Welcome to our collection of quotes by Benjamin Banneker
Wikipedia Summary for Benjamin Banneker
Benjamin Banneker (November 9, 1731 – October 19, 1806) was a free African-American almanac author, surveyor, landowner and farmer who had knowledge of mathematics and natural history. Born in Baltimore County, Maryland, to a free African-American woman and a former slave, Banneker had little or no formal education and was largely self-taught. He became known for assisting Major Andrew Ellicott in a survey that established the original borders of the District of Columbia, the federal capital district of the United States.
Banneker's knowledge of astronomy helped him author a commercially successful series of almanacs. He corresponded with Thomas Jefferson on the topics of slavery and racial equality, Jefferson having earlier drafted the United States Declaration of Independence. Abolitionists and advocates of racial equality promoted and praised Banneker's works.
Although a fire on the day of Banneker's funeral destroyed many of his papers and belongings, one of his journals and several of his remaining artifacts are presently available for public viewing. The names of parks, schools and streets commemorate him and his works, as do other tributes. However, many accounts of his life exaggerate his accomplishments or attribute to him the achievements of others.
The color of the skin is in no way connected with strength of the mind or intellectual powers.
I have no influence with the rising generation. All my arguments have failed to induce them to set bounds to their wants.
Presumption should never make us neglect that which appears easy to us, nor despair make us lose courage at the sight of difficulties.
Standing at my door, I heard the discharge of a gun, and in four or five seconds of time, after the discharge, the small shot came rattling about me, one or two of which struck the house; which plainly demonstrates that the velocity of sound is greater than that of a cannon bullet.
I am of the African race, and in the colour which is natural to them of the deepest dye; and it is under a sense of the most profound gratitude to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe.
Evil communication corrupts good manners. I hope to live to hear that good communication corrects bad manners.
The colour of the skin is in no way connected with strength of the mind or intellectual powers.