3. Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner

Episode 3 of the Public Health Heroes! podcast, hosted by Adam Graczyk, titled "3. Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner" was published on July 30, 2023 and runs 1 minutes.

July 30, 2023 ·1m · Public Health Heroes!

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Summary

Born in North Carolina, she had an innate interest in inventing as her father and grandfather were known inventors at the time. She initially went to Howard University, but due to financial limitations, was unable to continue school. She also faced sexism and discrimination. During this period in history, women were much less likely to pursue higher education or gain scientific training due to these factors. She pursued her passion for inventing and eventually made the sanitary belt and had it patented, but when the company and investors found out she was a woman of color, they ultimately denied her invention, and when the patent expired, began their development of her invention, unfortunately leaving her out. Her most well-known invention was the sanitary pad used in menstruation. She has the most patents of any Black Woman in United States history and will always be remembered for her contributions to personal health and hygiene. Thank you, Mary Davidson Kenner for being a public health hero! This biography is based on publicly available information and was edited by Hugh Dunn and Adam Graczyk.

Episode Description

Born in North Carolina, she had an innate interest in inventing as her father and grandfather were known inventors at the time.

She initially went to Howard University, but due to financial limitations, was unable to continue school. She also faced sexism and discrimination. During this period in history, women were much less likely to pursue higher education or gain scientific training due to these factors.

She pursued her passion for inventing and eventually made the sanitary belt and had it patented, but when the company and investors found out she was a woman of color, they ultimately denied her invention, and when the patent expired, began their development of her invention, unfortunately leaving her out.

Her most well-known invention was the sanitary pad used in menstruation. She has the most patents of any Black Woman in United States history and will always be remembered for her contributions to personal health and hygiene.

Thank you, Mary Davidson Kenner for being a public health hero!

This biography is based on publicly available information and was edited by Hugh Dunn and Adam Graczyk.