Benjamin Banneker was a prominent African American scientist, mathematician, astronomer, and surveyor who lived during the 18th century. He was born on November 9, 1731, in Baltimore County, Maryland, to a free African American woman and a former enslaved man.

Banneker is best known for his work in surveying and designing the layout for the city of Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. He was appointed by President George Washington to serve on the commission responsible for planning the new federal district. Banneker's expertise in astronomy and mathematics played a crucial role in accurately laying out the boundaries of the city.

In addition to his work as a surveyor, Banneker was a self-taught mathematician and astronomer. He was known for his almanacs, which contained astronomical calculations, tide tables, and weather predictions. His almanacs were widely respected and used by farmers, sailors, and others for their accuracy.

Despite facing racial prejudice and discrimination during his lifetime, Benjamin Banneker made significant contributions to science and mathematics. He is celebrated as a trailblazer and a symbol of African American intellectual achievement in the fields of STEM.