Each February, EEI celebrates Black History Month, which commemorates the achievements of Black Americans and highlights their central role in history. EEI is proud to recognize one of the first "pioneers” of the electric power industry, Lewis H. Latimer.

A talented engineer, draftsman, and prolific inventor, Latimer was born on Sept. 4, 1848, in Chelsea, Mass. Recognized for his drawing skills, Latimer was hired by the inventor Alexander Graham Bell to draft the drawing necessary for a patent application of Bell’s famous telephone in February 1876.

In 1881, Latimer began working on improving Thomas Edison’s light bulb while employed by the United States Electric Lighting Company in Bridgeport, Conn. Latimer devised a way of encasing the filament within a cardboard envelope. This prevented the carbon from breaking, prolonging the life of the bulb. The new long-life bulb was more economical and more energy-efficient than previous bulbs.

On Jan. 24, 1918, Latimer was named one of the 28 charter members—and the only African-American member—of the "Edison Pioneers," a distinguished group of people who worked to keep the ideals of Thomas Edison alive. The “Edison Pioneers” are deemed responsible for creating the nation's electric power industry. 

• Visit the Association for the Study of African American Life and History’s website for more information about Black History Month.
• Hear EEI Director of Investor Relations, Finance, and ESG Aaron Cope talk about Black History Month and his experience as vice president of the D.C. chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy in this video.