THROUGH "COLORED" Eyes

Through “COLORED” Eyes:
The Story of Henry E. Baker, The Man From Mississippi Who Created A List That Changed The World

Step into a forgotten chapter of American innovation. This richly illustrated book helps educators, homeschoolers, and parents integrate untold Black inventor histories to inspire kids with real-world innovation and legacy. It empowers young readers to see themselves as inventors, change-makers, and problem-solvers—to see themselves in what they read.

How did a man from Columbus, Mississippi, become one of the most pivotal heroes in African American history? Through “Colored” Eyes features Henry E. Baker, Assistant Patent Examiner in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and his personal journey and lifelong dedication to documenting and celebrating the overlooked contributions of African American inventors during that era. This compelling book examines Baker’s life, exploring his groundbreaking work and unrelenting determination to preserve the legacy of Black inventors in a way that nicely blends creativity and technology for an engaging experience.

The book showcases 10 remarkable inventions from Baker’s extensive list of African American pioneers from the 1800s and early 1900s. With engaging biographies, 3D patent visuals, and historical context, you’ll meet brilliant minds whose contributions changed the world—and learn about the man who first chronicled their legacy, Henry E. Baker. These inventions not only highlight ingenuity and resilience but also stand as symbols of triumph in the face of systemic adversity.

In addition to these featured inventions, the book includes Baker’s list of over 400 African American inventions, providing a comprehensive resource that underscores the monumental impact these individuals have had on science, industry, and society.

Teachers gain a compelling resource to diversify history/STEM lessons, and parents foster cultural pride and curiosity at home. The book, Through “Colored” Eyes, is perfect for educators, homeschoolers, students, parents, entrepreneurs, historians, and anyone passionate about untold stories.

Book Features:

• A compelling biography, telling the story of the historical figure, Henry E. Baker, who first chronicled the list of over 400 African American inventions in 1913
• A bit of contextual history of the U.S. Patent Office.
• Biographies of selected African American inventors from the 1800s and early 1900s
• Historical context of each selected inventor and their invention, showing how the two related to their peers and the era in which they lived.
• Patent drawings of the selected African American inventions from the 1800s and early 1900s
• 3D Illustrations of actual patent drawings, bringing the drawings to life.
• Detailed illustrations of select inventions, showing how they work and what problems they solved.
• A list of over 400 African American inventions, 50 years since the Emancipation Proclamation
• Basics on obtaining patents.