Forgotten Genius Fridays
“The Woman Who Invented the Home Security System”
Before smart homes, Marie Van Brittan Brown invented the first home security system in 1966—pioneering safety tech that still protects millions today.
Last Updated on July 25, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Part of the “Forgotten Genius Fridays” series from The Knowledge
🚨 Before Ring, There Was Marie Van Brittan Brown
Long before smart doorbells and mobile alerts became the norm, a nurse from Queens was already thinking ahead.
In 1966, Marie Van Brittan Brown, a Black woman living in New York City, felt unsafe in her neighborhood. Her husband, Albert, worked late hours, and she was often home alone. With crime on the rise and no real way to know who was at the door, she took matters into her own hands.
So she did what few people would think to do:
Home Security System
She invented the modern home security system.
🛠️ How It Worked
Marie and Albert Brown designed a closed-circuit television system with:
A camera mounted on the door Peepholes at different heights A live-feed monitor inside the home A microphone for two-way communication And a panic button to instantly alert the police.
In 1969, they were granted U.S. Patent No. 3,482,037, and that system laid the foundation for many of today’s smart home security tools.
📄 View the original patent here
Check out this Link: Marie Van Brittan Brown and Albert L. Brown ( Wikipedia)
🔄 Lasting Impact
Marie’s invention wasn’t just revolutionary—it was personal. Her system was designed for peace of mind, especially for women and families in vulnerable communities. Today, elements of her design show up in everything from Ring and Nest to intercom-equipped apartment doors.
She didn’t just protect her home—
she helped create the smart home.
🎥 Watch the full short video (under 75 seconds):
👉 YouTube Shorts – The Knowledge
📱 TikTok & Reels: @stmdailynews
🧠 Now you know.
— STM Daily News
Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
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The Knowledge
Dr. Charles R. Drew: The Father of the Blood Bank
Dr. Charles R. Drew revolutionized blood storage and stood against racial injustice, earning the title “Father of the Blood Bank.”
Last Updated on March 13, 2026 by Daily News Staff
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Dr. Charles R. Drew: The Father of the Blood Bank
In the 1930s and 40s, one man’s groundbreaking medical research transformed how we save lives — and his legacy still flows through hospitals around the world.
Dr. Charles R. Drew (1904–1950), an African American physician and surgeon, discovered a better way to store and transport blood plasma. Plasma, the liquid component of blood, can be preserved longer than whole blood and safely shipped over great distances — a game changer for emergency medicine.
@stmblog He revolutionized how we store blood, saved thousands in WWII, and stood up to injustice. 🩸 Meet Dr. Charles R. Drew — the Father of the Blood Bank. History BlackHistory WWII MedicalBreakthrough STMDailyNews DidYouKnow ScienceHistory BloodBank InspiringStories LearnOnTikTok ♬ original sound – STMDailyNews – STMDailyNews
During World War II, Drew’s expertise powered the “Blood for Britain” program, which sent vital plasma to soldiers and civilians injured in the Blitz. Later, as the first director of the American Red Cross blood bank, he helped establish modern blood collection and distribution systems.
But Drew was more than a scientist — he was a man of principle. He resigned from the Red Cross in protest over its policy of segregating blood by race, a practice he condemned as scientifically baseless and morally wrong.
Known today as the “Father of the Blood Bank,” Dr. Drew’s innovations continue to save millions of lives every year. His story is a testament to the power of science, dedication, and courage to challenge injustice.
Related Links:
Link: https://stmdailynews.com/the-woman-who-invented-the-home-security-system/
Moments in History: Dr. Charles R Drew
Link: https://stmdailynews.com/moments-in-history-dr-charles-r-drew/
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The Knowledge
🚦 Who Really Invented the Modern Traffic Light?
The modern traffic light, largely attributed to Garrett Morgan’s 1923 invention, introduced a critical yellow warning light that improved public safety. Despite his significant impact on traffic systems, Morgan’s contributions have often been overlooked due to historical racism.
Last Updated on February 14, 2026 by Daily News Staff
When you think about the traffic light, you probably picture green for go, red for stop, and maybe a frustrated glance at the yellow. But have you ever stopped to ask: Who actually invented this system we take for granted every day?
The story of the modern traffic light isn’t just about technology—it’s about innovation, public safety, and a Black inventor named Garrett Morgan who changed the way we move through the world.
🔦 Early Traffic Signals: A Dangerous Beginning
Before cars dominated streets, early attempts at traffic control involved manual policing and hand signals. In 1868, the first gas-powered traffic signal was installed in London outside the British Houses of Parliament. Designed by J.P. Knight, a railway engineer, this early signal exploded after just a month due to a gas leak—killing a police officer and abandoning the idea for years.
As cars became more common in the early 20th century, so did traffic jams—and accidents. Cities needed a safer, more efficient solution.
🛠️ Enter Garrett Morgan
In 1923, Garrett Morgan, an African-American inventor and entrepreneur from Cleveland, Ohio, received U.S. Patent No. 1,475,024 for a traffic control device that added a crucial feature: a “warning position” between stop and go. This idea is the basis for today’s yellow light.
His signal was:
- Manually operated
- T-shaped
- Designed to be mounted on a post
- And included a buffer phase to clear intersections before switching direction
This innovation was not only about traffic flow—it was about safety and preventing collisions at a time when automobile fatalities were rapidly increasing.
Morgan sold the rights to his invention to General Electric for $40,000 (equivalent to over $700,000 today), though his contributions were overlooked for decades.
👉 View the full patent on Google Patents
⚙️ Was Morgan the
Only
Inventor?
No. Traffic signal history has multiple contributors:
- Lester Wire, a Salt Lake City policeman, created an electric traffic light prototype in 1912.
- William Ghiglieri patented an automatic signal in 1917.
- Garrett Morgan’s version stood out for its practical innovation—the transitional phase—and for being one of the first widely adopted and commercially viable versions.
In other words, Morgan helped move the traffic light from an experimental device to a nationwide safety standard.
🎥 Watch the Story in 60 Seconds
We break this story down in our latest Forgotten Genius Fridays episode from The Knowledge series on STM Daily News.
📺 Watch “Who Really Invented the Modern Traffic Light?” here: https://youtu.be/cS-emlzhjjk
✊ Why Garrett Morgan Deserves More Recognition
Garrett Morgan’s impact goes far beyond traffic lights. He also invented a gas mask used by firefighters and soldiers, and he launched one of the first Black-owned newspapers in the U.S.
He was a true innovator, working in an era where his contributions were often ignored due to racism. Today, we honor his legacy by telling his story and recognizing how his vision saved countless lives.
🧠 Now you know.
— STM Daily News
Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
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Last Updated on February 10, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Valerie Thomas is a true pioneer in the world of science and technology. A NASA engineer and physicist, she is best known for inventing the illusion transmitter, a groundbreaking device that creates 3D images using concave mirrors. This invention laid the foundation for modern 3D imaging and virtual reality technologies.
Beyond her inventions, Thomas broke barriers as an African American woman in STEM, mentoring countless young scientists and advocating for diversity in science and engineering. Her work at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center helped advance satellite technology and data visualization, making her contributions both innovative and enduring.
In our latest short video, we highlight Valerie Thomas’ remarkable journey—from her early passion for science to her groundbreaking work at NASA. Watch and be inspired by a true STEM pioneer whose legacy continues to shape the future of space and technology.
🎥 Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/P5XTgpcAoHw
Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
Forgotten Genius Fridays
https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge-2/forgotten-genius-fridays/
🧠 Forgotten Genius Fridays
A Short-Form Series from The Knowledge by STM Daily News
Every Friday, STM Daily News shines a light on brilliant minds history overlooked.
Forgotten Genius Fridays is a weekly collection of short videos and articles dedicated to inventors, innovators, scientists, and creators whose impact changed the world—but whose names were often left out of the textbooks.
From life-saving inventions and cultural breakthroughs to game-changing ideas buried by bias, our series digs up the truth behind the minds that mattered.
Each episode of The Knowledge runs 30–90 seconds, designed for curious minds on the go—perfect for YouTube Shorts, TikTok, Reels, and quick reads.
Because remembering these stories isn’t just about the past—it’s about restoring credit where it’s long overdue.
🔔 New episodes every Friday
📺 Watch now at: stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge
🧠 Now you know.
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