Palm Tran Hosts Garrett A. Morgan Shadow Day to Inspire Future Minority Transit Leaders

Palm Tran set out to inspire future minority transit leaders by hosting this year’s Garrett A. Morgan Shadow Day. The event, held in partnership with the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO), honors African American inventor Garrett A. Morgan and educates grade school students about the vast career opportunities available in transit. In attendance were: Palm Tran Executive Director Clinton B. Forbes, Palm Tran’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and Transit Planner Bruce Guyton.

“The Garrett A. Morgan Day is one that the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) celebrates annually during Black History Month,” said Transit Planner Bruce Guyton. “As President of the Palm Beach County chapter, it was indeed an honor to collaborate with Palm Tran to educate and inspire local kids to be the best they can be.”

As part of Shadow Day, students from R.J. Hendley Christian Community School in Riviera Beach, FL were transported out of the classroom to Palm Tran’s North County Facility in West Palm Beach. Upon arrival, the students received a special presentation detailing Morgan’s invention of the first automatic three-way traffic signal which he patented in 1923. Morgan’s innovative design improved the safety of intersections for both vehicles and pedestrians.

Following the presentation, members of Palm Tran’s ELT outlined their leadership roles in their designated departments. To conclude the event, the students received an immersive behind-the-scenes tour of Palm Tran’s North County Facility.

“I look at these young African American students and see myself,” said Palm Tran Executive Director Clinton B. Forbes. “As an African American, I’ve climbed the career ladder in the transit sector, eventually earning the role of executive director. It was important to me the students leave knowing that anything they desire is attainable with preparation, hard work and determination.”

Throughout the event, the importance of excelling academically, specifically in math and science, was reinforced. Staff from R.J. Hendley Christian Community School left thrilled with the overall experience.

“This was phenomenal,” said Liaison Bruce Williams. “For the children, this was a new experience because most of their parents have cars and drive them wherever they need to go. It was very enlightening.”

Garrett A. Morgan Shadow Day occurred February 28, 2018, in celebration of Black History Month.