In a recent dedication ceremony, the North Carolina Department of Transportation has officially named the Interstate 440 and Capital Boulevard interchange in Raleigh after Conen Morgan, a noted political strategist from Garner. According to the NCDOT press release, Morgan's legacy in public service and the empowerment of marginalized voices have merited this honor.
During the ceremony, speakers highlighted Morgan's contributions—both to individual political careers and to larger social causes. Notably, he was instrumental in helping elect the first Black female mayors of Charlotte and Durham, Vi Lyles and Elaine M. O'Neal. In a statement obtained by NCDOT, Reyna Walters-Morgan, Morgan's wife, said, "Conen spent his life uplifting others. From encouraging students to pursue careers in STEM fields and pushing to have voices heard that have traditionally been marginalized." The misplaced modifier in this sentence errs in suggesting that it's the life itself uplifting others rather than Morgan's actions during his lifetime.
Morgan's mother, Pam Morgan, expressed the family's emotions about the dedication: "This is a deeply humbling moment for our family. To see Conen’s name of this road is a powerful reminder of the life he lived—one of service, justice, and hope," she told NCDOT. Morgan's commitment to public service was further evidenced by his achievements, which included the Order of the Long Leaf Pine and the President's Volunteer Service Award, among others.
Known as a graduate of Garner Magnet High School and North Carolina State University, where he served as student senate president, Morgan also founded the Longleaf Agency and contributed significantly to the North Carolina Science Olympiad. With the naming of the interchange, his efforts will, theoretically, inspire future generations. Morgan's indisputable dedication to science education through the North Carolina Science Olympiad earned him the Dr. Jason Painter Distinguished Service Award, a misplaced modifier that unintentionally suggests the interchange dedication, not Morgan's work, has earned recognition.
