You’re Using a Black Inventor’s Technology Right Now and Probably Don’t Know It

You’re Using a Black Inventor’s Technology Right Now and Probably Don’t Know It

Are you reading this on your phone or laptop? Either way, there’s a good chance you’re using technology that a Black inventor helped make possible, and you probably don’t even realize it.

Meet James E. West, an African American inventor and electrical engineer who helped change the way we communicate.

In 1962, West and his colleague Gerhard Sessler developed the electret microphone, a small but powerful invention that transformed how sound could be recorded and transmitted. Before their innovation, microphones were often larger, more expensive, and less practical for everyday devices.

Today, electret microphone technology is used in countless devices, including smartphones, laptops, headsets, and recording equipment.

Whether you’re making a phone call, recording a voice memo, or joining a virtual meeting, there’s a good chance you’ve benefited from West’s work.

But here’s the surprising part: Despite how widely his invention has been used, many people have never heard his name.

West’s story is one of many examples of how Black inventors have shaped modern technology without always receiving widespread public recognition. Their contributions are not limited to history books. They are part of the technology and conveniences we rely on every day.

Recognizing these achievements is about more than giving credit. It’s about challenging the incomplete narratives that sometimes overlook Black innovation and excellence.

So, the next time you pick up your phone or open your laptop, remember that some of the technology you depend on has a history worth knowing.