Congressman Johnson honors African American Inventor

WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Feb. 15, 2017, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) was joined by Congresswomen Eddie Bernice Johnson and Sheila Jackson Lee to honor great inventors at "African American Inventors: Past and Present."

After offering welcoming remarks, Congressman Johnson honored Dr. Lonnie Johnson with an award for achievement. Dr. Johnson, who served as a judge for Congressman Johnson's inaugural Congressional App Challenge, is a piece of living history. He is an inventor and scientist who made himself a household name when he created the world-famous "super soaker" water gun toy.

Congressman Johnson also got the chance to meet future inventor Ryan Pennington. Pennington is an innovative 6th grader at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School.

"It was a great honor to introduce and present an award to Dr. Johnson. We all know he is the father of the super soaker but this former Air Force and NASA engineer is a true pioneer in his field," said Congressman Johnson. "We were also joined by a great young mind in Ryan Pennington. I believe the sky is the limit for this young man and it was a pleasure to have him join us in the halls of Congress. We should look forward to the ingenuity that will come from him."