Did you know the portable pencil sharpener you use today owes its sleek design to an African American inventor? In 1897, John Lee Love, a carpenter from North Carolina, patented the "Love Sharpener," a compact and efficient pencil sharpener that simplified the process and kept shavings contained. His innovative design became a staple for students, artists, and writers, showcasing how Black ingenuity has shaped everyday tools we often take for granted. Though little is known about his life, Love’