On May 5, 1886, African American inventor M.A. Cherry was granted a U.S. patent for an improved design of the tricycle. His innovation featured a frame that was more stable and practical for transportation, especially suited to the needs of the time. While much of Cherry’s personal background remains obscure, his contribution reflects the often-overlooked role of Black inventors during the post-Reconstruction era—a time when innovation by African Americans was rarely recognized or widely celebrated. Cherry’s patent is part of the rich legacy of Black ingenuity that helped shape everyday life in America.
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