By Tamara Shiloh
Benjamin Banneker was an extraordinary man who lived in the 1700s, a time when life was very difficult for African Americans. He was born on Nov. 9, 1731, in Baltimore County, Maryland, and grew up on his family’s 100-acre farm near what is now Ellicott City. Unlike many Black people of his time who were enslaved, Banneker was born free. Still, being a free Black man in a slave state came with many challenges. Despite those obstacles, he became a respected mathematician, astronomer, inventor, writer, and farmer.
Banneker learned to read and write at a Quaker school that welcomed both Black and White children — something very rare in the 1700s. He loved to learn, especially about math and science, and continued to study on his own throughout his life. Books and careful observation of nature became his teachers. After his father passed away, he took over the family farm and managed it successfully.
One of Banneker’s most amazing accomplishments was building a working clock made entirely of wood. He carefully studied the inside of a watch, then carved each piece of the clock by hand. The clock was so well made that it kept time for decades, ringing a bell on the hour. This invention brought him attention and showed his incredible skill and determination.
Banneker was also fascinated by the night sky. He taught himself astronomy and studied the movement of the stars and planets. In 1789, he correctly predicted a solar eclipse, even when some famous scientists of the time thought he was wrong. This proved his intelligence and earned him great respect.
He went on to create and publish an almanac for ten years. His almanac included tide tables, information about the moon and stars, and even useful medical tips. It was the first scientific book published by an African American. His work inspired many people, especially African Americans, to see that they too could succeed in science and learning.
In 1791, President George Washington chose a site along the Potomac River to build the new U.S. capital city — what we now know as Washington, D.C. A team of surveyors was chosen to measure the land and set the boundaries. Banneker, who was friends with George Ellicott, was invited to join the team. He used his knowledge of the stars to help establish the south corner boundary stone at Jones Point in Alexandria.
Even though he had to stop working with the team because of his health, his contribution to building the nation’s capital was an important part of his legacy.
Banneker passed away on Oct. 9, 1806. Sadly, much of his work was lost in a fire shortly after his death. Still, his influence continues to this day. Schools, parks, and community centers have been named after him in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
Tamara Shiloh
Tamara Shiloh has published the first two books in her historical fiction chapter book series,
Just Imagine…What If There Were No Black People in the World is about African American inventors, scientists and other notable Black people in history. The two books are
Jaxon’s Magical Adventure with Black Inventors and Scientists and
Jaxon and Kevin’s Black History Trip Downtown. Tamara Shiloh has also written a book a picture book for Scholastic,
Cameron Teaches Black History, that will be available in June, 2022.
Tamara Shiloh’s other writing experiences include: writing the Black History column for the Post Newspaper in the Bay area, Creator and Instruction of the black History Class for Educators a professional development class for teachers and her non-profit offers a free Black History literacy/STEM/Podcast class for kids 3d – 8th grade which also includes the Let’s Go Learn Reading and Essence and tutorial program. She is also the owner of the Multicultural Bookstore and Gifts, in Richmond, California,
Previously in her early life she was the /Editor-in-Chief of
Desert Diamonds Magazine, highlighting the accomplishments of minority women in Nevada; assisting with the creation, design and writing of a Los Angeles-based, herbal magazine entitled
Herbal Essence; editorial contribution to
Homes of Color; Editor-in-Chief of
Black Insight Magazine, the first digital, interactive magazine for African Americans; profile creations for sports figures on the now defunct PublicFigure.com; newsletters for various businesses and organizations; and her own Las Vegas community newsletter,
Tween Time News, a monthly publication highlighting music entertainment in the various venues of Las Vegas.
She is a member of:
- Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
- Richmond Chamber of Commerce
- Point Richmond Business Association
- National Association of Professional Women (NAPW)
- Independent Book Publishers Association (IPBA)
- California Writers Club-Berkeley & Marin
- Richmond CA Kiwanis
- Richmond CA Rotary
- Bay Area Girls Club
Tamara Shiloh, a native of Northern California, has two adult children, one grandson and four great-grand sons. She resides in Point Richmond, CA with her husband, Ernest.
www.multiculturalbookstore.com
