Largely self-taught, Frederick McKinley Jones was a prolific early 20th century Black inventor who helped revolutionize both the cinema and refrigeration industries. He is best known for inventing the first automatic refrigeration system for trucks.
Born on May 17, 1893 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Jones began working as a mechanic’s helper at age 16 and through observation and reading, developed an incredible base of knowledge about automobiles and their inner workings. By nineteen, he had built and driven several cars in racing exhibitions and soon became one of the most well known racers in the Great Lakes region.
He was a sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War I, serving in France as an electrician. He rewired his camp for electricity, telephone, and telegraph service. After discharge, he continued his study of electronics, building a transmitter for a local radio station. To make ends meet, Jones often aided local doctors by driving them around for house calls during the winter season but as navigation through the snow proved difficult, Jones attached skis to the undercarriage of an old airplane body and an airplane propeller to a motor. He was soon whisking doctors around town at high speeds in his new “snow machine.”
Over the next few years he would invent more and more innovative machines: a portable x-ray machine, personal radio sets, and as an electrical engineer for Ultraphone Sound Systems, he converted silent-movie projectors into talking projectors by using scrap metal for parts. He also devised ways to stabilize and improve the picture quality.
In 1939, Jones invented and received a patent for an automatic ticket-dispensing machine to be used at movie theaters -- later selling the patent rights to RCA.
Jones' partnership, The U.S. Thermo Control Company, was the first automatic refrigeration system for long-haul trucks and railroad cars. Thermo King, as it became known, allowed the transportation of perishable products. He modified the original design to outfit trains, boats, and ships. Thermo King transformed the shipping and grocery businesses: Grocery chains were now able to import and export products previously shipped only as canned goods. The frozen food industry was born and for the first time consumers could enjoy fresh foods from around the globe. Thermo King became a multimillion-dollar company.
During World War II, the need for storing blood serum for transfusions and medicines led Jones into further refrigeration research. He devised an air-conditioning unit for military field hospitals and a refrigerator for military field kitchens. A modified form of his device is still in use today.
Jones became the first African American to be elected into the American Society of Refrigeration Engineers. During the 50’s, he was a consultant to the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Bureau of Standards.
At the time of his death in 1961, Jones had more than sixty patents. In honor of his tremendous achievements as an inventor, he was posthumously awarded the National Medal of Technology – the first Black inventor to ever receive such an honor.
Sources: AARegistry.org; Blackpast.org; Stlamerican.com; Wikipedia.org
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The Washington State Department of Transportation Office of Equity and Civil Rights is now accepting applications for the Pre-Apprenticeship and Support Services (PASS) grant program for the 2025-2027 biennium.
The program seeks vendors to conduct outreach to socially and economically disadvantaged individuals living in Washington State.
Vendors will assess individual needs, provide pre-employment assistance, and help remove barriers to employment. They will also offer pre-apprenticeship training programs to prepare individuals for careers in highway construction.
Eligible applicants must be non-profit organizations, including local Native American tribes, churches, and community-based organizations, to support WSDOT’s workforce diversity goals.
Pre-Apprenticeship & Supportive Services Grant Program (PASS Program) | WSDOT. Scan the QR code for information on how to apply!
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Cannabis Social Equity Program Registration Window: June 2 to July 1, 2025
The Liquor and Cannabis Board is excited to announce that the registration window for the Cannabis Social Equity Program will be opening June 2, 2025, through July 1, 2025. This window will be open for 30 calendar days.
Registration will be done through LCB’s online Portal, and only cannabis retail licenses are available through the program at this time. The Cannabis Social Equity Program is intended to identify those most impacted by the War on Drugs and promote access to the legal cannabis market in Washington.
To qualify for the Social Equity program, an applicant must have at least 51 percent ownership by one or more individuals who meet at least two of the following qualifications:
- Lived in a disproportionately impacted area in Washington state for a minimum of five years between 1980 and 2010;
- Has been arrested or convicted of a cannabis offense or has a family member who has been arrested or convicted of a cannabis offense;
- Had a household income that was less than the median household income within the state of Washington as calculated by the United States census bureau; or
- Is both a socially and economically disadvantaged individual as defined by the office of minority and women's business enterprises under chapter 39.19 RCW.
Qualifying for the Social Equity program also requires a high score and does not guarantee you will receive a cannabis retail license. The Social Equity section of LCB’s website provides the most up to date information on the program.
Registration Process
The application process for the Cannabis Social Equity Program has changed. The first step in this process will be to register through LCB’s online Portal, which will ask for some basic identifying information. Registration does not guarantee a license.
Do not apply with the Department of Revenue for Business Licensing Services until you are notified by the LCB for approval.
After the registration window closes, third-party contractor Alta Point Consulting, LLC., will notify registrants when and how to submit documents for review. Alta Point Consulting will determine if you are eligible for the program under the rules set by the Board (WAC 314.55.570), and score qualifying registrants who complete applications.
Alta Point Consulting will send the final scores to LCB. The LCB will notify the highest scoring registrants if they are approved to start the application process for a cannabis retail license. The approved applicants will then apply with Business Licensing Services.
What Can You Do Now?
To prepare for the registration window, it is important to begin gathering documents that verify you meet two of the four qualifications listed above. Check out our educational video series for more information about the registration and application process, types of documentation, and more.
For the most recent updates on the Cannabis Social Equity Program, please visit the LCB website. You can also follow the Social Equity blog and LCB on Bluesky Social
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Why is this happening?
The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses and ID cards. Starting May 7, 2025, anyone traveling by airplane or visiting certain federal facilities must use a REAL ID-compliant document.
You may already have what you need: These identification options meet REAL ID standards and can be used to board domestic flights:
See the full list of documents accepted for air travel via the DOL website.
Financing your Future: Apply for scholarships!
When planning for education after high school, private scholarships are one tool to help make college or training after high school more affordable. Businesses, organizations, and colleges award scholarships to students for community service, good grades, athletic ability, or a variety of other qualities or activities.
Search and apply for scholarships at theWashBoard.org
TheWashBoard.org is a free website for Washington students to get matched with potential scholarship opportunities.
Check out the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship
The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) offers financial aid, mentorship, and training for students pursuing high-demand careers in STEM, healthcare, and trades. Apply for this year’s WSOS Career & Technical Scholarship by April 15, 2025.
Other scholarship tips
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Apply local: Look for scholarships at your high school, in your community, and at the college you plan to attend.
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Mind the details: Follow instructions carefully and pay attention to deadlines.
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Keep it up: Continue to apply for scholarships while you are in college.
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BEWARE OF SCAMS! Don’t pay: There are plenty of free, trustworthy resources to match you with scholarship opportunities. Ask your counselor for help!
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Don’t waste time & energy: Make sure you meet requirements before you apply. And it’s OK to reuse or adapt essays and other materials for multiple applications.
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Learn more: Visit WSAC’s Apply page & Plan Your Future page.
Applying for scholarships and financial aid can help make your dreams a reality. Learn more and plan your future on the WSAC website.
Additional events listed at CAAA.WA.Gov/events
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