Sarah E Goode Inventions

Sarah E. Goode, born in 1855, was the first African American woman to receive a United States patent. Her invention was a cabinet bed. When the bed was not in use, the invention also functioned as a roll-top desk. During the time of its invention, people commonly lived in studios or small apartments. Most people did not have the space for bulky or large pieces of furniture because there was little space in there homes as it was. However, the cabinet desk was an ideal piece of furniture because it provided much storage space for those who inhabited confined living quarters. Goode was born into slavery during the year of 1850. She gained freedom after the civil war. It was after she gained freedom that she received a U.S. patent for her invention. After the civil war, she and her new husband traveled to Chicago, Illinois. Her husbands trade was carpentry. His talents ideally aided her, as she opened one of the first furniture stores owned and operated by an African American woman. It was most unusual for any woman to own a business at this time in history—let alone a Black woman. She must have had to overcome many obstacles to achieve this. One of these obstacles was the predominately male vendors who were unaccustomed to doing business with a Black
Her success empowered women of all races to feel that they did have intelligence and self-worth. Brave women like Goode who had accomplished achievements against all odds, made women feel more courageous about taking charge of their own lives, careers, and rights. She illustrated that it was possible for one woman to make a difference in the lives of others. In other words, Sarah E. Goode helped to “lead the way” in women’s rights. Her achievement serves as a beacon to all, as it proves that with determination and hard work, it is possible to rise above inequitable