In 1932, Richard B. Spikes, a Black Inventor Earned a Patent for an Automatic Car Gear Shift – A RAINBOW OF ROLE MODELS {WEDNESDAY SERIES}
When you ask young people to name a role model, they often name an entertainer, like Beyonce, Lebron, or Lady Gaga (I do like that name). This series celebrates a rainbow of role models, including physicians, scientists, entrepreneurs, school teachers, and, yes, a few entertainers. They all have a few things in common: hard work and a spirit of never giving up.
I love learning from inspirational people who inspire me to drop MY EXCUSES and JUST DO IT! Role models who stretch my ambitions and make me reach for the impossible.
There is dignity in achievement and success—in becoming a great factor in civilization.” Carter G. Woodson.
I hope you will share these short articles; perhaps a few people will be curious to learn more.
Disclaimer: Good Day, Readers. WealthBuildingPowers blog is a financial literacy/competency blog and does not provide specific investment recommendations.
RICHARD B. SPIKES – A RAINBOW OF ROLE MODELS {WEDNESDAY SERIES
Richard B. Spikes, born when African American inventors faced considerable challenges, made groundbreaking contributions that revolutionized the industry. His journey is a tale of personal determination and a beacon of inspiration for aspiring inventors and innovators everywhere.
A Visionary – Ahead of His Time
In 1932, Richard B. Spikes received a patent for an automatic car gear shift—an invention ahead of its time. The automatic transmission would eventually change how we drive, allowing for smoother transitions and greater ease of use. Major automotive companies recognized the significance of his invention, and it laid the groundwork for developments in car technology that we take for granted today. This innovation improved the driving experience and opened doors for people who might find manual shifting cumbersome or challenging.
Overcoming Personal Challenges
When Spikes created the automatic safety brake in 1962, he faced a significant personal challenge: gradually losing his vision. However, his drawing and drafting skills remained intact. Instead of allowing his vision loss to defeat him, Spikes embraced it as an opportunity to innovate further. He understood that the world needed more inclusivity in engineering and design, prompting him to invent a drafting machine specifically tailored for blind designers. This remarkable device allowed visually impaired individuals to contribute to fields that historically excluded them, showcasing Spikes’ commitment to breaking barriers.
Impact on School Transportation
Spikes’ drafting machine had a lasting impact, particularly in education, where his designs were adopted in nearly every school bus nationwide. By enabling blind designers to create essential designs for safe and effective school transportation, Spikes enhanced children’s safety and opened new avenues for employment and creativity within the visually impaired community. His efforts exemplify how one man’s figurative and literal vision can lead to monumental change.
A Role Model for Future Generations
Richard B. Spikes is a powerful role model for aspiring inventors from all walks of life. His life story teaches us that true innovation often comes from overcoming adversity. Spikes paved the way for advancements in automotive technology and championed inclusivity within engineering fields. His legacy reminds us that determination, creativity, and resilience are the keys to breaking barriers.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the contributions of Richard B. Spikes, let’s celebrate his inventions, his indomitable spirit, and his commitment to making the world a more inclusive place for everyone. Whether by revolutionizing the automotive industry or advocating for the rights and capabilities of disabled individuals, Spikes’ life story is one of courage, innovation, and inspiration.
OTHER RICHARD B. SPIKES INVENTIONS
Railroad Semaphore (1906)
Automatic car washer (1913)
Automobile directional signals (1913)
Beer keg tap (1910)
Self-locking rack for billiard cues (1910)
Continuous contact trolley pole (1919)
Combination milk bottle opener and cover (1926)
Method and apparatus for obtaining average samples and temperature of tank liquids (1931)
Automatic gear shift (1932)
Transmission and shifting thereof (1933)
Automatic shoe shine chair (1939)
Multiple barrel machine gun (1940)
Horizontally swinging barber chair (1950)
Automatic safety brake (1962)
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YOUR GREATNESS IS NOT WHAT YOU HAVE; IT’S WHAT YOU GIVE!
St Jude Hospital: The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion, or a family’s ability to pay.https://www.stjude.org/
Wounded Warrior Project: An American charity and veterans service organization that offers a variety of programs, services, and events for wounded veterans of the military https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org
Folds of Honor: Providing life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military. And now, our mission expands to the families of America’s first responders. On our watch, those who protect our freedoms and our families will know they are not forgotten. https://foldsofhonor.org
Wilson’s No-Kill Animal Shelter: A N0-Kill shelter that is a top-rated non-profit. They compassionately care for all their animals. https://wilsoncountynokillanimalshelter.mywcn.com/
Tunnel To Towers: Since 9/11, we have been helping America’s heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. We are also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to Never Forget September 11, 2001. https://dogood.t2t.org/give/320847/#!/donation/checkout
TRUST ME – YOU WILL LIKE THE BELOW POPULAR BLOGS!
YOUR GREATNESS IS NOT WHAT YOU HAVE; IT’s WHAT YOU GIVE!
YOUR GREATNESS IS NOT WHAT YOU HAVE; IT’S WHAT YOU GIVE!
DR CAROL SWAIN, FROM A HIGH SCHOOL DROPOUT AND TEENAGE MOTHER TO AN ACCOMPLISHED UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR
A RAINBOW OF ROLE MODELS {WEDNESDAY SERIES} – BADRINARAYANAN KOTHANDARAMAN, ENPHASE ENERGY, CEO
RAINBOW OF ROLE MODELS– TEACHER RAYMOND NELSON CREATED GENTLEMEN’S CLUB TO TEACH LIFE LESSONS TO BOYS WHO HAVE NO DADS AT HOME
A RAINBOW OF ROLE MODELS {WEDNESDAY SERIES} – MARIO HOOVER – 16 YEARS OLD!
A RAINBOW OF ROLE MODELS {WEDNESDAY SERIES} – LEGENDARY INVESTOR JOHN ROGERS JR
https://wealthbuildingpowers.com/2022/03/09/black-and-brown-role-models-series-legendary-investor-john-rogers-jr/
BLACK HISTORY MONTH ROLE MODELS {SERIES} – ROBERT L. JOHNSON, FOUNDER BET – FEBRUARY 24, 2022
BLACK HISTORY MONTH ROLE MODELS {SERIES} – JAMES AND JILEA HEMMINGS BECOME THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICANS OWNERS OF AN AUTONOMOUS GROCERY STORE – ON FEBRUARY 25, 2022
https://wealthbuildingpowers.com/2022/02/25/black-history-month-role-models-james-and-jilea-hemmings-become-first-african-americans-owners-of-an-autonomous-grocery-store-february-25-2022/
BLACK HISTORY MONTH ROLE MODELS {SERIES} BILLIONAIRE ROBERT F. SMITH – FEBRUARY 23, 2022
BLACK HISTORY MONTH ROLE MODELS -REGINALD LEWIS – FEBRUARY 22, 2022
https://wealthbuildingpowers.com/2022/02/22/black-history-month-role-models-reginald-lewis-february-22-2022/
“WHAT WE BECOME DEPENDS ON WHAT OUR FATHERS TEACH US AT ODD MOMENTS WHEN THEY AREN’T TRYING TO TEACH US”
https://wealthbuildingpowers.com/2021/11/03/what-we-become-depends-on-what-our-fathers-teach-us-at-odd-moments-when-they-arent-trying-to-teach-us/
WE NEED MORE STEM MAJORS AND LEGACIES LIKE MYLES JOHNSON!
WE NEED MORE STEM MAJORS AND LEGACIES LIKE MYLES JOHNSON!
DADS WHO RAISED ME TO BE MORE THAN I COULD BE!
DADS WHO RAISED ME TO BE MORE THAN I COULD BE!
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY – “EDUCATION IS THE MOST POWERFUL WEAPON WITH WHICH YOU CAN CHANGE THE WORLD” NELSON MANDELLA
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ABOUT ME
I am a proud nerd (as my beautiful wife and daughter have told me) investment and finance blogger with an N.C. State, Chemical Engineering, University Rutgers, MBA and Harvard University, Advanced Management education.
I left a corporate career to make a difference as a speaker and writer. I was blessed to be coached and mentored by strong women and men in my family and professional life. It is my time to serve and give back.
DISCLAIMER
I started my first business at ~13 years of age (a small but brilliantly created plant nursery). I am a successful investor in stocks, options, and real estate and am happy to share my finance and investment lessons. I am NOT a licensed financial advisor. Please do not construe my suggestions on this blog as recommendations for your situation. As an investor, you must establish your risk/loss tolerance. Investment in any asset involves risk, including complete loss.
Please seek individual financial advice from your licensed CPA or fiduciary financial advisors.
I write this weekly blog to make an impact by reaching an audience and demonstrating the need for financial literacy. I will help you achieve that goal.
