Lewis Howard Latimer (1848-1928) was an inventor, draftsman, and engineer who made significant contributions to the fields of electric lighting and telecommunications. Born in Massachusetts to parents who were former slaves, Latimer grew up in poverty and faced racial discrimination throughout his life.

Despite these challenges, Latimer became skilled in mechanical drawing and went on to work as a draftsman for a patent attorney firm. He used his drafting skills to improve the design of Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone and to help Hiram Maxim patent his invention of the electric lamp.

In addition to his work as a draftsman, Latimer also made his own contributions to the field of electric lighting. He invented a method for producing a carbon filament that was more durable and efficient than the previous filaments, which were made of bamboo. This invention helped to make electric lighting a practical and widely used technology.

Lewis Latimer’s life and work demonstrate his dedication to scientific and technological progress, despite facing significant obstacles as a black man in a time of racial discrimination. He is remembered as an important figure in the history of electrical engineering and is celebrated for his contributions to the development of electric lighting and telecommunications.