Taking a Look Back At Transportation Trailblazers!

During Black History Month, we celebrate the rich history, legacy, and contributions of Black people and people of African descent. This is a great time to recognize their central role in U.S. history across many industries, including transportation.

Our industry can credit some of its most notable inventions and advancements from the below trailblazers.

Meredith Gourdine
Catalytic Convertor
Gourdine is credited for his development of an exhaust purification system – referred to as a catalytic convertor – 1967. These convertors help minimize environmental pollution by reducing harmful emissions released into the air.

Garrett Morgan (also known as the Father of Transportation Technology)
Traffic Signal
In 1923, when automobiles were still relatively new and accidents were abundant, Morgan invented the traffic signal three-position traffic signal, which regulated crossing vehicles more safely than the original two-position (“stop” and “go”) signals by giving drivers more time to clear the intersection before crossing traffic entered it. He sold the rights to his invention to General Electric for $40,000.

Lois Cooper
First Black Female to Be Licensed in Civil Engineering in California and Hired in the Engineering Department at the California Department of Transportation
Lois Cooper worked her way up the ladder from engineering aide to transportation engineer and project manager. During her career, she was part of several major freeway projects, and was a leader in the effort to establish the first diamond lane, the predecessor to carpool lanes.

Charles Patterson
Manufacturer - C.R. Patterson & Sons Carriage Company
Patterson was a born slave who later gained freedom. He created the highly successful C.R. Patterson and Sons Carriage Company, known for its expertly crafted horse-drawn carriages. After his death, Patterson’s eldest son converted the company into a bus and car company making C.R. Patterson and Sons the first Black-owned company to manufacture cars.

If you’re interested in learning more about transportation trailblazers, check out this resource from Great Dane.