Ceramic Mug 15oz (Benjamin Banneker)

Benjamin Banneker (1731–1806) was an African-American naturalist, mathematician, astronomer, and almanac author. Let’s explore his remarkable life:

Early Life and Education:
Born on November 9, 1731, in Baltimore County, Maryland, Banneker was the child of Mary Banneky, a free black woman, and Robert, a freed slave from Guinea.
Largely self-taught, he had little formal education but became a brilliant scholar.
Surveying the District of Columbia:
Banneker assisted Major Andrew Ellicott in surveying the original borders of the District of Columbia, which would become the federal capital district of the United States.
His knowledge of astronomy was crucial for this task.
Almanacs and Correspondence:
Banneker authored a series of commercially successful almanacs, using his astronomical expertise.
He corresponded with Thomas Jefferson on topics related to slavery and racial equality.
Legacy and Folk Hero Status:
Despite a fire that destroyed many of his papers, Banneker’s legacy endures.
Parks, schools, and streets commemorate him and his contributions.
Benjamin Banneker’s impact on science, civil rights, and education remains significant. 🌟