'America's First Black Man of Science' Honored at UH Feb. 24

Benjamin Banneker Commemorated during Black History Event at M.D. Anderson Library

During the 1700s, Benjamin Banneker broke barriers in science and race. A proficient mathematician, astronomer, clockmaker, city planner and publisher, Bannker emerged as one of our nation’s pioneering thinkers.

This week, Banneker’s contributions to America will be celebrated at the University of Houston. At 11:30 a.m., Feb. 24, UH’s M.D. Anderson Library (room 212) will host a brown bag lunch event featuring guest speaker Peggy Seats, executive director of the Washington Interdependence Council. This event is free and open to the public.

Banneker is credited for handcrafting one of the earliest striking clocks, using his astronomical talents to develop an advanced almanac (forecasting solar and lunar eclipses), and helping plan the city of Washington D.C.

Since 1996, the Washington Interdependence Council has worked to develop a memorial to Banneker, who often is cited as “America’s First Black Man of Science.” For more details on the council, visit http://www.bannekermemorial.org/.

This event is presented by the Honey Brown Hope Foundation in partnership with UH’s Office of Community Relations and Institutional Access, African American Studies Program, the Honors College and Women’s Resource Center.

For more details, call 832-842-5090 or email kahearne@central.uh.edu

WHO: Black History Presentation Honoring Banjamin Bannker Featuring Guest Speaker Peggy Seats
WHEN: 11:30 a.m., Feb. 24
WHERE:

University of Houston
M.D. Anderson Library, Room 212
Entrance 1 off Calhoun Road / Parking available in Welcome Center
Houston, Texas 


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