2 Equals 12

2 Equals 12

Topic: Garrett Morgan

Garrett Morgan was an African American inventor and entrepreneur who made significant contributions to Black history and American society. He was born in 1877 in Kentucky and moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he started his career as a sewing machine mechanic. Morgan went on to establish himself as an inventor with several groundbreaking creations.

One of Morgan's most famous inventions was the three-position traffic signal. In 1923, he patented the design for a traffic signal that included a warning light to alert drivers before the signal changed. This innovation helped to improve road safety and reduce accidents at intersections. Morgan's traffic signal was eventually widely adopted and became a standard feature of modern traffic management systems.

In addition to his work on traffic safety, Garrett Morgan also developed the technology for a smoke hood, which later evolved into the gas mask that would be used by soldiers during World War I. His invention saved many lives and demonstrated his commitment to both public safety and innovation.

Garrett Morgan's contributions to Black history and American society have had a lasting impact on everyday life. His inventions continue to be used and recognized for their significance in promoting safety and efficiency in transportation and emergency response. Morgan's legacy serves as an inspiration to future generations of inventors and entrepreneurs, highlighting the important role that Black Americans have played in shaping history.