Elijah McCoy

de bene esse: literally, of well-being, morally acceptable but subject to future validation or exception

Have you ever heard the expression, "The Real McCoy"?

 

If you have, did you know it relates to a Black man named Elijah McCoy (pictured) who was an engineer and inventor? McCoy is best-known for creating a lubricating cup that distributed oil more efficiently and allowed trains to run longer without manual assistance. His inventions were so relied upon that railroad workers would ask whether the oil cups they were using were "the real McCoy."

 

He would go on to start his own company and gained at least 57 patents for his work. He would also create designs for ironing boards, lawn sprinklers, and other machines. All this from a man who was blocked from working as an engineer due to the racist policies.

 

Honour Elijah McCoy today on his birthday.