CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
AFRICAN-AMERICAN INVENTORS
Marie Van Brittan Brown – (October 30, 1922 – February 2, 1999) was an African-American inventor, becoming the originator of the home security system in 1966, along with her husband Albert Brown, a patent was granted in 1969. Brown was born in Jamaica, Queens, New York; she died there at the age of 76.
Brown’s system had a set of four peep-holes and a camera that could slide up and down to look at each one. Anything and everything the camera picked up would appear on a monitor. Also, a resident could unlatch the door by remote control. Although the system was originally intended for domestic uses, many businesses began to adopt her system due to its effectiveness. For her invention she received an award from the National Science Committee.
The system included a device that enabled a homeowner to use a television set to view the person at the door and hear the caller’s voice. Brown cited the inspiration for her invention as the long time it would take for police to arrive at a house after being called by residents.