The business system, which translates patented inventions into commercial products, was largely closed to her.

The historical record system, which decides whose achievements are preserved and taught and celebrated, was barely aware of her.

These systems have changed, partially and unevenly.

The history of Black American inventors is better documented now than it was fifty years ago.

The barriers to Black American participation in the commercial world are real but not as absolute as they were in the mid-twentieth century.

The educational curriculum is more inclusive, in many school districts, than it was in the era when Mary Kenner was building her inventive career.