Black History: Special Delivery!!
Dr. James West
We have African American inventor, Dr. James Edward West to thank for inventing the microphone. 90% of electric microphones used today are a result of his invention. This includes telephones, tape recorders, camcorders, baby monitors and hearing aids.
West was born in 1931 in Prince Edwards County, VA. Dr. West had an interest in science dating back to his childhood. However, his parents, concerned about racism felt it would be better for him to pursue a career as a physician rather than a scientist. Dr. West and his colleague, Gerhard Sessler, invented the mic (officially known as the Electroacoustic Transducer Electret Microphone) while with Bell Laboratories. They received a patent in 1962. By 1968, the microphone was being mass produced. Dr.West began his career at Bell Labs as an intern and joined the company full time in 1957. He has received many awards and honors for his invention. During his career, Dr. West was an advocate and supported programs that encourage students of color to pursue science related careers. James Edward West now works with Johns Hopkins University as a research professor
November 15, 2015 at 10:14 pm
Dr West sounds like a good person, and this is a nice write up. But I think you might have to modify your first sentence.
In 1917, during the first world war my father, an engineer with the Bell Labs from 1911 – 1948, was fitting microphones to submarine periscopes which then were used to
detect aircraft. I think you might consider adding “electric” which would be clearer.
November 15, 2015 at 10:37 pm
Good clarification. Thank you.
November 15, 2015 at 10:43 pm
The invention is identified as electric in the article. But I did add it to the title and one other place to make it more prominent. Thank you for your comment!
January 9, 2016 at 4:25 pm
You’re very welcome.