February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate stories and achievements by Black Americans. Diverse perspectives drive innovation, and many of the cutting-edge discoveries around the globe in clean energy can be attributed to Black Americans. Read on to learn about three Black innovators who have paved the way for the renewable energy industry and helped diversify the clean energy workforce.
Annie Easley (1933-2011)
Annie Easley was one of the first African American computer scientists to work at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, which later became NASA. She worked as a “human computer,” performing complex calculations by hand for the majority white male engineering staff. Later, when computing was switched over to machines, Easley learned computer programming languages and became an expert coder.
In addition to being team leader for NASA’s Centaur rocket, Easley led the way for early alternative energy endeavors that analyzed wind and solar energy projects and hybrid vehicle batteries. She was also a champion for equal employment opportunity and challenged discrimination in the workplace.
David Crosthwait (1898-1976)
David Crosthwait was a mechanical and electrical engineer who designed complex heating systems for large buildings like The Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall.
After receiving a full scholarship to Purdue University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science and later a master's degree in engineering, Crosthwait became Research Engineer and Director of Research Laboratories for C.A. Dunham Company, now known as Marshall Engineered Products Co., in Marshalltown, Iowa.
Crosthwait pioneered heat transfer, ventilation, and air conditioning systems and helped make the technology what it is today. He held 39 US patents and 80 foreign patents for his work in temperature-regulating technology. In the early 20th century, this makes Crosthwait a prolific engineer. He was recognized for his efforts as a fellow of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers in 1971, the first African American to receive this honor.
Jessica O. Matthews
Jessica O. Matthews is the Nigerian-American founder and CEO of Uncharted Power, a renewable energy company with a mission to generate universal access to clean, resilient, and affordable power. Uncharted Power also highlights the challenges involved in making public infrastructure accessible for all.
She first received recognition for her innovative ideas during her time at Harvard, where she and her classmates invented the Soccket Ball: an energy generating soccer ball designed for developing countries as a source of reliable power. Today Matthews continues to work on creating solutions that will improve the efficiency and accessibility of clean energy.
Black History is American History
These three Black innovators have played a critical role in improving the energy industry, and their inventions and ideas will continue to serve all Americans. To support local Black business owners in the energy industry, we’re committed to using a diverse supplier base.
Black History Month is an opportunity to recognize and support Black creators and celebrate Black history, but that doesn’t mean you should stop learning about Black history when February ends. If you’re looking for a way to honor Black history this month or all year long, make a point to shop/dine at a Black-owned business or restaurant, visit a Black history museum or watch a film about Black history.
Celebrating Black Innovators in Clean Energy
Kaitlyn Koester
External Communications Intern
Published on January 31, 2023
Article tags: social
Kaitlyn is an intern with the External Communications Team. She is a student at The University of Iowa, studying Journalism & Mass Communication and Event Management. Kaitlyn is passionate about sustainability and is eager to help tell Alliant Energy’s story in their journey to create a better future.
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