A Little Known Black History - Frederick McKinely Jones

We are celebrating Black History Month by exposing some hidden jewels that were taught to us in school. At least, I don't remember.

Who is Mr. Frederick McKinely Jones? An American inventor and entrepreneur, who was winner of the National Medal of Technology and an inductee of the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Mr. Jones was born on May 17, 1893 to a mixed couple, who eventually gave up on him. He was raised by a Priest until age 11 when he decided to leave school and found a job as a houseboy. Frederick became a mechanic at age 14 and pretty much self-taught himself all things mechanical. He was always willing to try new pastures despite not being raised by his parents.

Mr. Jones is best known by the dollar and most importantly for inventing the portable air-cooling unit for trucks carrying perishable food. He received his US patent for his invention on July 12, 1940. The US Military was blessed by his invention; which allowed them the ability to preserve blood, medicine, and food for use at army hospitals and on open battlefields. Of course today, we are blessed because we get to purchase fresh groceries because of refrigerated trucks.

Mr. Frederick McKinely Jones died February 21, 1961.

That's your little known black history fact! #BalckHistory #OurHistory #LittleKnownBlackHistory Resources: https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/8-everyday-items-that-you-probably-didnt-know-were-invented-by-black-people