Garrett Morgan, African-American inventor (died 1963)

Garrett Augustus Morgan Sr. was an American inventor, businessman, and community leader. His most notable inventions were a type of three-way traffic light in 1923, and a protective 'smoke hood' notably used in a 1916 tunnel construction disaster rescue. Morgan also discovered and developed a chemical hair-processing and straightening solution. He created a successful company called "G. A. Morgan Hair Refining Company" based on his hair product inventions and a complete line of hair care products. He was involved in African Americans' civic and political advancement, especially in and around Cleveland, Ohio.