This Black History Month, we’re shining a light on a true innovator: Garrett Morgan. You might not know his name, but if you’ve ever sat in traffic, or gotten the green light to zoom ahead, you can thank Garrett. He’s the brilliant mind behind the modern traffic signal we rely on today.
The Boy Who Dreamed Big
Born in 1877 in Paris, Kentucky, Garrett Morgan wasn’t handed a silver spoon. He was the seventh of eleven children, raised by formerly enslaved parents, Sydney and Eliza Morgan. Education was limited to elementary school for Garrett, but that didn’t stop him. His imagination was anything but ordinary. As a teenager, Garrett packed up and left his family in search of a better life in Cincinnati. Little did anyone know, this was just the beginning of his extraordinary journey.
The Man Who Saw Problems—And Fixed Them
Garrett had a talent for spotting problems and figuring out ways to fix them. He didn’t just sit around dreaming—he took action. His first job? A handyman for a wealthy landowner. With the money he earned, Garrett didn’t splurge on luxuries—he invested in his future, hiring private tutors to keep learning. His hard work paid off and eventually led him into the booming sewing industry. But it wasn’t long before he realized that his true calling lay in innovation.
The Inventor Who Changed the Game
Garrett’s mind was a whirlwind of ideas. He started small, patenting an improved sewing machine, and then moved on to hair straightening products. But this wasn’t the extent of his creativity. During World War I, he created a prototype for a gas mask, saving countless lives. Still, he didn’t stop there—his thirst for invention was unstoppable.
In 1923, Garrett took a long look at the chaotic streets and thought, “There has to be a safer way to manage traffic.” That’s when he revolutionized the way we drive by inventing the three-position traffic signal.
Innovation for a Safer Tomorrow
Garrett’s genius was simple yet brilliant. He realized that the existing traffic signals lacked a crucial component: a warning for drivers to slow down before the light turned red. So, he introduced the “caution” or yellow light. This small but game-changing addition helped alert drivers and pedestrians, making roads safer for everyone.
Today, we owe our smooth commutes, safer intersections, and calmer roads to Garrett Morgan’s visionary traffic signal. His work paved the way for modern-day traffic control and roadway safety. Next time you cruise through a green light (or stop at a red one), remember the man who made it all possible.
