Lyda D Newman was a hairdresser and inventor who was also an activist for women’s suffrage. She held a patent for a novel hairbrush. Newman was an organizer for women’s suffrage in the early 20th century. As a suffragist, she canvassed New York City neighbourhoods, hosted street meetings to educate passing people, and opened the Negro Suffrage Headquarters in Manhattan. According to census records, she was just 14 years old, making her one of the youngest inventors ever to be granted a patent. Her invention was so successful that it was still in use decades later. But Newman was much more than just an inventor. She was also a fierce advocate for civil rights and women’s rights.