Black Inventors Who Changed the World: The Legacy of Garrett Morgan
Throughout history, Black inventors have shaped the world in ways that too often go unrecognized. Their ingenuity, resilience, and groundbreaking discoveries have left lasting imprints on science, technology, and daily life, despite the systemic barriers they faced. Among these pioneers, Garrett Morgan stands as one of the most remarkable minds of the early 20th century. A man of vision and relentless curiosity, he revolutionized public safety, transportation, and breathing apparatus technology, all while navigating a society that sought to diminish his achievements. Born in 1877 in Claysville, Kentucky, Garrett Augustus Morgan was the son of formerly enslaved parents. His early life was marked by limited educational opportunities, a common reality for Black children in the post-Reconstruction South. With only a sixth-grade education, he set out on his own as a teenager, moving to Cincinnati and later to Cleveland in search of greater opportunities. Though formal schooling was ou...
