B H This Day in Black History

July 12

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July 12, 1872

Elijah McCoy Patents Automatic Lubricator

On July 12, 1872, Elijah McCoy received a patent for his automatic lubricating cup for steam engines. His invention was so superior to imitations that the phrase "the real McCoy" was coined. He held 57 patents over his lifetime.

scienceinnovation
People: Elijah McCoy
Sources
1. Elijah McCoy - National Park Service2. Elijah McCoy - Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture3. Elijah McCoy and the 'Real McCoy' - PBS
July 12, 1967

Newark Riots

A series of riots in Newark, New Jersey, sparked by racial tensions, resulting in several deaths and extensive property damage.

Sources
1. The Newark Riots of 1967 — National Park Service2. The Newark Riots: A Historical Overview — Rutgers University

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