Black inventors turn entrepreneurs following: ABC's 'American Inventor'

Jet, Oct 30, 2006

ABC's "American Inventor" brought many inventors, whose infectious enthusiasm for tinkering riveted millions to the show every week. Jet caught up with a group of Black inventors from the show to find out what effect the series had on their lives, and what they are doing now.

ED HALL a former teacher who lives in Chicago, invented Word Ace, an electronic word game for 1-6 players that teaches spelling and vocabulary skills.

"I wanted to create an educational game that was as fun as it was challenging. My goal was to create something that would attract age groups from 8 to 88 to come together to play something that is beneficial, entertaining and educational," says Hall, who adds that his invention is also a social game that brings people out of their technological isolation. "Fifty years ago you didn't have this and people interacted more. Word Ace is a game that brings us back to where we use to be."

Sometimes, according to Hall, being an inventor meant being alone with an idea that no one else can realize. "But 'American Inventor' allowed me to interact and bond with people who understand the process of having an idea and pursuing it. From day one, I was in constant contact with people who understand and who had the same kind of vision." Yet, Hall ironically found himself feeling alone again, but this time for different reasons. "While it was energizing to be in an environment with like-minded people, reality TV life was bizarre and kind of strange. I was away from my family for several months, and although I appreciate the feedback from the general public [about my appearance on the show], I am still recovering from the time away from my family."

Since his appearance on "American Inventor," Hall says investors have shown great enthusiasm for Word Ace, and he plans to mass market the device with a major toy company soon.

JERRY WESLEY, a correctional officer in San Diego, created the EZ-X Portable Gym, a compact, portable gym system designed for a total body workout in strength training and aerobic conditioning.

"I've always had a strong belief in weight training, but traditional barbells and dumbbells prevented portability and were far too heavy for easy transport. So, I set out to build a workout device, and created special flex-locks that would add tension to a workout with the same heavier weight feel while providing the same benefits as traditional weights. The portable gym invention was more in line with my belief in the use of lighter weights and higher reps," states Wesley.

The inventor, who plans to mass market his device in China, is thankful for the time he spent on ABC's "American Inventor," "My Experience with ABC's 'American Inventor' was great; not only did it provide exposure, finance, support, and more for my product, it gave the public a little insight into my life, but the best part was linking with other inventors who had traveled many of the same roads I traveled. It was like being at a family reunion of nothing but inventors from all ages, races, and genders.

"I plan to continue my journey ... as I set the wheels of mass production into motion."

For more information go to www.EZXfitness.com.

ERIK THOMPSON, 41, is a sports trainer from Detroit who has been tinkering with his ideas for 14 years. His invention, the Catch Vest, a detachable vest that athletes can wear to train and develop proper catching skills, got him a spot on the show. Thompson says the idea came to him while he was trying to teach his son how to improve his football skills. "When my son played football in high school, he wasn't the fastest or the strongest, but he had a lot of heart. I invented it for him. The Catch Vest makes for a better wide receiver by giving them better control of the ball because they can catch the ball out in front with their hands instead of with their chest, according to Thompson. "If you catch the ball with your body, you can drop it when you get hit by a linebacker." Thompson says the camaraderie among fellow inventors was inspiring. "ABC's 'American Inventor' has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience and really made my life a whirlwind." For more about Thompson and his inventions visit: www.thepitchcoach.com.

Darla Davenport-Powell of Los Angeles is a business owner (HCN Enterprises, Inc,), motivational speaker and professional drummer who invented "Here Comes Niya," a doll named after her now 23-year-old daughter because she wanted her to have a doll as a fun and innovative way to teach her about her heritage. "Niya" is a trilingual doll that helps encourage the acceptance of other cultures by using English, Spanish and Swahili to teach children language skills and the importance of ethnic diversity.

"Twenty-three years ago, our daughter Niya was born. My husband and I went searching for books, dolls, and videos that would reinforce the language skills, culture, and values that we would teach our first born. We soon discovered that there was a huge void," Davenport-Powell tells Jet.

"The marketplace lacked authentic dolls with features that looked like our daughter. Libraries and bookstores lacked picture books and videos that reflected wholesome African-American stories. There were loads of children's programs and products that were marketed to us that were not about us and many felt obligated to buy what was offered." American Inventor was an answered prayer ... a blessing ... a gift! It was phenomenal ... how often does one get to go away and work on your dream 24/7 without distractions? It was a wonderful feeling to be in the company of other inventors ... we spoke the same language. We each experienced great sacrifice, rejection, disappointment and delay. We understood failure and the rich lessons learned from trying over and over again. For more information please visit www.niyakids.com.