Focus on the Big Picture!

I received an email a couple of years ago with some information about an African American man named Henry Sampson Jr., who was noted in the email as the person who invented the cellular phone. I am totally in favor of passing knowledge and information onto others. Before I forward this type of information, I like to do a little research, so I am not spreading around facts that are not necessarily true. My search did not confirm that Mr. Sampson invented the cellular phone. However, I found out even more amazing information about Dr. Sampson.

He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University in 1956. He went on to the University of California, Los Angeles where he graduated with an MS degree in engineering in 1961; He received an MS in 1965 and a PHD in 1967 in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Sampson also worked as a research Chemical Engineer at the US Naval Weapons Center, China Lake, California from 1956 to 1961. He then moved on to the Aerospace Corp in El Segundo, California. His titles include: Project Engineer, 1967-81, Director of Planning and Operations Directorate of Space Test Program. He was a Co-inventor of the gamma-electric cell. He holds patents related to solid rocket motors and the conversion of nuclear energy into electricity. He also pioneered a study of internal ballistics of solid rocket motors using high-speed photography. He was also a producer of documentary films on early black filmmakers and films, a member of the board of directors of Los Angeles Southwest College Foundation, and a technical consultant to Historical Black Colleges and Universities Program.

Dr. Sampson's Awards and Honors include:

Fellow of US Navy, 1962-1964

Atomic Energy Commission, 1964-1967

Black Image Award from Aerospace Corp, 1982

Blacks in Engineering, Applied Science, and Education Award, Los Angeles Council of Black Professional Engineers, 1983

 

These are outstanding achievements!!! I'm sure his achievements can be encouraging to anyone, especially young African American men and women.

 

The email I received years ago gave the impression that Dr. Sampson's invention of the cell phone had been hidden from us because he is African American. The email urged the recipients to pass on this information. In my opinion, the focus of this email was totally off.

 

I believe that we should be inspired by all of the accomplishments of Dr. Sampson. What he has been able to do in his life should be the focus. We should let it inspire us; encourage us; and motivate us to be just as successful in our own lives. Please realize that it is possible for you to be just as successful as Dr. Sampson, if that is your desire.

 

Whether you believe Dr. Sampson invented the cell phone or not, I hope that his accomplishments have encouraged you to create a successful life for yourself as well!

 

What actions will you take in your own life based on this information? Is it encouraging you to further your education, start your own business, or create something that would help make the world a better place? I sincerely hope so. You most certainly can!