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Mary Kenner

5 Black Women Who Revolutionized Beauty Culture

Source: iOneDigital / HelloBeautiful

Every month women everywhere should thank Mary Kenner for forever changing feminine hygiene care. In 1956, she invented the sanitary belt, basically the OG maxi pad. Kenner’s belt held sanitary napkins in place and prevented leaks thanks to a moisture-proof napkin pocket.  Kenner’s invention wouldn’t be patented until 30 years later because — you guessed it— the company who was initially interested in Kenner’s invention rejected it when they learned she was African American. Regardless, she got the job done, honey! Kenner’s innovations didn’t stop three. She also improved upon the bathroom tissue holder, designing a holder that allowed the loose end of a bathroom tissue roll to be accessible at all times.

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