Ravitron Mural

The History of Technology was created by Eric Bradford and Jessica Hightower. Guest artists, Phoenix, Kelise, and Sinai from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan Benton Harbor campus designed and painted the centerpiece of the mural.

This mural showcases the significant contributions of African Americans and women in technology throughout history. It features Granville T. Woods, an African American inventor who created a device allowing voices to be transmitted over telegraph lines, leading to the development of the telephone. 

The mural also includes Hedy Lamarr, who co-invented frequency hopping technology that laid the groundwork for GPS and modern cell phone technology. 

Additionally, mathematician Katherine Johnson, famous for her work at NASA, and Dr. Shirley Jackson, known for her breakthrough research enabling the invention of various technologies, are depicted. Valerie Thomas, an American scientist and inventor, is also highlighted for her pioneering work in developing holograms and satellite data processing software. 

The centerpiece of the mural, designed by Boys and Girls Club students, represents their memories of Benton Harbor and their aspirations for the future.