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 out of reach, Morgan possessed an innate mechanical aptitude and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. He worked as a handyman and sewing machine repairman, quickly developing an expertise in mechanics that would serve as the foundation for his future innovations.

One of Morgan’s earliest business ventures was in the garment industry, where he developed and patented an improved sewing machine belt fastener. This success allowed him to open his own tailoring shop, catering to Cleveland’s elite. Yet, his mind was always at work, identifying problems and crafting solutions that would soon extend far beyond the world of textiles.

His first major breakthrough came in 1912 when he invented the safety hood, a breathing device designed to protect firefighters and emergency workers from toxic fumes and smoke inhalation. Inspired by a tragic tunnel explosion in Cleveland that claimed numerous lives, Morgan sought to create a device that could allow people to breathe safely in dangerous environments. His invention, an early prototype of the modern gas mask, featured a system of tubes that directed clean air to the wearer while filtering out smoke and harmful gases.

Despite its life-saving potential, racism nearly prevented Morgan from receiving the recognition he deserved. Many buyers, unwilling to purchase a product from a Black inventor, refused to acknowledge his work. To circumvent these prejudices, he often sent white business associates to demonstrate his device, while he posed as their assistant. It was only after he personally used the mask to rescue trapped workers from the 1916 Lake Erie Crib disaster—a massive tunnel explosion that left dozens of men stranded underground—that his invention gained widespread attention. His heroic efforts saved lives, and the U.S. military would later adopt his design during World War I, proving its effectiveness on the battlefield.

Morgan’s inventive mind did not stop there. In 1923, he revolutionized road safety with the invention of the three-position traffic signal. At the time, most traffic lights featured only two signals—stop and go—leaving no warning time for drivers, which often led to collisions. Observing the dangers firsthand, Morgan envisioned a solution: a three-light system that included a warning signal, allowing cars to slow down before a full stop was required. This simple yet transformative idea laid the foundation for the modern traffic light system, drastically improving road safety worldwide. He later sold the patent for his invention to General Electric for $40,000, an enormous sum at the time, solidifying his legacy as a true innovator.

Beyond his inventions, Morgan was a champion for Black business and civil rights. He founded the Cleveland Call, one of the city’s first Black newspapers, using it as a platform to advocate for racial justice and economic empowerment. He also became a respected community leader, supporting Black entrepreneurship and fighting for opportunities that had long been denied to African Americans. His success as an inventor did not shield him from racism, but he never allowed discrimination to deter him from his mission to improve society through innovation.

Garrett Morgan’s impact is still felt today, not just through his inventions but through the countless lives saved by his contributions to public safety. His story serves as a powerful testament to the brilliance and perseverance of Black inventors, whose work continues to shape the modern world. Though history often sought to obscure their achievements, their legacy endures—a reminder that innovation knows no boundaries, and that genius, when given the chance to thrive, can change the world.