Benjamin Banneker Accomplishments

Rafid Mirza Benjamin Banneker was born on November 9, 1731. He was the son of an ex-slave named Robert and his wife, Mary Banneky. He was a free black man who owned a farm near Baltimore, his state of birth. Since both of his parents were free, Benjamin was born free as well. He was taught to read by his grandmother, and he attended a small Quaker school for a little while. However, Banneker was, for the most part, self-educated. He taught himself astronomy and mathematics. Banneker achieved many things in his life. When he was young, he created an irrigation system for his family farm, and a clock that accurately kept time. This clock was one of the main reasons he achieved fame. Its precision was famed, and it ran for 50 years after his

He attracted George Ellicott, an entrepreneur who had made a fortune, to give him many books to further Banneker’s education. He achieved a lot in the mathematics field due to this education. He was hired by George Washington along with 2 others to survey Washington D.C. When the head architect was fired, he left with all of the plans. However, Banneker recreated the plans from his head. Another achievement he made was the correct forecast of solar and lunar eclipses. One of his greatest works were the almanacs he published between 1792 and 1797. These were filled with information on medicine, tidal waves, literature, and astronomical calculations. As well as these achievements, he published a treatise on bees. He also did a mathematical study of the cycle of the 17 year locust (Williams,

The first trait he used was growth. Throughout his entire life, Banneker kept on learning. From self-education to books, he never stopped trying to improve (A&E Television Networks, 2018). The next trait he used was the setting goals trait. We can assume that Banneker didn’t get to where he was by just sitting around and waiting for things to happen. He made goals for himself. He had a vision for where he wanted to be and set goals to get there. The next technique he used was reflection. Banneker was said to wrap himself in a cloak and lie under a pear tree. He remained there all night and he meditated (Williams, 2001). This meditation allowed him plenty of time to reflect and look for more opportunities for growth. The next trait was omnipresent through Banneker’s life; this trait was virtue. Banneker worked hard all throughout his life. He had great integrity, as shown by the letter he wrote to Thomas Jefferson. He was a very honorable man who dedicated his life to math and science. Finally, Banneker was always determined. No matter what obstacles he faced, he always put his studies before everything. This can be seen in his desire for eduction. Only the most determined can sucessfully self-educate themselves. Another way to know he was determined was that he even sold off much of his farm, as the sales of his alamanac declined in his later life, to make money. However, he