
02/05/2025
Frederick McKinley Jones (1893–1961) was a pioneering African American inventor and entrepreneur whose innovations significantly impacted refrigeration and transportation. Among his over 60 patents, he is best known for developing the first practical automatic refrigeration system for trucks, trains, and ships, revolutionizing the transport of perishable goods. 
In addition to his refrigeration advancements, Jones made notable contributions to the cinema industry by inventing devices that improved movie projection. 
His groundbreaking work earned him the National Medal of Technology in 1991, making him the first African American to receive this honor. 
Jones’s legacy endures, highlighting his significant contributions to technology and society.