2:Thomas L. Jennings: Pioneering Dry Cleaning and Social Justice

Legacy Makers: Stories of Black Inventors and Icons

Date: June 19, 2024

Legacy Makers: Stories of Black Inventors and Icons

Title and Show Info

Episode #2. Thomas L. Jennings: Pioneering Dry Cleaning and Social Justice

Featuring: Toni Davis (Host & Storyteller).

Summary

In this episode, we delve into the remarkable life of Thomas L. Jennings, a man whose legacy is as multifaceted as the city he called home. Born free in a nation where liberty was a privilege for a select few, Jennings navigated a world rife with racial prejudice to become a pioneering inventor and an impassioned advocate for social justice.

The backdrop is early 19th century New York City, a burgeoning metropolis where the shadows of slavery loom large. It is against this backdrop that Jennings' story unfolds, beginning with his humble origins and early struggles as a young African American. Despite societal barriers, Jennings' insatiable curiosity and intellect propel him into the world of tailoring, where he ultimately revolutionizes garment care with his invention of dry-scouring, the precursor to modern dry cleaning.

But Jennings' contributions extend far beyond his technical innovations. As a successful businessman, he channels his wealth and influence into the abolitionist movement, tirelessly working to dismantle the institution of slavery and fight for civil rights. From purchasing the freedom of his own family to championing the desegregation of public transportation, Jennings' actions are driven by a profound commitment to justice and equality.

Through triumph and tribulation, Jennings’ story is one of perseverance, ingenuity, and the relentless pursuit of a better future. His legacy is not just one of technological advancement but also of enduring social impact. Join us as we explore how Thomas L. Jennings, a man of vision and valor, forged a path that would illuminate the way for generations to come.

Highlights:

00:57- INTRO. NEW YORK CITY.

05:31- THOMAS L. JENNINGS BIRTH.

07:12- THOMAS BECOMES AN APPRENTICE.

07:32- THOMAS MEETS ELIZABETH CARTWRIGHT.

13:04- THOMAS MARRIES ELIZABETH.

13:06- THEY HAVE THREE CHILDREN.

14:55- THOMAS INVENTS DRY SCOURING.

15:34- THOMAS APPLIES FOR A PATENT.

16:44- THOMAS IS GRANTED A PATENT.

19:29- THOMAS ESTABLISHES HIS OWN DRY CLEANING BUSINESS.

20:38- THOMAS PURCHASES THE FREEDOM OF HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN.

20:43- THOMAS BECOMES AN ACTIVE ABOLITIONIST.

22:29- THOMAS’ DAUGHTER ELIZABETH IS REMOVED FROM A STREETCAR.

24:57- THOMAS FILES SUIT.

25:53- ELIZABETH WINS HER CASE.

27:47- DESEGREGATION OF NYC PUBLIC TRANSIT SERVICES

29:50- THOMAS PASSES AWAY

Subscribe to the podcast.

Links To Additional Resources:

Thomas Jennings the abolitionist and brilliant inventor - The Westside Gazette

https://abc7ny.com/abc-7-unite-thomas-jennings-charles-b-brooks-inventors/10372629/

http://www.myblackhistory.net/Thomas_Jennings.htm

https://www.wunderground.com/history/monthly/us/ny/new-york-city

Elizabeth Jennings, Who Desegregated New York’s Trolleys (nytimes.com)

Elizabeth Jennings Graham - Wikipedia

A Brief History of the Father of Modern Dry Cleaning: Thomas L. Jennings (drycleanerstogo.com)

Biography of Thomas Jennings, Invented Dry-Cleaning (thoughtco.com)

A Bold Man of Color: Thomas L. Jennings and the Proceeds of a Patent — The Gotham Center for New York City History

Recognizing the 200th Anniversary of Thomas Jennings’ Patent | National Inventors Hall of Fame®

Mrs Elizabeth Cartwright Jennings (1798-1873) - Find a Grave Memorial

Thomas L. Jennings - Wikipedia

NIHF Inductee Thomas Jennings and the History of Dry Cleaning (invent.org)

Meet Thomas Jennings, The Inventor Of Dry-Cleaning And First Black U.S. Citizen To Secure A Patent - AfroTech

Thomas L. Jennings (1791- 1856) • (blackpast.org)

Thomas Jennings | Lemelson (mit.edu)

A Brief History of the Father of Modern Dry Cleaning: Thomas L. Jennings (drycleanerstogo.com)

Thomas Jennings - The Black Inventor Online Museum

Meet Thomas Jennings, The Inventor Of Dry-Cleaning And First Black U.S. Citizen To Secure A Patent (yahoo.com)

The First African-American to Hold a Patent Invented 'Dry Scouring' | Smithsonian (smithsonianmag.com)

Thomas L. Jennings - Students | Britannica Kids | Homework Help

Thomas Jennings, Tradesman born - African American Registry (aaregistry.org)

A Bold Man of Color: Thomas L. Jennings and the Proceeds of a Patent — The Gotham Center for New York City History

Biography of Thomas Jennings, Invented Dry-Cleaning (thoughtco.com)

Do You Know Thomas L. Jennings? — Oak Hill Dry Cleaners

Thomas Jennings invented 'dry cleaning' over 200 years ago (theblackwallsttimes.com)

Thomas Jennings: The Man Who Invented Dry Cleaning - Red Hanger

Thomas L. Jennings, First African American to be Granted a Patent – IPO Education Foundation (ipoef.org)

Real Success Contributes to the Success of Others (globalleadersinstitute.org)

Thomas Jennings: African American Inventor (myblackhistory.net)

Meet Thomas Jennings: The Inventor of Dry-Cleaning And First Black U.S. Citizen To Secure A Patent - Cliché Magazine (clichemag.com)