Issue #1,019 Today In Black History, Monday, April 20, 2026
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Reclaiming The Narrative Why Learning Black History Changes Everything Generic Copy
Born on December 13, 1955, in Brooklyn, New York, Lanny Smoot has become one of the most prolific Black inventors in American history, with over 100 patents to his name. His journey to the pinnacle of technological innovation at The Walt Disney Company is a testament to curiosity, perseverance, and the power of believing in oneself.
Lanny’s fascination with invention began at just five years old when his father brought home a bell, a battery, some wire, and a light bulb—simple but transformative gifts. He spent his childhood dismantling electronics, tinkering with parts, and entering science fairs, always eager to understand how things worked.
Growing up in Brooklyn’s Brownsville neighborhood, he faced circumstances that could have limited his dreams. But he had something more valuable: parents who believed in him unconditionally. “I had parents that were always ultra-supportive,” Smoot said, crediting them as “the common denominator in success in life.”
A pivotal moment came in high school when a guidance counselor saw potential in young Lanny and directed him toward Brooklyn Technical High School to pursue electrical engineering, rather than his original plan. This intervention changed everything. After graduating from Brooklyn Tech, Smoot earned a full scholarship to Columbia University, where he completed both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering.
In 1978, Smoot began his career at Bell Labs, where he worked for two decades. His mentors included James West, the Black co-inventor of the electric microphone. During his time at Bell Labs and later at Bellcore (founded after the Bell System breakup), Smoot made groundbreaking contributions to telecommunications technology, including pioneering work on fiber-optic transmission and early video-on-demand systems. He invented the “VideoWindow,” the first high-quality, large-screen video teleconferencing system, which was later showcased at the Smithsonian Institution’s “Information Age” exhibit. He also created the “Electronic Panning Camera,” which enabled remote camera control and view adjustment—an invention that would eventually catch Disney's eye.
In 1998, Disney representatives discovered Smoot’s Electronic Panning Camera prototype and were so impressed with the inventor himself that they wanted to hire him to lead their research department. For the past 25 years, Smoot has served as a Disney Research Fellow and a member of Walt Disney Imagineering—the company's highest technical honor. Under his leadership and innovation, 74 of his 106 total patents have been created.
At Disney, Smoot’s work has bridged the gap between cutting-edge technology and imaginative storytelling.
Legendary Inventions
Some of Lanny Smoot’s most iconic inventions include:
The Floating Madame Leota – The levitating crystal ball effect in the Séance Room at the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park, one of the most beloved effects in Disney history
Live-Action Lightsabers – The extendable, realistic lightsabers used in Disney Live Entertainment and the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience
Interactive Attractions – Including “Where’s the Fire?” at EPCOT (2004-2014), which taught guests about fire safety while exploring hidden dangers in their own homes
The HoloTile Floor – “The world’s first multi-person, omnidirectional, modular, expandable, treadmill floor,” allowing shared virtual reality experiences
Interactive Koi Ponds – Virtual and interactive koi ponds at the Crystal Lotus Restaurant at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel
Fortress Explorations – An immersive adventure at Tokyo DisneySea
Magic Playfloor – Interactive game experiences on Disney Cruise Lines
In 2021, Lanny Smoot achieved something no one else at Disney had ever done: earning his 100th patent. This milestone underscores his status as one of the most prolific inventors in American history. The breadth of his work—spanning theatrical technologies, special effects, ride systems, interactive experiences, and cutting-edge displays—demonstrates the scope of his vision and expertise.
Recognition and Honors
Smoot’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including:
1973 – National Achievement Scholarship Award
1987 – Most Promising Engineer Award at the first Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA)
1996 – New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame Inventor of the Year
2020 – TEA Master Award from the Themed Entertainment Association (the highest recognition for theatrical technology)
2024 – Inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, becoming only the second individual from The Walt Disney Company to receive this honor (after Walt Disney himself)
Beyond his technical achievements, Smoot is deeply committed to inspiring young people, particularly Black youth and students of color, to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). He has served as a judge for innovation challenges at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through Disney on the Yard, and actively mentors diverse young people entering the technology field.
“I can be a role model that inspires young kids of all races,” Smoot said, “but especially folks who usually don’t see role models as looking like them.” His story—from a working-class kid in Brooklyn to one of the world’s most prolific inventors—is powerful proof that dreams are achievable with support, curiosity, and determination.
Today, Lanny Smoot continues to innovate and invent. He keeps a notebook beside him almost always, jotting down ideas for new inventions. “Practice what you love,” he advises. “As soon as you latch onto something you love, do it, and do it a lot. Be brave.”
Today In Black History
In 1871, the Third Enforcement Act defined Klan conspiracy as a rebellion against the United States and empowered the president to suspend the writ of habeas corpus and declare martial law in rebellious areas.
In 1971, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously that busing was a constitutionally acceptable method of integrating public schools.
In 1982, world-renowned opera singer Leontyne Price opened a convention of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
In 1999, Rosa Parks was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for inspiring the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott by refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white man.
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