Everyday Life Changer

Black Inventors Week – Celebrating Innovation That Moves, Protects, and Sustains Us

Black brilliance is woven into the fabric of our everyday lives — from the traffic lights that keep us safe, to the security systems that protect our homes, to the refrigerated trucks that keep our food and medicine fresh.
Today, as we kick off Black Inventors Week, we celebrate three extraordinary individuals whose creations continue to shape modern life.

🚦 Garrett Morgan – The Traffic Light & Safety Hood

Born in 1877, Garrett Morgan was a visionary inventor who made the world a safer place — literally.
He developed the three-signal traffic light, introducing the yellow warning light that prevents accidents to this day. But that wasn’t all — Morgan also created the safety hood, an early version of the gas mask that saved countless lives.

💡 Did You Know?
His gas mask was used to rescue workers trapped in a 1916 Cleveland tunnel explosion, earning him national recognition.

🏠– The Home Security System

In 1966, Marie Van Brittan Brown, a nurse from Queens, New York, became frustrated with slow police response times in her neighborhood — so she took matters into her own hands.
With the help of her husband, she designed the world’s first home security system, complete with cameras, monitors, and two-way communication.

💡 Did You Know?
Her invention directly inspired the creation of modern CCTV and smart home security systems.

🚚 Frederick McKinley Jones – The Refrigerated Truck

Imagine a world without fresh produce in winter or safe delivery of vaccines.
Thanks to Frederick McKinley Jones, that world is just a distant memory.
In 1935, Jones invented the portable refrigeration unit, revolutionizing food transportation and global trade. His innovation also kept medical supplies and blood safe during World War II, saving countless lives.

💡 Did You Know?
Frederick McKinley Jones held over 60 patents — a true testament to his engineering genius.

🌍 Innovation That Never Sleeps

These inventors remind us that greatness isn’t always loud — sometimes it’s the quiet ingenuity that makes daily life smoother, safer, and smarter.
From stoplights to safety systems to cold storage, their ideas keep the world moving forward every single day.

🎧 On Vibrant Radio:
Throughout the week, we’ll continue to shine a light on inventors whose creativity changed the course of history. Tune in, get inspired, and celebrate those who stood firm in power and pride.