Garrett Morgan was an African American inventor and entrepreneur who made significant contributions to Black history. He was born on March 4, 1877, in Claysville, Kentucky, and grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. Morgan is best known for his inventions, including the three-position traffic signal, the gas mask, and the automatic traffic signal.

Morgan's most famous invention, the three-position traffic signal, was patented in 1923 and helped improve road safety by controlling the flow of traffic at intersections. Before his invention, traffic signals only had two positions, which could lead to confusion and accidents. Morgan's patented design included a yellow warning light to alert drivers that the signal was about to change, improving overall safety on the roads.

In addition to his work on traffic safety, Morgan also invented and patented the first gas mask in 1914. The gas mask was designed to protect individuals from inhaling harmful fumes or smoke and was later used by firefighters and soldiers during World War I.

Garrett Morgan's inventions had a lasting impact on public safety and transportation, and his work continues to be recognized and celebrated in Black history. He was a trailblazer in the field of invention and entrepreneurship, paving the way for future generations of Black inventors and innovators.