Benjamin Banneker has been called the first African American intellectual. Banneker taught himself astronomy and advanced mathematics and he began to devote serious attention to both subjects. He successfully predicted solar eclipse contradicting the forecasts of prominent mathematicians and astronomers of the day. Banneker’s memory was kept alive by writers who described his achievements as the first African American scientist. Recent studies have verified Banneker’s status as an extremely competent mathematician and amateur astronomer.
Benjamin Banneker
