Jan Ernst Matzeliger, a Black inventor from Paramaribo, Dutch Guiana (now Suriname), received a patent for his revolutionary shoe-lasting machine on this day. The machine dramatically increased the speed and efficiency of shoe production, transforming the entire industry. Matzeliger’s invention helped establish Lynn, Massachusetts, as the “Shoe Capital of the World.” Despite facing racial prejudice, his contributions significantly advanced industrial manufacturing and opened new opportunities for affordable footwear.
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