The inventor of the modern traffic light, Garrett Morgan, was an African American inventor and entrepreneur. In 1923, Morgan patented his invention, which featured three positions: stop, go, and an all-way stop position to allow drivers to yield to cross traffic. This device was the precursor to the modern three-light traffic signal we use today.

Morgan's traffic light was a significant innovation in road safety and transportation management, as it helped regulate the flow of traffic and reduce accidents at intersections. Despite facing racial discrimination and challenges as a Black inventor, Morgan's invention made a lasting impact on traffic management systems worldwide.

Garrett Morgan was also known for his invention of the safety hood, an early version of the gas mask, which he developed after a mining disaster in 1916. His contributions to road safety and public health demonstrate his ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit, highlighting the important role of African American inventors in shaping our modern world.