Bright Ideas Collector Mug is inspired by Garrett Morgan, an African American inventor born in Paris, Kentucky, whose ideas helped keep people safe. In the early 1900s, he created a safety hood that helped people breathe in smoke and dangerous air, an early form of what we now know as a gas mask. Firefighters and rescue workers used this device to save lives. After helping rescue workers trapped in a tunnel explosion in Cleveland in 1916, Morgan humbly told reporters that he was “not a hero,” explaining that he simply used the equipment he had invented to help others.
He also invented an early three-position traffic signal, which added a stop phase between directions of traffic. This simple but powerful idea helped prevent accidents and became an important step toward the traffic lights we use today. Morgan often spoke about determination and self-belief, once saying, “If you can be the best, then why not try to be the best?” He also encouraged persistence in the face of obstacles, explaining that success comes from continuing to work and improve, even when opportunities are limited. His life reminds us that one person’s idea can protect lives and change the world.
The background artwork on this mug comes from an original painting created by my son, Lamonte, whose creative expression and imagination are a constant reminder that legacy is not only something we inherit, but something we continue to build. This piece brings together history, voice, and the next generation of artists in one meaningful object meant to be used every day.
The message of this mug connects both stories. Garrett Morgan used his ideas to solve real problems and protect people, and Lamonte’s artwork reflects the same spirit of curiosity and creativity. Together, they remind us that bright ideas can come from anyone, at any age, and that even the simplest idea can make a lasting difference.
• Ceramic
• 11 oz mug dimensions: 3.79″ (9.6 cm) in height, 3.25″ (8.3 cm) in diameter
• 15 oz mug dimensions: 4.69″ (11.9 cm) in height, 3.35″ (8.5 cm) in diameter
• Lead and BPA-free material
• Colored rim, inside, and handle
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
