June 2026 Featured Trailblazers
From innovators and inventors to entrepreneurs and educators to leaders, the South has been home to many remarkable men and women who have contributed to shaping our country. However, many of these accomplishments have gone unnoticed or unrecognized. Black Trailblazers of the South aims to recognize these individuals and ensure their stories will never be forgotten.
Each month, we will feature Black men and women who used their ambition, creativity and hard work to make an impact on history that will never be forgotten. This month, we highlight two prolific inventors: Dr. Henry T. Sampson Jr. and Benjamin Thornton Montgomery.
Dr. Henry T. Sampson Jr. (1934–2015)
Aerospace and nuclear engineer, inventor, author, and the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering in the United States. Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Dr. Sampson co-invented the Gamma-Electric Cell and helped advance technologies that contributed to modern wireless communications.
Quick Facts:
Born: February 12, 1934
Birthplace: Jackson, Mississippi
Profession: Nuclear Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, Inventor, Author
Historic Achievement: First African American to earn a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering in the United States
Known For: Co-inventor of the Gamma-Electric Cell (1971)
Legacy: Pioneer in engineering, technology, and African American historical preservation
Engineering Physicist. Inventor. Black Trailblazer of the South. Author. These are just some of the titles that describe Dr. Henry T. Sampson Jr. Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Dr. Sampson was the first African American to receive a Ph. D in Nuclear Engineering. Despite the many Black scientists that went unnoticed during his time, he was able to pave the way for young Black minds to pursue their passion in STEM.
Dr. Sampson attended Lanier High School in Jackson, Mississippi. He went on to attend Purdue University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1956. Sampson also obtained his Master of Science degree in Engineering from UCLA in 1961 and earned his Ph. D. in Nuclear Engineering in 1967. He was the first African American to receive a Ph. D. in Nuclear Engineering in the United States. While at Purdue University he was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., a fraternity founded for African American men. Alpha Phi Alpha is the oldest intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity for African American men in the United States.
In 1971, Dr. Sampson and Dr. George H. Miley were able to patent the Gamma Electric Cell, which was described as a device that produces electricity from gamma radiation. Dr. Sampson did not actually invent the cell phone, but his patent was tied to great advances in the science around energy and future wireless communication technology. His projects allowed for further discovery and innovation around space technology, sources of energy, and radiation detection.
Dr. Sampson was also known for his work as an author and historian. His efforts also led to preserving the rich history of African Americans and their vast contributions to film and media. Keep exploring Black excellence in the South and beyond!
Benjamin Thornton Montgomery (1819–1877)
Inventor, entrepreneur, community builder, and one of the most influential Black leaders of the Reconstruction Era.
Quick Facts
Born: 1819
Birthplace: Virginia
Died: 1877
Profession: Inventor, Entrepreneur, Surveyor, Community Leader
Known For: Improved shallow water steamboat propeller
Education: Self educated
Fraternity: None known
Lodge Membership: No verified records available
Legacy: Founder of economic opportunities for freed African Americans and leader of the Davis Bend community.
Benjamin Thornton Montgomery was a visionary inventor, entrepreneur, land owner, and community leader whose contributions greatly impacted history in the south. Born into slavery in Virginia in 18 19, Benjamin was moved to Mississippi where he lived and worked at Davis Bend. He was recognized for his quick intelligence, business savvy, and mechanical expertise.
During his time living along the Mississippi river, Montgomery realized that steamboats struggled to traverse shallow waters. As a result he created a superior steam operated propeller with adjustable blades allowing boats to cut through the water while moving through shallow channels. Montgomery did not receive a patent for his invention due to not being recognized as a citizen.
Montgomery was never afforded a college education like many other inventors during his time. Self educated, Montgomery became well versed in mathematics, engineering, surveying, architecture and business management. Benjamin was wise beyond his years through self study and experience.
Montgomery acquired thousands of acres of land after the Civil War which allowed him to help found Davis Bend as we know it. He proved to the south what educated African Americans could do with entrepreneurship and self determination. Benjamin Thornton Montgomery will forever be known as one of the first African American inventors and the father of Isaiah Montgomery cofounder of Mound Bayou Mississippi.
Shaping the future through past achievements
Through the narratives of figures like Dr. Henry T. Sampson, inventor of the gamma-electric cell, and Benjamin Thornton Montgomery, a successful entrepreneur and inventor, visitors will understand that these trailblazers were not just witnesses to history; they helped create it. Their legacies deserve to be remembered, celebrated, and shared so that future generations can be inspired by their vision, determination, and profound impact on society. New trailblazers will be featured throughout the year, so return regularly to continue your exploration.