Mary Kenner

Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner, an American inventor best known for her adjustable sanitary belt and other household inventions, passed away at the age of 93 in Washington, D.C. Her death marked the end of a life dedicated to innovation, despite facing racial discrimination that hindered her commercial success. Her legacy includes five patents, the most held by a Black woman at the time of her death.

Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner was born in Monroe, North Carolina. This marked the beginning of the life of an inventor who would overcome racial barriers to secure five patents for her creations.