Mic Drop

Autobiography of a Black Sound Scientist

By: Ilene J. Busch-Vishniac, James E. West

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Paperback | 9 July 2026

At a Glance

Paperback
192 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
23.5 x 15.5 x 1.04

Paperback

$47.75

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Mic Drop is the inspiring story of the life and work of James E. West. While West is best known as the co-inventor of the microphone that was used in every telephone and hearing aid in the world for decades, he had to overcome significant racism in order to thrive in his life and career. He was one of the first Black men to be inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame and the National Academy of Engineering. He received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation and was featured in Kareem Abdul Jabbar's book, What Color Is My World? This book presents Jim West's story by interweaving his professional life and personal life to portray a multifaceted image of a very human scientist and activist. More than simply describing his battles with racism, Mic Drop details how Jim West helped forge connections within the Black community to establish paths to success. Jim's story links to key historical events - e.g. his mother was one of the human "computers" at Langley and the town where he grew up was the largest defendant of the five that were prosecuted in Brown v. Board of Education. An uplifting story which encourages readers to follow their dreams, this book is aimed at readers with a curious mind but doesn't require any scientific background. Mic Drop will appeal to Black students and their families and it will also pique the interest of readers who appreciate science and technology and those who are interested in the history of racism in America.

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