The hot frying oil sizzled as the fallen potato slice hardened. Her heart tightened in her chest – this mistake could cost them their jobs! Instead, what happened next spawned an industry that impacted the world. So why don’t we know their names? #PushBlack #BlackHistory 🥔
Kate Wicks shrieked as the thin potato slices accidentally fell into the frying oil. They could be fired if anyone found out about their mistake! Not only that, an angry customer had sent back his order, saying his fries were too thick! What should they do?
She and her brother, George Crum, had no choice but to serve the accidentally-thin, crisp slices of fried potatoes to the customer. That mistake would end up having monumental consequences.
Their boss hovered in the corner, and Wicks and Crum nervously waited to see if they’d be fired for their mistake. Instead, patrons loved this new food – and the potato chip was born!
With his sister’s help, Crum opened his own restaurant, serving fried potato chips. But because they didn’t patent the invention, whites rushed in to take credit – selling chips everywhere.
Today, the potato chip business is a billion-dollar industry, but few know the inventors’ names!
Racism meant that they didn't get the financial rewards of their invention – but we can make sure at least we know and share the truth. Our innovations are valuable and can transform culture, which is why it’s essential we celebrate those of us white supremacy has marginalized.
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