Google Doodle honors Black Canadian inventor Elijah McCoy
There’s nothing like seeing a spotlight on Black Excellence.
Today’s Google Doodle honors Elijah McCoy on his birthday, a Black Canadian inventor who may not be widely known for his contributions to mechanical engineering. McCoy invented a patented lubrication device for steam engines that enabled trains to travel faster and for longer periods without having to stop for maintenance.
McCoy’s inventions were no small contribution considering locomotives were the dominant form of mass land transportation in the U.S. for people and cargo during the 19th century.
McCoy showed interest in engineering at a young age. He was born free May 2, 1844 in Colchester, Ontario, Canada to parents who escaped enslavement in Kentucky and fled north. His parents sent him to Scotland at age 15 to lea...