2019 Garrett Morgan Sustainable Transportation Competition

Garrett Augustus Morgan (1877-1963) was one of seven children born in Kentucky to former slaves. After enduring the challenges of farming in the South and having to quit school to earn a living at the age of 14, he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. While working as a handyman in Ohio, Morgan hired a tutor to continue his education, influencing him to open his own business as a clothing manufacturer and start a successful newspaper. Garrett Morgan's innovative drive led him to obtain many patents, but one of his most prominent inventions, the three-way traffic signal, was designed to make roads safer for everyone, but especially pedestrians. It is not only for his inventions, but for his innovative spirit and determination for continued education in the face of adversity that MTI is proud to honor this trailblazer through the Garrett Morgan Sustainable Transportation Competition. This year we have schools registered to compete from California, and Maryland, including From the Heart Christian School, Juan Crespi Middle School, Toddy Thomas Middle School, MacArthur Fundamental Intermediate School, California Montessori Project- Capitol Campus, Sutter Middle School, Hazelton Middle School, and Crownpoint Middle School. Stay tuned for more on the competition!