Groundbreaking African Americans That May Have Flown (or Driven) Under the Radar

“We found that in the industry a lot of the black history and efforts are either swept under the rug or they're forgotten—the few efforts that were out there, most folks don't take the time to write a book-- they're just trying to survive on the racetrack." - Lenny Miller

In honor of black history month, everyone at Universal Auto Transportation wanted to take a moment to highlight some inspiring black figures in American history who have helped paved the way for all of us—particularly in the transportation industry.

Lenny and Leonard Miller

In Racing While Black, Lenny Miller chronicles the challenges that he and his father, racing pioneer Leonard W. Miller, faced while running the Miller Racing Group. The Millers became the first African American team owners to win a track championship in the history of NASCAR. But breaking through the sport's color barrier wasn't easy.

Leonard W. Miller, a former racer and team owner discussed the difficulties blacks have faced breaking into and succeeding in racing, “Most of the black drivers, past and present, had to perform impossible feats.” He went on to describe situations where to be successful you had to get the maximum performance out of your race car, with half the amount of money as your competitors. And failure was not an option because as a black team owner/racer, sponsorship is incredibly difficult to come by. For an honest and gripping account of the obstacles and racism the Millers had to overcome check out their book.

While, In the above quote Lenny Miller was speaking directly of the challenges blacks face gaining recognition while breaking into racing, I believe this is a statement that can be applied broadly to other areas and other pioneers as well.

Garrett Augustus Morgan

A great example of a lesser known pioneer is Garrett Augustus Morgan. Garret was a truly gifted inventor and he attained wealth and fame because of his genius.

Here are a few of his notable inventions: a hair straightening treatment, a precursor to the modern gas mask, and of course, an early patent of the traffic signal. The traffic lights you see today were based on Morgan's original design and it was this invention that put us on his trail.

By the time Morgan designed the traffic signal he was already wealthy enough to live off of his previous inventions, but he wanted to continue to use his gifts to help people. This altruistic nature was no more apparent than when he donned his safety hood to help rescue men trapped in an underground tunnel filled with poisonous gases. While his safety hood was groundbreaking, and in widespread use, some still refused to utilize it because it was made by a black man.

Black History month is a great way to reflect and pay respects to all of our history, because its best when we grow together not apart. Everyone at UAT realizes the world wouldn't be the same without sacrifices made by people like Morgan, the Millers and many others.