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BLACK HISTORY: Our Made By History competition asks: "Who is your favourite black inventor and why?"

AS OUR annual Made By History competition is underway, we ask "who is your favourite black inventor and why?"

Below, we've listed some of our favourite black women inventors, who defied stereotypes, adversity and inequality to let their brilliance shine through.

1. Sarah Goode

Sarah Goode was the first Black woman to receive a U.S. patent in 1885. She invented a folding cabinet bed used for people who lived in small spaces so that they could utilisee their space efficiently.

2. Mary Beatrice Kenner

Mary Beatrice Kenner was an African-American inventor, mostly known for her development of the sanitary belt - a.k.a menstrual pads.

3. Patricia Bath

In 1981, Dr. Patricia Bath invented the laserphaco probe allowing ophthalmologist to remove cataracts. As a result of Dr. Bath’s invention, surgery is now faster and more accurate.

4. Sarah Boone

Sarah Boone was an African American inventor who on April 26, 1892, obtained United States patent rights for her improvements to the ironing board.

5. Theora Stephens

Stephens was the first person to paten the curling iron in October of 1980.

6. Bessie Blount

Bessie Blount was a physical therapist who worked with injured soldiers during World War II. She recognised their need and desire to do more on their own, and invented an assistive device that permitted people who had lost limbs to feed themselves.

"Who is your favourite black inventor?" enter our Made By History essay-writing competition for a chance to have your article published in The Voice Newspaper, win an Amazon 7-inch Fire Tablet and be awarded at the Houses of Parliament!

To enter, email your 500-word essay to madebyhistory@thevoicemediagroup.co.uk - the deadline for all entries is October 31 2017 at 12pm noon. For 9-14 year olds only.

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