During Black History Month, we spend a lot of time celebrating well-known historical Black figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Harriet Tubman. As a result, many other black historical figures go unnoticed. This month, ExceptionallyBlack.com would like to shine a light on lesser-known heroes whose contributions have significantly impacted our lives. One such remarkable individual is Garrett Morgan.
Who is Garret Morgan?
Garrett Morgan was born in Paris, Kentucky in 1877. His mother was of Indiana and African descent and his father was a former slave. Despite only having an elementary education, Garrett Morgan’s drive and curiosity led him to create a successful business in sewing machine repair.
Did Garrett Morgan Invent the Traffic Light?
Garrett Morgan did not invent the traffic signal, however, he did make significant improvements to the design of the 3-way traffic signal. Morgan patented this new design and eventually sold the rights to General Electric. Aside from his contributions to the traffic light, Morgan also patented a new sewing machine design and an early version of the gas mask.
What Can We Learn From Garrett Morgan?
Garrett Morgan is proof that you do not have to have a high level of education to be successful. Rather, success is often a product of hard work and determination. Along with that, Garrett teaches us the importance of protecting our ideas. He had a very good understanding of the power of patents. You can learn more about patents at the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
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