February 2023

GRAPEVINE

Valentine’s Day－Michael Henderson

Issue No. 11

Black Inventors－Katelyn Sondereker

I can’t believe Valentine’s Day already passed! OfIn America, February is Black History Month, whichcourse, it is celebrated in both America andhonors the history ( 歴 史 ), struggles ( 奮 闘 ), andJapan...BUT you may be surprised at some of thetriumphs (勝利) of Black Americans. So, I thought I

differences. Let’s talk about them!

would talk about important inventions ( 発 明 ) thatFirst is the gifts. In Japan, girls often give chocolatesBlack people made throughout history.

to their friends and lovers. In America, we giveThe first invention is the traffic light. Nowadays,

chocolate but also flowers, stuffed animals, andtraffic lights have three lights, right? Red, yellow, andexpensive jewelry! Often this is only to your partner

green. But before Garrett Morgan, the traffic signals(boyfriend, girlfriend, etc.), though sometimes people

only told people to stop and go. Around 1923, Morgan

will get flowers for moms or little gifts for their friends.

saw a horrible traffic accident (交通事故) in Cleveland,Also, in America, there’s no gender expectation; bothOhio and he made a third option : yield (一時停止すmen and women will buy gifts for others.

る), which would later become the yellow light.

Second is eating out. In America, Valentine’s Day is

The second invention is automatic (自動) elevator

the second busiest day of the year for restaurants!

doors, which were invented by Alexander Miles in 1887.

Couples will often go to expensive restaurants in niceBefore Miles’ invention, people had to close the outside

clothes, so making a reservation can be difficult.

elevator doors and the inside elevator doors by hand (手However, people will also go out with their friends to動)! Oftentimes, many people would forget to close

more casual restaurants.

both doors and it caused terrible accidents. As a result,

Third is Valentine’s Day parties! In elementaryschools, students often have parties. Students will bring

Miles invented automatic doors, and his designs (設計)are still used in elevators today.

Valentine’s Day cards and candy, and give it to all theThe third is the light bulb. You may think that

other students, similar to 義理チョコ. Students will

Thomas Edison invented the light bulb (電球), and healso eat snacks, do Valentine’s Day themed activities,

did, but his light bulbs would burn out (燃え尽きる) inand watch movies!

only a few days. However, Lewis Latimer invented a

There are many expectations for couples oncarbon filament (カーボンフィラメント) in 1881 that

Valentine’s Day. Many people plan things far in

makes light bulbs last for months if not years. Latimer’sadvance so that they can enjoy spending time togetherinvention is the reason why you don’t have to buy a newwith their partner. Next Valentine’s Day, try to plan

light bulb at the store every week!

something fun with your friends if you can!

So next time you see a traffic light, use an elevator,
or turn on a light, remember that Black people createdthese things and so many others that make our lives

Kids eating snacks

better.

at a Valentine’s
Day party at school

Garrett Morgan
and his three-way
traffic signal design

Take a break from studying and color this fun Black History Month coloringsheet! If you have time, please look up the names of these famous BlackAmericans and learn more about them!