Black History Month: Garrett Morgan

TYLER, Texas (TXAN 24) — Garrett Morgan was a pioneering African American inventor, businessman, and community leader whose work left a lasting mark on everyday life.

Born in 1877 in Paris, Kentucky, Morgan is best known for inventing the three-position traffic signal, a forerunner of today’s traffic lights, and a safety hood that helped firefighters survive deadly smoke and gas.

Morgan’s inventions weren’t just about convenience—they saved lives. In 1916, he famously used his safety hood to rescue workers trapped in a tunnel filled with toxic smoke, earning national attention.

Beyond his inventions, Morgan was a successful entrepreneur and advocate for Black communities, breaking barriers at a time of deep racial inequality.

His legacy remains a testament to innovation, courage, and determination.

Sponsored by: The Black App