Mary Kenner was born on May 17, 1912 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She grew up in a family of inventors, with her mother, father, and sister all having a knack for creating new things. From a young age, Mary showed a natural talent for coming up with innovative ideas and finding solutions to everyday problems.
Kenner attended Howard University, a prestigious historically black university, but unfortunately, she was unable to graduate due to financial difficulties. Despite not completing her degree, she continued to pursue her passion for inventing and creating.
Mary Kenner is best known for her invention of the adjustable sanitary belt. This revolutionary product was designed to provide women with a more comfortable and customizable option for managing their menstrual cycles. However, due to racial discrimination, Kenner's patent for the sanitary belt was not registered until thirty years after she first came up with the idea.
Aside from her work as an inventor, Kenner also found employment at a floral shop in Washington, D.C. Her creative spirit and determination to succeed were evident in everything she did, whether it was developing new inventions or arranging beautiful floral displays.
As mentioned earlier, Mary Kenner came from a family of inventors. Her parents and sister all shared her passion for creating and tinkering with new ideas. Growing up in a household where innovation was encouraged, Kenner was inspired to pursue her own inventive endeavors and make a name for herself in the world of invention.
Mary Kenner's contributions to the field of invention, particularly in the realm of women's health, have left a lasting impact. Her adjustable sanitary belt revolutionized the way women managed their menstrual cycles, providing a more comfortable and practical solution for a common female experience. Despite facing racial discrimination and obstacles throughout her career, Kenner persevered and continued to create valuable inventions that improved the lives of others.
As one of the few African American inventors to gain recognition for her work, Mary Kenner paved the way for future generations of innovators. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, creativity, and determination in the face of adversity.