The Invention of Period Pads: Celebrating a Hidden Hero This Black History Month

As we dive into Black History Month, we often spotlight the towering figures in civil rights, music, and literature. But this month is also about recognizing those everyday heroes whose inventions quietly revolutionized our lives—especially when it comes to things we rarely talk about, like menstrual health.

One such hero is Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner, a brilliant and determined African American woman whose invention changed the game for women everywhere. Her story is one of perseverance, creativity, and an unshakeable belief that women deserve better when it comes to managing their periods.

Meet Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner: The Unsung Heroine of Menstrual Health

Mary was born in 1912 in Monroe, North Carolina, into a family that had invention in its DNA. Her father, Sidney Nathaniel Davidson, was an inventor himself and encouraged Mary and her siblings to solve the problems they saw around them. This spirit of creativity stuck with Mary, leading her to create one of the most important, yet often overlooked, inventions for women: the sanitary belt.

Back in the early 1900s, managing menstruation was, to put it mildly, a messy affair. Women were using whatever they could find—rags, cotton, even bits of cloth—to handle their periods. It was uncomfortable, unreliable, and frankly, kind of a nightmare. Mary knew there had to be a better way, so she set out to create it.

At just 15 years old, Mary came up with the idea for a sanitary belt, a device designed to hold pads securely in place. Her invention included an adjustable belt with a moisture-proof pocket to keep everything clean and secure—a huge leap forward from what was available at the time.

Overcoming Hurdles: When Determination Met Discrimination

Mary’s journey wasn’t easy. Despite the brilliance of her invention, she faced roadblocks that had nothing to do with its effectiveness and everything to do with the color of her skin. In the 1920s, when Mary first had her idea, securing a patent as a Black woman was nearly impossible. It wasn’t until 1957—30 years later—that she finally got the patent for her sanitary belt.

Even then, racial discrimination continued to haunt her progress. A company showed interest in her invention, but when they discovered she was Black, they backed out. Imagine how discouraging that must have been! But Mary didn’t give up. She kept innovating, eventually holding five patents, more than any other African American woman in history.

Why Mary Kenner’s Work Matters Today

Mary Kenner’s invention laid the groundwork for the sanitary pads we use today. Think about that the next time you reach for a pad or liner—how a young girl’s idea, born out of a desire to make life a little easier, evolved into a product that millions of women around the world rely on every month.

What’s even more inspiring is that Mary did all this without the recognition she deserved. Her contributions remained largely in the shadows, a quiet revolution in women’s health. But that doesn’t make her impact any less significant. In fact, it’s a powerful reminder that the comforts we take for granted today often come from the ingenuity of people who were once overlooked.

Honoring Mary Kenner This Black History Month

So, this Black History Month, let’s take a moment to honor Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner—not just as an inventor, but as a woman who believed in better, who pushed through barriers and made a lasting difference in the lives of women everywhere. Her story is a testament to resilience and the power of a good idea, no matter who you are or where you come from.

Let’s carry forward the spirit of Mary Kenner by continuing to innovate, to challenge the status quo, and to fight for the recognition that every creator deserves. Because sometimes, the most revolutionary acts come from solving the simplest, most human needs.