🚦 #ICYMI, let us introduce you to Garrett Morgan, the son of former slaves and inventor of the 1st Gas Mask and 1st Three-Position Traffic Signal!
"Morgan’s most prolific accomplishments came in his role as an inventor. He received a patent for the first gas mask invention in 1914, but it wasn’t until two years later that the idea really took off. When a group of workers got stuck in a tunnel below Lake Erie after an explosion, Morgan and a team of men donned the masks to help get them out. After the rescue was a success, requests for the masks began pouring in.
Similarly, Garrett Morgan’s other famous invention – the traffic signal – was also invented to help save lives. After witnessing an accident on a roadway, Morgan decided a device was needed to keep cars, buggies and pedestrians from colliding. His traffic signal was designed to stand on a street corner and notify vehicles and walkers whether they should stop or go. After receiving a patent in 1923, the rights to the invention were eventually purchased by General Electric." - US Dept of Transportation
To learn about Garrett Morgan and how his inventions continue to save lives and keep us safe, visit: http://bit.ly/GAMorgan
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#BlackHistoryMonth
#Inventors
Original Photo Credit by Unknown