The traffic light, a critical component of modern transportation and urban infrastructure, has a fascinating history that includes important contributions from Black inventors. One notable figure is Garrett Morgan, an African American inventor who patented an early version of the traffic signal in 1923.

Morgan's design featured a manual signal with three positions: "stop," "go," and an "all-stop" position to allow for cross traffic. This innovation was a significant advancement in road safety and efficiency, helping to reduce accidents and manage the flow of vehicles in busy intersections.

Morgan's traffic signal was an improvement on earlier versions, some of which had been developed by others, including fellow Black inventor J. B. Floyd. While Floyd's traffic signal did not receive a patent, his work on traffic control systems laid the foundation for future innovations in the field.

Overall, the contributions of these Black inventors to the development of the traffic light demonstrate the importance of diversity and inclusion in innovation. Their work has had a lasting impact on transportation systems worldwide and highlights the often overlooked achievements of Black inventors throughout history.