African-American History Month: Benjamin Banneker

Benjamin Banneker (1731-1806)
Benjamin Banneker was a brilliant inventor and mathematician In a time when most of his American black contemporaries were born into slavery, Banneker was born and raised free in Maryland. From an early age, Banneker displayed a propensity for all things scientific. In his youth, Banneker designed and built a wooden clock that kept perfect time throughout his life.

Banneker was also a self taught astronomer and mathematician. He spent countless evening hours gazing at the stars and documenting his findings. For more than ten years he published an almanac packed with his studies and notes.

Although a free man, Banneker felt the plight of the American slave deeply and lobbied for their cause. He corresponded with Thomas Jefferson on the matter and was an outspoken voice in favor of freedom and dignity for all people.

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