Today we will be taking a look at the famous African-American Inventor Garrett Morgan. Born March 4, 1877 in Paris, Kentucky, Morgan was the 7th of 11 children.
One of Morgan's most profound inventions was the Safety Hood or Gas Mask.
One of Morgan's most profound inventions was the Safety Hood or Gas Mask.
The Gas Mask looked very different than today's gas mask in it's early beginning. It truly looked like something out of a science fiction movie. Despite it's Sci-fi inspiring look, Morgan won a first prize placement at the Second International Exposition of Safety and Sanitation, complete with a gold medal.
In addition to Morgans already astounding accomplishments with the Gas Mask invention, that was used in World War I and saved thousands of lives, Morgan also invented the Traffic Signal.
Morgan designed the Traffic Signal after witnessing a collision between an automobile and a horse and carriage. The horse had to be put down and the driver of the automobile was knocked unconscious. Morgan created and patented the Traffic Signal and then sold the rights to the General Electric Company for $40,000.00 dollars.
Morgan went on to get involved with the Civil Rights movement with starting a newspaper, Call & Post and getting involved with the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) as treasurer. Morgan died July 27, 1963.
To read a full bio on Garrett Morgan please visit Blackinventor dot com.
Activity ideas: Create a paper gas mask replica of Morgans model using construction paper and toilet/paper towel tubes, Create a Tissue Box Traffic Light craft. Check out this super cute traffic light snack idea at Twiggle Magazine.
Here are two new links for Black History Month Fun: The Teachers Corner and Family Education.
Please let me know if you're doing or have done any of the activities, I'd love to see pictures! Thanks for stopping by!
~Blessings~
Claudea B.
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