcing vocabulary and sparking conversation.

You can also explore the history of emancipation with our Juneteenth word scramble and Juneteenth color by number—a thoughtful way to learn about the end of slavery through creative activities.

And if you’re building out a themed unit, don’t miss our list of the best books about inventions for kids, featuring more stories of innovation and perseverance.

Get the Free Black Inventors Coloring Pages Here!

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If you don’t see the form below, click here to get the free Black History Month coloring pages.

Last Updated on 30 April 2025 by Clare Brown