{"title":"Inventors \u0026 Innovators","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCelebrating Black ingenuity that changed everyday life. This collection honors inventors, innovators, and builders whose ideas moved industries and communities forward. Every design turns documented history into something that can be carried, discussed, and remembered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBUILT TO ENDURE.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"madam-cj-walker","title":"Madam C. J. Walker — Empire Builder","description":"\u003cp\u003eBorn Sarah Breedlove in 1867 to parents who had been enslaved. Died in 1919 the first self-made female millionaire in America.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShe was orphaned at seven, married at fourteen, widowed at twenty — a single mother washing other people's laundry for $1.50 a day. Then her hair started falling out, and she couldn't find a product made by anyone who understood it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSo she made her own. Then she went door to door. Then she trained thousands of other Black women to do the same, and paid them well enough to buy houses — at a time when the work available to them was almost entirely domestic labor.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShe didn't just build a business. She built a way out — and handed the door to other people.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTHE VERIFIED RECORD\u003cbr\u003eBorn Sarah Breedlove, December 23, 1867 — Delta, Louisiana.\u003cbr\u003eDied May 25, 1919 — Irvington, New York.\u003cbr\u003eFounder, Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company.\u003cbr\u003eWidely recognized as the first self-made female millionaire in America.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTHE PIECE\u003cbr\u003eFront: the portrait.\u003cbr\u003eBack: built from nothing — the full record.\u003cbr\u003eLeft sleeve: the crown.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGarment-dyed heavyweight cotton. Comfort Colors 1717 in black — pre-shrunk, relaxed fit, and softer every wash. Printed with the real history, verified against primary sources before it was ever put on a shirt.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBuilt to Endure.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRead the full record: rylandworks.com\/pages\/madam-cj-walker\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ryland Works","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":53276743041391,"sku":"3449510_15114","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"M","offer_id":53276743074159,"sku":"3449510_15115","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"L","offer_id":53276743106927,"sku":"3449510_15116","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"XL","offer_id":53276743139695,"sku":"3449510_15117","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2XL","offer_id":53276743172463,"sku":"3449510_15118","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3XL","offer_id":53276743205231,"sku":"3449510_16326","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4XL","offer_id":53276743237999,"sku":"3449510_17500","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/1919\/6783\/files\/07148531-78f7-4104-93e7-7f45dce65b48.png?v=1789421958"},{"product_id":"madam-c-j-walker-bedazzled-print","title":"Madam C. J. Walker — Bedazzled Legacy","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSHE TURNED VISION INTO AN EMPIRE.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMadam C. J. Walker was born Sarah Breedlove in 1867—the first child in her family born after the end of slavery. From work in cotton fields and washhouses, she built one of the most remarkable entrepreneurial legacies in American history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAfter experiencing hair loss, Walker developed products for Black women and founded the Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company. Through training schools and a national network of Walker agents, her business helped create paths toward financial independence for thousands of Black women.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWalker also invested her success into the community. She supported education, Black institutions, charitable organizations, and the fight against lynching.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Bedazzled Legacy edition surrounds her portrait with a jewel-inspired graphic treatment—honoring a woman whose ambition, confidence, and brilliance could never be overlooked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTHE VERIFIED RECORD\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBorn Sarah Breedlove: December 23, 1867 — Delta, Louisiana\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFounded: Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKnown for: Building a national hair- and scalp-care business\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLegacy: Entrepreneur, philanthropist, activist, and business pioneer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDied: May 25, 1919 — Irvington, New York\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTHE PIECE\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFront and back portrait artwork presented in Ryland Works’ Bedazzled Legacy style.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe jewel and rhinestone effects are part of the printed artwork. No physical rhinestones, gems, or raised embellishments are attached.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGarment-dyed heavyweight cotton tee\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eComfort Colors 1717\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack garment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePre-shrunk with a relaxed fit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDesigned by Ryland Works\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBUILT TO ENDURE.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ryland Works","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":53489675895151,"sku":"7037796_15114","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"M","offer_id":53489675927919,"sku":"7037796_15115","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"L","offer_id":53489675960687,"sku":"7037796_15116","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"XL","offer_id":53489675993455,"sku":"7037796_15117","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2XL","offer_id":53489676026223,"sku":"7037796_15118","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3XL","offer_id":53489676058991,"sku":"7037796_16326","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4XL","offer_id":53489676091759,"sku":"7037796_17500","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/1919\/6783\/files\/31032f73-f2c8-4d44-96dd-a1e4b62f2461.png?v=1790019120"},{"product_id":"madam-c-j-walker-leopard-print","title":"Madam C. J. Walker — Leopard Legacy","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMadam C.J. Walker — Leopard Print\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eMadam C.J. Walker built more than a business — she built opportunity, ownership, and a legacy that outlived her.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis Leopard Print Edition reworks the Ryland Works tribute with a bold brown leopard-inspired visual treatment while preserving the historical story behind the design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLEOPARD PRINT EDITION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe leopard pattern is part of the printed artwork and design treatment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGARMENT DETAILS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eComfort Colors 1717 heavyweight tee\u003cbr\u003e100% ring-spun U.S. cotton\u003cbr\u003eGarment-dyed\u003cbr\u003eRelaxed fit\u003cbr\u003ePre-shrunk\u003cbr\u003eSizes S–4XL\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCARE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWash inside out with like colors.\u003cbr\u003eMachine wash cold.\u003cbr\u003eTumble dry low.\u003cbr\u003eDo not iron directly over the artwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBUILT TO ENDURE.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ryland Works","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":53489679565167,"sku":"9790529_15114","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"M","offer_id":53489679597935,"sku":"9790529_15115","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"L","offer_id":53489679630703,"sku":"9790529_15116","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"XL","offer_id":53489679663471,"sku":"9790529_15117","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2XL","offer_id":53489679696239,"sku":"9790529_15118","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3XL","offer_id":53489679729007,"sku":"9790529_16326","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4XL","offer_id":53489679761775,"sku":"9790529_17500","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/1919\/6783\/files\/79e6acbe-0493-44c5-8b8a-496fd6b68012.png?v=1789979480"},{"product_id":"alice-parker","title":"Alice H. Parker — Changed the Temperature","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTHE WOMAN IS PARTLY HIDDEN. THE PATENT IS NOT.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVery little verifiable information survives about Alice H. Parker’s life. No authenticated photograph of her has been identified. What remains is a United States patent bearing her name—and an idea that looked ahead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOn July 9, 1918, Parker of Morristown, New Jersey, filed an application for an improved heating furnace. U.S. Patent No. 1,325,905 was granted on December 23, 1919.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHer design used gas as fuel and incorporated multiple heating units supplied by a common cold-air box. Each unit could be controlled independently and connected to its own hot-air duct, allowing heat to be directed toward different rooms or floors as needed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eParker did not invent the furnace or central heating. Her documented contribution was a distinctive approach to regulating and distributing heat—an early concept resembling what we now recognize as zoned heating.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe biography may be incomplete. The achievement is recorded.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTHE VERIFIED RECORD\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Inventor: Alice H. Parker\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Residence: Morristown, New Jersey\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Patent application filed: July 9, 1918\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Patent granted: December 23, 1919\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• U.S. Patent No. 1,325,905\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Patent title: Heating Furnace\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Core concept: independently controlled gas-heating units serving separate rooms or floors\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTHE PIECE\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Historical tribute artwork\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Front, back, and sleeve graphics\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Design centered on Parker’s verified patent record\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Human imagery is an artistic representation—not an authenticated portrait\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePRODUCT DETAILS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Garment-dyed heavyweight cotton tee\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Comfort Colors 1717\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Black garment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Pre-shrunk with a relaxed fit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Designed by Ryland Works\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBUILT TO ENDURE.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ryland Works","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":53489688379759,"sku":"4265276_15114","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"M","offer_id":53489688412527,"sku":"4265276_15115","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"L","offer_id":53489688445295,"sku":"4265276_15116","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"XL","offer_id":53489688478063,"sku":"4265276_15117","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2XL","offer_id":53489688510831,"sku":"4265276_15118","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3XL","offer_id":53489688543599,"sku":"4265276_16326","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4XL","offer_id":53489688576367,"sku":"4265276_17500","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/1919\/6783\/files\/63772e6f-57f5-4a6b-9fd2-529d13424702.png?v=1789968158"},{"product_id":"jones","title":"Frederick McKinley Jones — Mobile Refrigeration","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHE DIDN’T JUST CHANGE HOW FOOD TRAVELED. HE CHANGED HOW FAR FRESHNESS COULD GO.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrederick McKinley Jones was a self-taught engineer whose mechanical skill transformed transportation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBefore reliable mobile refrigeration, perishable food was commonly transported using ice and salt—a limited system that restricted how far fresh products could travel. Jones developed a compact, durable, shock-resistant refrigeration unit capable of operating aboard moving vehicles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe technology allowed trucks and other carriers to maintain controlled temperatures while traveling long distances. During World War II, refrigerated trucks equipped with this technology transported food for American service members. After the war, mobile refrigeration helped reshape the distribution of produce, meat, dairy products, and other perishables.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJones’s work became part of the foundation of the modern refrigerated supply chain—the system that keeps temperature-sensitive goods moving across cities, states, and countries.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe machine stayed cold. His legacy kept moving.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTHE VERIFIED RECORD\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Born May 17, 1893\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Died February 21, 1961\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Inventor, engineer, and U.S. Army veteran\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• U.S. Patent No. 2,303,857\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Patent title: Air Conditioner for Vehicles\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Filed November 16, 1939\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Granted December 1, 1942\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Patent co-inventors: Frederick M. Jones and Joseph A. Numero\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Earned more than 60 patents during his career\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• First Black member of the American Society of Refrigeration Engineers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Posthumously awarded the National Medal of Technology in 1991\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTHE PIECE\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Historical portrait and mobile-refrigeration tribute\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Front, back, and sleeve artwork\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Design centered on Jones’s engineering legacy and verified patent record\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePRODUCT DETAILS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Garment-dyed heavyweight cotton tee\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Comfort Colors 1717\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Black garment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Pre-shrunk with a relaxed fit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Designed by Ryland Works\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBUILT TO ENDURE.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ryland Works","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":53489702044015,"sku":"9123458_15114","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"M","offer_id":53489702076783,"sku":"9123458_15115","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"L","offer_id":53489702109551,"sku":"9123458_15116","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"XL","offer_id":53489702142319,"sku":"9123458_15117","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2XL","offer_id":53489702175087,"sku":"9123458_15118","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3XL","offer_id":53489702207855,"sku":"9123458_16326","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4XL","offer_id":53489702240623,"sku":"9123458_17500","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/1919\/6783\/files\/0daafd5e-25a2-462a-b039-3889db32332a.png?v=1789968340"}],"url":"https:\/\/rylandworks.com\/collections\/inventors-innovators.oembed","provider":"Ryland Works","version":"1.0","type":"link"}