[Women’s History Month] Meet Joanna Hardin, inventor of the keyboard stand

March is the Women’s History Month celebrated globally to highlight the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. The month corresponds with the International Women’s Day which is marked globally on March 8.

As part of Face2Face Africa’s commitment to informing and connecting black people around the world, we have resolved to devote each day of the month of March to celebrate black women inventors and to highlight their inventions.

Prompted by Osteoarthritis and pain in her neck, back, and limbs, Joanna Hardin who was also known as Harlem’s computer diva created the keyboard stand. Watching her grandmother elevate her arms after a long day of work gave Hardin an idea.

With the help of her friend, Bernie Hirschenon, she designed CompuRest, a computer rest that gave relief to the user’s arms, elbows, shoulders, and in addition to their fingers, hands, and wrists.

Woman using Compurest…photo credit: GeoCities

Hardin tried the sample out for herself and her pain disappeared.

On July 19, 1991, Hardin filed paperwork to obtain a patent for CompuRest.

Woman using the Compurest…photo credit: Daughters of Africa

CompuRest was established in 1994 as part of Hardin’s Computer Underground Railroad enterprises (CURE). It is still available till this day online.

Hardin was a New York City native.

We honor her contributions to the world as a Black woman inventor.