Chile, in honor of #WomensHistoryMonth and the fact that #BlackHistoryMonth should be all year long, I want to honor some women’s health pioneers. Did you know a black woman developed the sanitary pad? Mhmmmm, yes she did!
The sanitary pad was developed and invented by a black woman named Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner of Monroe, North Carolina.
Until sanitary pads were created, women used all kinds of reusable fabrics to absorb menstrual flow. So if it wasn’t for Miss Mary ladies, all of us may still be out here gathering fabric once a month lol.
Mary’s invention was initially rejected due to racism. The first company that showed interest found out she was black, and rejected it. But obviously the world as whole and women needed this so eventually it was accepted in 1956, thirty years later.
She received five patents for her household and personal items creations which included the bathroom tissue holder – which was co-invented with her sister.
So the next time you are on your cycle and purchase some pads (hopefully chlorine-free), or are in the bathroom and reach for a roll of toilet paper on your toilet paper holder, remember a black woman is part of the reason they exist. -XO