John received a mural commission by the Young Women's Christian Association, the Blue Triangle branch, of Houston in 1952. The YWCA is a place for African American girls and women to be empowered and to participate within their community. This mural inspired John's doctoral thesis. His mural was titled "The Contribution of the Negro Woman to American Life and Education". John wanted the mural to represent a familiarity to viewers and their own lives. It honors the sacrifices and endeavors of African American women on behalf of their families and communities, and pertinent human rights for women of all races. The mural was revolutionary and signifies the sociological, historical, and educational influences of heroic women.