In recognition of Black History Month, TMA Bucks is proud to highlight and celebrate the lasting contributions of African Americans who have helped shape the fields of transit, transportation, engineering & highway safety. Their innovations not only transformed how we move from place to place, but also continue to influence safety, sustainability, and efficiency in transportation systems today.
Elijah McCoy: Advancing Rail Transportation Innovation
Elijah McCoy was a prolific inventor whose work revolutionized the railroad industry. He developed the automatic lubricating mechanism that allowed steam engines to be oiled while in motion. His valve-based system delivered oil drop by drop to moving machinery parts, greatly improving efficiency and reducing mechanical wear. McCoy’s invention became so reliable and widely respected that it inspired the phrase “the real McCoy,” a testament to the quality of his work.
Garrett Morgan: Improving Traffic Safety for All
In 1923, Garrett Morgan patented a groundbreaking three-position traffic signal featuring “Stop,” “Go,” and an intermediate “Warning” (yellow) signal. This innovative design helped drivers anticipate changes at intersections, significantly improving roadway safety. Morgan’s invention laid the foundation for the modern traffic signals used across the world today.
Lois Cooper: Breaking Barriers in Transportation Engineering
Lois Cooper made history as the first African American woman hired as a transportation engineer in the Engineering Department at the Division of Highways. Her achievement represented a major step forward in diversifying the transportation engineering field and paved the way for future generations of women and people of color to pursue careers in engineering and public service.
Meredith Gourdine: Driving Environmental Progress
A visionary in energy conversion, Meredith Gourdine invented the catalytic converter in 1967. His exhaust purification system was designed to reduce harmful emissions from vehicles, playing a crucial role in improving air quality and reducing pollution. Today, catalytic converters remain a key component in vehicles worldwide, underscoring the lasting impact of Gourdine’s innovation on environmental and public health.
At TMA Bucks, we are honored to recognize these trailblazers whose ingenuity, leadership, and determination helped advance transportation and highway safety. Their legacies continue to move us forward and remind us of the importance of innovation, equity, and inclusion in shaping the future of transportation.
