Garrett Augustus Morgan was an African American inventor, entrepreneur, and community leader who lived from 1877 to 1963. He was born in Kentucky to former slaves and grew up in Ohio, where he developed an early interest in mechanics and engineering.

Morgan's first major invention was a breathing device for firefighters, which he patented in 1914. The device, which was later known as the "Morgan Safety Hood," allowed firefighters to breathe in hazardous environments, and it was widely adopted by fire departments across the country. This invention earned Morgan widespread recognition, and he was soon awarded a number of other patents for his work in the fields of sewing and sewing machine design.

In addition to his work as an inventor, Morgan was also a successful entrepreneur and business leader. He founded the G.A. Morgan Hair Refining Company, which manufactured and sold hair care products for African American customers, and he later opened a number of other successful businesses, including a newspaper and a clothing store.

Morgan was also a community leader and activist, and he was deeply involved in the African American community in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a founding member of the Cleveland Association of Colored Men, which aimed to promote the interests of African Americans in Cleveland, and he was also an active member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Throughout his life, Morgan remained dedicated to promoting the rights and interests of African Americans, and he was widely respected for his work in this area. He died in 1963, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community leadership that continues to inspire and influence generations of African Americans.

In conclusion, Garrett Augustus Morgan was a pioneering African American inventor, entrepreneur, and community leader who made important contributions to a number of fields, including firefighting equipment, sewing machine design, and hair care products. Despite facing significant challenges and obstacles as an African American in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Morgan persevered and became a respected leader in his community and a symbol of African American achievement and innovation.