Benjamin Banneker was a self-taught scientist and inventor born in Maryland in 1731. Even though he had little formal schooling, he loved to learn. When he was 22 years old, he built a wooden clock that kept perfect time for over 40 years. He made every piece by hand after studying a pocket watch.
Banneker also became an astronomer who studied the stars and planets. He accurately predicted an eclipse in 1789. He published almanacs that included weather predictions, tide information, and astronomical calculations. Farmers and sailors used his almanacs to plan their work. Banneker also wrote letters to Thomas Jefferson arguing against slavery and for equal rights. His achievements showed that all people deserve the chance to learn and contribute to society.