Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner (1912-2006) The Forgotten Black Woman Inventor Who Revolutionized Menstrual Pads (article with audio)
Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner
(1912-2006)
The Forgotten Black Woman Inventor Who Revolutionized Menstrual Pads
(article with audio)
Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner had disabilities, including hearing loss and Multiple Sclerosis but despite these challenges, she became a prolific inventor, holding multiple patents for her innovations.
- Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner holds the most patents of any African American woman
- She was part of a family of inventors. Her sister, Mildred Davidson Austin Smith, also held patents for household items
- Kenner was a self-taught inventor who did not have formal training in engineering or design
- Despite her innovations, Kenner faced racial discrimination and sexism, which often delayed or prevented the commercial success of her products
- In addition to the sanitary belt, she held patents for a serving tray and pocket that connect to a walker, a toilet paper holder, and a back washer that could be mounted on the shower wall
- Many of her inventions did not receive public recognition or commercial success during her lifetime
- Her inventions often aimed to improve the quality of life for people with health challenges, such as her walker attachment
