BHS Day 19: Benjamin Banneker

Hi! Since we learned about someone who fit more of the Technology portion of the MTS Spotlight last week, I thought we'd keep things in order and focus on someone who fits more of the Science part of it today. I heard bits and pieces about today's entrant when I was in elementary school, but after I hit middle and high school, I don't recall learning about him anymore so to be truthful, I can't recall what I was taught. 

Name:  Benjamin Banneker, 1731-1806

Profession: Scientist, astronomer, inventor, farmer

Why is the Spotlight on him today? For his innovative mind and courage to speak out about slavery and racial inequality

Notables and accomplishments:
--Is widely regarded as the first African-American to create and publish almanacs, which he did for a number of years --Taught himself astronomy and was able to accurately predict both solar and lunar eclipses, which helped when he began developing his almanacs
--Created what is arguably considered to be the first striking clock from seasoned wood --Is considered to be the first civil rights leader, as he appealed to abolitionists and conversed with then-Sec of State Thomas Jefferson on the subject of slavery and his opposition to it --Published those letters with his almanacs, which was said to be ultimately responsible for the decreased popularity of his guides --Helped a team survey the land around constructing the nation's capital --Was the first scientist to study time and space --Sent a recommendation for the creation of a national Department of Peace, which became the US Institute of Peace some two centuries later --Struck up an agreement over his land which later became known as a "Reverse Mortgage" agreement Research resources and further reading links: Biography | Banneker Memorial | Notable Biographies 

Quote of the Day:
"The colour of the skin is in no way connected with strength of the mind or intellectual powers."
--Benjamin Banneker