Inventor of a Traffic Signal and Gas Mask
The Story of a Visionary, Innovator, and Civic Leader
Garrett Morgan was born in 1877 in Paris, Kentucky, to formerly enslaved parents, Sydney Morgan and Elizabeth Reed. He had only a sixth-grade education. Despite this, he set out on a path of innovation. His work would leave a lasting impact on society. Morgan’s life and achievements go far beyond his most famous invention—the three-way traffic signal. His story showcases his resilience, ingenuity, and commitment to his community.
A Mind for Innovation
At the age of 14, Morgan left his family farm and moved to Cincinnati, determined to carve his own path. While working at a sewing machine factory, he was naturally curious. This curiosity led him to invent a belt fastener. The invention improved machine efficiency. This was just the beginning of his remarkable journey.
Mary Oluonye, author of Garrett Augustus Morgan: Businessman, Inventor, Good Citizen, describes him as “a brilliant thinker and a creative problem solver.” She further notes, “He demonstrated the importance of having faith and confidence in yourself, of using your mind to conceive ideas.”
Morgan’s inventive spirit led to many breakthroughs. These include Black hair care products and a safety hood that became a precursor to the gas mask. His most famous innovation is the three-way traffic signal.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite his contributions, Morgan faced significant racial discrimination. Morgan invented the safety hood. He used it to save workers trapped in a tunnel explosion beneath Lake Erie. Nevertheless, he received little credit. When buyers discovered he was Black, many refused to buy his products.
“That didn’t stop him. He continued on with his creations and his work, but it was disappointing,” said Oluonye.
Rayvon Fouche is a professor at Northwestern University. He highlights how Black inventors like Morgan are often viewed solely for their accomplishments. Their obstacles are often overlooked. “Not understanding and celebrating just how amazing these folks were to say, ‘I know I’m not considered a full human being. … I’m not considered worthy, but I’m just going to put all that to the side and just go for it.’ And that’s the part that’s amazing.”
A Life of Civic Engagement
Morgan was more than an inventor; he was deeply involved in his community. He founded the Call and Post. It is a Cleveland newspaper that still exists today. He also purchased over 100 acres of land that became Wakeman Country Club. It was one of Ohio’s first recreational clubs developed by an African American.
His granddaughter, Sandra Morgan, hopes that people will explore the full scope of his life. “I hope that they will explore him as a full person and learn more about his civic endeavors, his aspects of family life.”
Morgan’s legacy continues to inspire. Exhibits at the Cleveland History Center show his patents, photographs, and even a replica of his safety hood. His impact is still felt, both through his inventions and the perseverance he demonstrated in the face of adversity.
A Legacy That Lives On
Although Sandra Morgan was too young to remember her grandfather, she learned about him through family stories. She recalls how he promoted his hair products. He drank a gulp of the black hair oil stain to assure customers it was safe. “Everyone would be mortified, and he said, ‘You see, it’s made with cod liver oil, so it’s not going to hurt you.’”
She describes her family’s motto: “You can always do more.” For them, Garrett Morgan is not just an icon. He is a human being. His resilience and creativity continue to inspire generations.
As Mary Oluonye says, “Now, if he could do that, when he did that, with all the challenges that he faced, then you, too, can do anything you want to do, once you put your mind to it.”
Source:
- https://youtu.be/B8HftK28Y5I?si=esrc4C_QhqkUdIxD
- https://woub.org/2025/02/19/garrett-morgan-inventing-modern-day-traffic-light-black-history/
- https://blackinventor.com/garrett-morgan/
- https://chatgpt.com/
- https://app.pictory.ai/
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