Benjamin Banneker, African-American mathematician, astronomer, and inventor
Benjamin Banneker was an exceptional African-American mathematician, astronomer, and inventor. He was born near Baltimore, on November 9, 1731. He was the son of a slave man and free black woman, however, grew up as a free black and demonstrated his abilities in mathematics while attending school during the winter. His father and grandmother were former slaves. Benjamin was a self-learned astronomer was also known for his part in assisting Andrew Ellicott in the new federal city survey, which currently is known as Washington D.C, following orders from the President (Amebic, 11: Stewart, 48-71). Benjamin is also remembered for writing to the secretary of state Thomas Jefferson countering his statement about the black Americans.
Benjamin learned how to take care of the growth of wheat, corn and tobacco, having grown up in his father's farm. He maximized the use of natural resources for the benefits of the harvest. On many occasion, Benjamin could accompany his father to hunt and as a source of food to their family. Benjamin acquired much of his knowledge from his helping out in the family farm, which transformed to be his sole property when his father died. His acquired knowledge was made into good use when he published the almanacs. His knowledge and involvement with nature was made possible due to his love for nature and the family's agricultural land.
[...] The Benjamin Banneker's case is an intriguing aspect that is hard to be ignored. It is as if God directed that his people to be mixed and stirred at will stating that some of his new generation will try following old path; some will look for new ways and that in every million people there will be that one person who astonishes another. Banneker's maternal mother worked as the dairymaid for a family near Devon. Mary and Robert, parents to Benjamin, lived as free Negros and landholders during the time when slavery was intense (Bedini, 11-25). [...]
[...] Contents Abstract Nature Supernatural Humanity Time Law Fate Introduction Benjamin Banneker was an exceptional African-American mathematician, astronomer, and inventor. He was born near Baltimore, on November He was the son of a slave man and free black woman, however, grew up as a free black and demonstrated his abilities in mathematics while attending school during the winter. His father and grandmother were former slaves. Benjamin was a self-learned astronomer was also known for his part in assisting Andrew Ellicott in the new federal city survey, which currently is known as Washington D.C, following orders from the President (Amebic, 11: Stewart, 48-71). [...]
[...] Benjamin Banneker never experienced the hardships of slavery, but he was conscious of it as he was growing up. This is given to be a reason as to why Benjamin spends most of his free time solitude. Bible study with his grandmother was impressive to thee quality of mankind. He did not hold any anti-slavery sentiments as he had no experience about slavery. However, it was until Benjamin realized that his achievements could be useful in benefiting the movement of the abolitionists that he made efforts to stand up for his race (Bedini 101). [...]
[...] Benjamin had a passion for mathematics (Bedini, 39). The love for mathematics and his ability to learn quickly enabled Benjamin to create ephemeris; which was able to project the eclipse of the sun. The creation of ephemeris marked the beginning of Benjamin as an astronomer. Benjamin was interested in the celestial bodies, and this allowed him to create numerous of almanacs and serve as a basis of the argument that the black race is not inferior as compared to whites. [...]
[...] The life of Benjamin Banneker: the first African- American man of science. 2nd ed. Baltimore: Maryland Historical Society Print. Stewart, John. Early Maps and Surveys of Washington, D.C: Columbia Historical Society Washington, D.C 1899, 48–71. Webb, William Bensing, Crew, Harvey W., Wooldridge, John. Capital Site Selected History of the City of Washington, D.C. [...]
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