Garrett Morgan was an African American inventor and businessman best known for his inventions in the early 20th century. He was born on March 4, 1877, in Paris, Kentucky and moved to Cincinnati, Ohio as a teenager. Morgan is credited with creating several notable inventions, including the gas mask and the three-position traffic signal.

Morgan's gas mask invention, patented in 1914, was inspired by a tunnel construction accident that trapped workers in a toxic gas-filled tunnel. His design included a hood and tube that filtered air, providing a safer breathing environment for workers and firefighters. This invention became widely used during World War I and earned Morgan recognition for his life-saving device.

In addition to the gas mask, Morgan also patented the three-position traffic signal in 1923. This innovation featured a T-shaped design with three signals: stop, go, and an all-way stop position. His traffic signal helped improve road safety and became a standard feature in modern traffic management systems.

Garrett Morgan's contributions to public safety and transportation were groundbreaking during a time of racial segregation and discrimination. His inventions continue to impact society today, highlighting his legacy as a pioneering African American inventor in Black history.