Media Contact:
Jennifer Ciaccia: (216) 250-5863; jciaccia@cuyahogacounty.us

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH - In celebration of Black History Month, County Executive Chris Ronayne declares March 4 “Garrett Morgan Day” in Cuyahoga County in honor of distinguished inventor and Cuyahoga County citizen, Garrett Morgan. Morgan is remembered as a passionate innovator, most notably as the creator of the modern-day traffic signal and gas mask.

“I am profoundly honored to declare March 4 “Garrett Morgan Day” in Cuyahoga County,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. “Garrett Morgan’s legacy lives on in our County and throughout the world, and he will forever be remembered for his rich contributions to public safety.”

Garrett Morgan was born in 1877 in Kentucky and moved to Cleveland, Ohio in 1895. He was a visionary entrepreneur, whose inventions have enhanced safety, transportation, and the quality of life for countless individuals for over 100 years. Following the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York in 1911, Morgan patented the GA Morgan Safety Hood, helping first responders to brave noxious fumes. Patented in 1923, the Tri-Positioned Traffic Signal has greatly impacted the safety of roadways and enhanced and improved vehicular transportation of all kinds.

Garrett Morgan’s legacy continues to be celebrated across Cuyahoga County with buildings and services throughout the community with his namesake including the Garrett A. Morgan Water Treatment Plant and the Garrett Morgan School of Engineering and Innovation, both in the City of Cleveland.

View photos from the event.