on August 10, 1894, George Washington Murray, an African American inventor and politician, read into the Congressional Record a list of 92 patents granted to African Americans. Murray, who was a representative from South Carolina at the time, highlighted the significant contributions of African American inventors, many of whom had been overlooked in historical records. Among the 92 patents, 8 were his own, related to agricultural tools and machinery. This act served to draw attention to the achievements of African American inventors during a time when their work was often marginalized. Murray’s effort was part of his broader advocacy for African American rights and recognition.

Note: Congressman George Washington Murray was himself responsible for 12 patents which include: Combined Furrow Opener, Stalk Knocker, Cultivatior and Market, Planter, Cotton Chopper and Fertilizing Distributor, among others.