As a child, one of the first things you learn during Black History Month is that Garrett Morgan invented the street light! He was the first to apply for and to be awarded a U.S. patent for the traffic signal. However, he didn’t stop there. According to The African American Registry, Garrett invented a lot of useful things like the zigzag stitching attachment for manually operated sewing machines and the gas mask! Certain states may or may not use them more than others, if you know what I mean! Heyyy, stoners!
Anyway, Morgan solidified his product’s value once he used the very device that he had patented to save a few men’s lives! In 1916, he made national headlines for using his gas mask to rescue several men trapped during an explosion in an underground tunnel beneath Lake Erie. According to The African American Registry, Morgan’s company received requests from fire departments around the country that wished to purchase the new masks! The Army later polished up Garrett Morgan’s design and used it during World War 1.
Today, the gas mask is used for professional use as well as recreational use! Mr. Morgan lived until the age of 86, y’all! There are no limitations to success. Just do it!
Happy Black History Month, Roommates!
TSR STAFF: Talia O. @theclosetratchet on Instagram & @tallyohhh on Twitter!
Source: http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/garrett-morgan-inventor-one-first-traffic-lights
