Legacy Of Mary Kenner: The Woman Who Invented Sanitary Belts

Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner, born on May 17, 1912, in Monroe, North Carolina, emerged as a prolific inventor with a remarkable legacy. Raised in a family of inventors, Kenner's journey began at age six when she attempted to create a self-oiling door hinge. The spirit of invention ran deep in her blood, with her father and maternal grandfather making significant contributions to innovation.

Relocating to Washington DC in 1924, young Mary explored the halls of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, familiarizing herself with the building and the patent process. Despite facing financial constraints, she continued to nurture her inventive spirit.

After graduating from Dunbar High School in 1931, Mary Kenner embarked on her academic journey at Howard University. Unfortunately, financial struggles led to her withdrawal after a year and a half. Undeterred, she ventured into various odd jobs before becoming a federal employee in 1941, a role she maintained throughout the decade.

Florist by Day, Inventor by Night

In 1950, Mary transitioned into a professional florist, managing her flower shop for several decades. Simultaneously, she dedicated her spare time to inventing, showcasing her resilience and determination to contribute to the world of innovation.

Kenner's first patent in 1957 marked a significant milestone with the creation of the sanitary belt, designed to address the common issue of menstrual blood leakage. Despite facing discrimination from a potential marketing partner due to her race, Kenner persevered. Subsequent inventions included an attachment for walkers and wheelchairs, a patented toilet paper holder, and a mounted back washer and massager.

Family, Marriage and Legacy

In 1951, Mary Kenner married James "Jabbo" Kenner, and together they became foster parents, adopting Woodrow along with their five foster children. Despite the passing of James in 1983, Mary continued her legacy until her death on January 13, 2006, in Washington DC at the age of 93.

Forgotten By History: An Unacknowledged Legacy

Mary Kenner, regrettably, did not receive formal recognition or awards for her groundbreaking work. Nevertheless, her inventions paved the way for subsequent innovations. Remarkably, Kenner holds the record for the greatest number of patents awarded to a Black woman by the U.S. government, with a total of five.

On this International Day of Women of Color, we celebrate the impactful legacy of Mary Kenner, an unsung inventor whose inventions and resilience continue to inspire generations of innovators.