“Granville T. Woods, the greatest colored inventor in the history of the race, and equal, if not superior, to any inventor in the country, is destined to revolutionize the mode of street car transit. The results of his experiments are no longer a question of doubt. He has excelled in every possible way in all his inventions. He is master of the situation, and his name will be handed down to coming generations as one of the greatest inventors of his time. He has not only elevated himself to the highest position among inventors, but he has shown beyond doubt the possibility of a colored man inventing as well as one of any other race.” The Catholic Tribune, January 14, 1886

According to the newspaper excerpt, which describes the relationship between the 2nd Industrial Revolution and African Americans?

a. African American inventors were denied access to the patent system.

b. African Americans contributed innovative inventions to American society.

c. African American leaders called for restricting unionization in order to encourage innovation.

d. African Americans experienced equal treatment in society due to the recognition of inventors.