The traffic signal, an essential feature of modern transportation systems, was invented by Garrett Morgan, an African American inventor and entrepreneur. Morgan patented his invention in 1923, although he had already developed and installed an early version of the traffic signal in Cleveland, Ohio in 1914.

Morgan's traffic signal was a significant improvement over earlier models, as it included a warning light to alert drivers of an impending stop. This innovation helped to reduce traffic accidents and regulate the flow of vehicles, making roads safer for the growing number of automobiles on the streets.

Garrett Morgan's invention of the traffic signal not only revolutionized transportation but also demonstrated the ingenuity and creativity of African American inventors during a time of racial discrimination and segregation. Morgan's contributions to road safety and urban planning continue to impact communities around the world to this day.