Benjamin Banneker: Role Model for All
November 25, 1792: Benjamin Banneker published the first Farmer's Almanac. Banneker was born in Maryland in 1731, a free black man. The son of an ex-slave, he could trace their roots back to royalty in West Africa.
Banneker owned a farm near Baltimore and there, he taught himself all of the subjects that interested him. Intellectually curious, Banneker studied mathematics, astronomy, agriculture and science among other subjects. As a largely self-taught individual, Banneker excelled in these topics that appealed to him.
Surveying was a skill that Banneker was known for and he was called upon to survey the land for the construction of the United States' Capital. Fascinated by many areas of life, Banneker actively pursued the studies he undertook to improve his mind and those around him.
Writing was a special passion of Benjamin Banneker's. Exchanging letters with Thomas Jefferson, Banneker advocated for racial equality, a cause very close to his heart. Sending a letter to Jefferson along with a copy of his almanac, Banneker wrote about "the almost general prejudice and prepossession which is so prevalent in the world against those of my complexion." He stated that accomplishment must not be seen through the lens of color nor should any person be judged by his race, as evidenced by the feat of Banneker's producing the almanac. Jefferson responded,
"nature has given to our black brethren, talents equal to those of the other colours of men...; that the appearance of a want of them is owing merely to the degraded condition of their existence both in Africa & ...America." (August 31, 1791) Although equality is yet, in the 21st Century, to come, Banneker took a stand.
Benjamin Banneker's almanac and his passion for learning enabled him to take a step towards informing those in power about racial equality.
Almanacs are yearly publications containing the calendar for the upcoming year's events, such as weather predictions, sports events dates, dates of sunrises and sunsets and other such facts. Almanacs may also contain countries of the world, geological information and other useful information. Benjamin Banneker's Almanac was the first to become available to the public. The Farmer's Almanac remains a widely read and relied on resource.
Benjamin Banneker, the son of an ex-slave is a role model for all people. His thirst for knowledge and passion for learning motivated Banneker to excel in many areas of his life. Benjamin Banneker leaves a legacy of which he can be most proud.
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Banneker owned a farm near Baltimore and there, he taught himself all of the subjects that interested him. Intellectually curious, Banneker studied mathematics, astronomy, agriculture and science among other subjects. As a largely self-taught individual, Banneker excelled in these topics that appealed to him.
Surveying was a skill that Banneker was known for and he was called upon to survey the land for the construction of the United States' Capital. Fascinated by many areas of life, Banneker actively pursued the studies he undertook to improve his mind and those around him.
Writing was a special passion of Benjamin Banneker's. Exchanging letters with Thomas Jefferson, Banneker advocated for racial equality, a cause very close to his heart. Sending a letter to Jefferson along with a copy of his almanac, Banneker wrote about "the almost general prejudice and prepossession which is so prevalent in the world against those of my complexion." He stated that accomplishment must not be seen through the lens of color nor should any person be judged by his race, as evidenced by the feat of Banneker's producing the almanac. Jefferson responded,
"nature has given to our black brethren, talents equal to those of the other colours of men...; that the appearance of a want of them is owing merely to the degraded condition of their existence both in Africa & ...America." (August 31, 1791) Although equality is yet, in the 21st Century, to come, Banneker took a stand.
Benjamin Banneker's almanac and his passion for learning enabled him to take a step towards informing those in power about racial equality.
Almanacs are yearly publications containing the calendar for the upcoming year's events, such as weather predictions, sports events dates, dates of sunrises and sunsets and other such facts. Almanacs may also contain countries of the world, geological information and other useful information. Benjamin Banneker's Almanac was the first to become available to the public. The Farmer's Almanac remains a widely read and relied on resource.
Benjamin Banneker, the son of an ex-slave is a role model for all people. His thirst for knowledge and passion for learning motivated Banneker to excel in many areas of his life. Benjamin Banneker leaves a legacy of which he can be most proud.
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