COMTO Jacksonville celebrated Garrett Morgan Day on February 24, 2023 at the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA). The local chapter hosted approximately 30 high school students from Andrew Jackson School of Advanced Technology and educated them on Garrett Morgan and his impact in the field of transportation in addition to educating them about careers in transportation and the importance diversity within the industry.

The day was informative and engaging including a tour of the Armsdale Test & Learn Facility led by the JTA Automation team, as well as, a presentation of the Ultimate Urban Circulator (U²C) Program. Next, the students were treated with delicious sandwiches, delectable desserts and refreshing beverages from Tidbits (minority owned restaurant). Last but not least, the students engaged in discussion about COMTO, opportunities in transportation, the scholarship program and Garrett Morgan’s contributions to transportation and society, as a whole. The students received goodie bags during their tour and embraced the Automation/COMTO team members for closing remarks and engaging questions. 

The Garrett A. Morgan Day Program was developed under the Clinton administration by Rodney E. Slater, former Secretary to the US Department of Transportation. The program is designed to educate students in grades K-12 about career opportunities in transportation. Garrett A. Morgan Shadow Days take place on any day during the month of February, in observance of Black History Month.