A mop, ironing board and comb were part of the presentation, “A Day Without Black People,” Tuesday in LeBaron Hall.

During the presentation, members of the audience read parts highlighting commonly used products invented and patented by blacks.

“I thought it went really well,” said Lee Ann Davis, director of minority programs for the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. “If we have 10-15 people in the audience, we’re happy.”

Davis said the presentation was important to highlight the inventions of blacks left out of the history books. The presentation centered on a boy character, Theo, who went about the day with his mother and had problems when he asked what would happen if there were no black people. Those things started disappearing from his house.

Items in the presentation ranged from the washing machine, pencil sharpener and refrigerator.

Thessalen Hinnant-Bernard, graduate student in human development and family studies, organized the event with Davis.

“I get really excited about drama and like these types of things,” she said.

Hinnant-Bernard said when she came to Iowa State in 1999, she was disappointed with the lack of events for Black History Month.

“I was a little concerned, and I put together some posters and information so that my son could have some of his history,” Hinnant-Bernard said.

She said, however, now there is significant improvement.

“Last year was wonderful,” she said, referring to Davis’ starting of the College of Family and Consumer Sciences Black History Month celebration. “There has been a significant difference, including numbers of people in attendance and the general population’s response.”

“I’m blown away. It’s such an overwhelming number of things invented by people from my race,” said Carol Hall, graduate student in textiles and clothing.

Hall said she was most surprised by finding that the ironing board was invented by an African American.

“I think it’s important to connect with our history because there are so many different kinds of black experiences, and we need to take time to celebrate them,” she said.

Hinnant-Bernard said the event was important so audience members become more aware of the black contribution to U.S. history. She said the presentation was also important so blacks begin to know their own history.

“Some black people don’t know their own history,” she said.

“I feel good hearing those inventions, it reinforces the intellect and creativity of African-Americans,” Hall said. “I’ll go back to my office happier and with more pride.”

The display was part of the celebration of Black History Month in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences.