African American contributions to transportation highlighted

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials has produced a fascinating history of contributions to transportation made by African Americans.

The Association’s site features biographies, photos and the compelling stories of pioneers who played key roles in the development of transportation in the United States.

Among those featured:

• Garrett Morgan, a transportation safety visionary, inventor of the modern three-position traffic signal.
• McKinley Thompson, the first African American car designer for a major automobile manufacturer.
• Willa Brown, the first African American woman to earn an airplane pilot’s license in the United States.
• Carmen E. Turner, the first African American woman to lead a major transit agency when she became general manager of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.
• Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to fly into outer space when she went into orbit on board the Space Shuttle Endeavour.

The organization also has a video highlighting achievements. The U.S. DOT has also produced a video recognizing African American transportation innovators.