A tribute to black inventors and scientists is planned from 9:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m Monday, Jan. 19, and Tuesday, Jan. 20, in the Knoxville Civic Auditorium as part of the observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The display will feature an overview of the diverse scientific work forces at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Lockheed Martin Energy Systems. Also featured is the Black Inventions Museum of Los Angeles, Calif. This exhibit includes inventions by African and African-American people that cover the period from ancient Egypt and Timbuktu to the present day. The display provides information about the scientific and industrial contributions that African and African-American people have made to the world. More than 100 inventions will be displayed, including the on/off switch, temperature gauge, lawnmower, refrigerator, window cleaner, egg beater and typewriter.
In addition, there will be displays on the history of slavery in the United States and early scientific inventions predating the 1700s, such as the first calendar system and medical achievements.
The Black Inventions Museum was founded in 1988 by Valerie J. Robinson, also known as Lady Sala Shabazz.
The display is sponsored by the Department of Energy, Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corp., Lockheed Martin Energy Systems, Knoxville's MLK Commemoration Commission and the City of Knoxville.
For more information call Will Minter, manager of ORNL's Office of Small and Minority Business Outreach at 574-9803.
ORNL, one of DOE's multiprogram national research and development facilities, is managed by Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation.