25 Benjamin Banneker Quotes From An American Genius

By Clifton Sankofa | Published October 22, 2023

Learn something new about one of the earliest examples of Black Excellence in America with our Benjamin Banneker quotes.

The life of Benjamin Banneker is one of accomplishments, intelligence, and overcoming the limitations of others.

Learn more about this American genius with our Benjamin Banneker quotes.

Who was Benjamin Banneker?

Benjamin Banneker was a multi-talented genius who excelled in the fields of mathematics, astronomy, engineering, invention, and city planning.

Check out these interesting facts about Benjamin Banneker:

Mr. Banneker was a free-born African American.
He worked to survey the land and map out Washington, D.C.
He built a clock using only a watch as his inspiration and a pocket knife as a tool.

Why is the story of Benjamin Banneker so important?

African Americans are taught about the various heroes and sheroes who overcame being enslaved to lead successful lives.

The narratives of Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Henry Box Brown are well-known and celebrated.

The life of Benjamin Banneker is different in that he overcame racial prejudice and other limitations set by close-minded individuals, but he never was enslaved.

It is important for examples like Benjamin Banneker to be celebrated.

His genius is a reminder that African Americans had a strong hand in impacting the country outside of their efforts to build parts of America via chattel slavery.

Benjamin Banneker was a true genius

Banneker’s genius was evident at a young age.

His parents made sure he was literate at a young age.

He took off once he learned to read, and the world became his library.

Bannekar studied the stars and planetary movements and kept amazingly detailed almanacs.

He even used his platform to try to convince Thomas Jefferson to stop practicing slavery and abolish the trade.

Benjamin Banneker and Cultural Pride

Today, we look back on the efforts of Banneker in awe.

However, he was aware of the importance of cultural pride during his time.

He proudly exclaimed that he was “of the African race” and loved his culture and identity.

He fought hard to convince others that many Africans were as intelligent as he and should not be kept in inhumane conditions.

To learn more, check out our Benjamin Banneker quotes below.

Short Benjamin Banneker quotes about the illusion of separation

Banneker knew the power of communication and the human spirit.

1. “I hope to live to hear that good communication corrects bad manners.” — Benjamin Banneker

2. “Never abandon your vision.” — Benjamin Banneker

3. “Keep reaching to further your dreams.” — Benjamin Banneker

4. “Evil communication corrupts good manners.” — Benjamin Banneker

5. “Were there no uniforms, there would probably be no armies.” — Benjamin Banneker

Famous Benjamin Banneker quotes about life

6. “Presumption should never make us neglect that which appears easy to us.” — Benjamin Banneker

7. “Despair should never make us lose courage at the sight of difficulties.” — Benjamin Banneker

8. “The color of the skin is in no way connected with strength of the mind or intellectual powers.” — Benjamin Banneker

9. “It is the indispensable duty of those who maintain for themselves the rights of human nature.” — Benjamin Banneker

10. “I have no influence with the rising generation.” — Benjamin Banneker

The best Benjamin Banneker quotes about the science of getting shot

Only Banneker would get struck by a bullet and choose to appreciate the science behind the discharge instead of seeking revenge.

11. “All my arguments have failed to induce them to set bounds to their wants.” — Benjamin Banneker

12. “In four or five seconds of time, after the discharge, the small shot came rattling about me.” — Benjamin Banneker

13. “One or two of which struck the house; which plainly demonstrates that the velocity of sound is greater than that of a cannon bullet.” — Benjamin Banneker

14. “It is the indispensable duty of those who possess the obligations of Christianity, to extend their power and influence to the relief of every part of the human race from whatever burden or oppression they may unjustly labor under.” — Benjamin Banneker

15. “Standing at my door, I heard the discharge of a gun.” — Benjamin Banneker

Benjamin Banneker quotes and sayings about Black pride and nature

These quotes reflect Banneker’s cultural pride.

16. “And in the color which is natural to them of the deepest dye.” — Benjamin Banneker

17. “We are a race of beings who have long labored under the abuse and censure of the world.” — Benjamin Banneker

18. “It is under a sense of the most profound gratitude to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe.” — Benjamin Banneker

19. “I am of the African race.” — Benjamin Banneker

20. “Nature has no exclusive laws, and she has no favorites.” — Benjamin Banneker

The top Benjamin Banneker quotes to Thomas Jefferson about abolishing American slavery

These quotes highlight Banneker’s attempts to convince Thomas Jefferson of the folly of chattel slavery.

21. “I am fully sensible of the greatness of that freedom, which I take with you on the present occasion.” — Benjamin Banneker

22. “How pitiable is it to reflect, that although you were so fully convinced of the benevolence of the Father of Mankind, and of his equal and impartial distribution of these rights and privileges.” — Benjamin Banneker

23. “You should at the same time be found guilty of that most criminal act, which you professedly detested in others, with respect to yourselves.” — Benjamin Banneker

24. “You counteract his mercies, in detaining by fraud and violence so numerous a part of my brethren, under groaning captivity and cruel oppression.” — Benjamin Banneker

25. “I apprehend you will embrace every opportunity to eradicate that train of absurd and false ideas and opinions, which so generally prevails with respect to us.” — Benjamin Banneker