Our people were fighting for freedom, and this brilliant inventor had an epiphany.

For us to be successful against white terrorism, we would need to be committed to one thing, problem solving.

And he gave us a perfect example.

This is Two Minute Black History, what you didn't learn in school.

Back in the day, keeping perishable foods for more than a few days just wasn't a thing.

Families would keep food cold by surrounding it with large ice blocks in a cooler-like container or icebox.

But this usually didn't last long.

Thomas Elkins, a brilliant inventor, realized there was a better way.

Elkins patented an apparatus to preserve foods for an extended period, using chilled metal coils inside an insulated container.

Food stayed fresh way longer.

But Elkins, who was also an abolitionist, knew his invention meant something even more significant for our people.

His patented technology was critical for our community.

Elkins was a part of committees across the north, established to protect self-neverated black folks from re-inslavement.

His design directly ate it in helping feed many of our people while they fought to keep their freedom.

Elkins' vigilance committee housed free black folks, often providing them with legal assistance, shelter, clothing, and most importantly, food.

He even helped support the work of the Underground Railroad.

Elkins' innovation was about more than his inventions.

It was about liberating our people using his skills and talents.

With his critical contribution to black lives in the 1800s and today, his legacy can't be ignored.

We think that's pretty cool.

In order to move towards the future, you've got to look to the past.

This has been Two Minute Black History, a podcast by Push Black.

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