Black History Month 2023

Team TransCor,

As we celebrate Black History Month, key figures immediately come to mind; Frederick Douglass, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Barack Obama, Colin Powell, and more. Their contributions to abolition, Civil Rights, and government cannot be overstated. This month, however, is about more than just those enshrined with fame and national honor.

Black History Month, as with other such observances, exists to honor the contributions, culture, and legacy of all who share the honored heritage. Some of those people and their stories are well known, but most are not. Likewise, the countless contributions of most are often unknown and unacknowledged. Nevertheless, their impact remains to this day.

One such unsung, “everyday” hero was Garrett Morgan. He was born in 1877, the son of freed slaves. He received only a sixth-grade education, but his brilliance as an entrepreneur and inventor had a profound impact on our nation and — in particular — our industry. Among his many inventions, Mr. Morgan was the inventor of the three-position traffic signal and the smoke hood, a precursor to the gas mask. His ingenuity and concern for public safety had an impact that is still saving countless lives to this very day.

Mr. Morgan was just one man among millions, but he is good reminder of a profound truth: The impact of one’s life isn’t dependent on notoriety. Like Mr. Morgan, our world was shaped by countless people — African Americans in particular — who are largely unknown today. Nevertheless, their impacts remain. Their lives still shape ours. We owe them a debt of gratitude. May we find inspiration in what they proved. Even largely unseen lives can bring value to others far beyond the limitations of our awareness and lifetimes. Personally, I believe that’s especially true among those who dedicate their lives to service and bettering the public good.

Sincerely,

Curt Sullivan
President, TransCor America