Jesse Russell – Cell Phone Pioneer
Jesse Russell was a Black inventor and IT entrepreneur and has over 100 patents registered. It all started in 1972 when he received his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. As a top honor student in his class, Russell became the first African American to be hired directly from a historically Black College by AT&T. Although not one person is credited with the first inception of the technology, Russell was one of the key people to assist in the invention of the modern cell phone. His actions shaped the wireless communications industry through his leadership, perspective for standards, and development of new wireless service concepts.