Being an American of Asian/Filipino ancestry and having lived in the United States for 25 years plus, I feel lucky, or fortunate, I would say, to have read and/or learned something about some outstanding African Americans who have helped shape U.S. history. I know, reading others' life stories (biographies) can be enlightening and inspiring, and thought-provoking at times. But, it's always an educational experience for me for it does enrich my knowledge of other people's lives and cultures and their influences.
But before I go on, on the occasion of the celebration and observance of Black History Month this month of February, I wish to give thanks and pay tribute to all African Americans who have sacrificed and died for and served our country fighting for and preserving our freedom; who have helped promote peace among humankind; who have made (and continue to make) remarkable accomplishments and significant contributions to our life and our world.
From my reading and research about African Americans, I became interested about George Washington Carver, the so-called "King of the Peanut Gallery," "The Plant Doctor," "The Prof," "the Wizard of Tuskegee," "The Peanut Scientist." I don't why, but I found his life story to be quite fascinating and inspiring. I tell you, I'm nuts for/about peanuts! Whether it's boiled or roasted or fried, I just love peanuts! Believe me when I say that whenever I see, hear about, or eat peanuts, I always think about this man as one of the greatest African Americans in U.S. history. Here's what I learned about him: his humility and simplicity, intelligence and perseverance, and creativity, and his strong determination to succeed against all odds, and his unselfish attitude to help others in life.
George Washington Carver was the second African American honored in the Hall of Fame for Great Americans. (The first was Tuskegee founder, Booker T. Washington.)
He was born around 1860 in Missouri. He was one of two sons of slave parents whom he never knew. he and his brother, James, grew up with slave owners, Susan and Moses Carver. His "Aunt" Susan taught him to read and write.
Living in the farm, young George became fascinated with plants and animals. His neighbors used to see him taking care of sick plants. Later, they called him "The Plant Doctor."
When he was about 10 years old, George left the Carvers and found his way to school. While living with one family after another, serving and working for them, he studied his way through high school. he worked hard and saved his money for college.
Carver attended Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts (now Iowa State University) and studied plants and farming. In 1896, he graduated with a master's degree. Following his graduation, he was offered to teach and be in charge of the greenhouses at Iowa State College. But he chose to teach, and continued his research studies and experiments with peanuts, at Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute (now Tuskegee University) in Alabama.
This all-black school was founded by Mr. Booker T. Washington, who encouraged Professor Carver to work there.
Professor Carver taught his students and the Southern farmers methods of soil improvement. He also encouraged them to plant not only cotton but different crops on rotation, such as sweet potatoes, cowpeas, soybeans, and "goobers" (an old African name for peanuts).
He wrote books showing the many ways people could grow and use peanuts for human consumption. Out of his pioneering research and experiments on the different uses of peanuts, sweet potatoes, and other farm crops, we would not have today such household items (over 300 products) such as shaving cream, soaps, breakfast cereals, ink, milk flour (all from peanuts) and over 100 products such as rubber, shoe polish, postage stamps---all from sweet potatoes.
With the products he created out of peanuts and sweet potatoes, he could have made himself rich/wealthy by patenting them in his name. But, instead, he just wanted to help improve the lives of the people in the South during his time. He was also considered an environmentalist because he cared so much our natural world.
In recognition of his many accomplishments and contributions, Professor Carver, "the Wizard of Tuskegee," was awarded the Spingarn Medal, in 1923, by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
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