Zhiyah, the Affirmative Atheist

Benjamin Banneker

Religion was a major part of life for African Americans.  Governmental issues were also a major part of African American life.  Benjamin Banneker an African American scientist was involved in government issues.  Banneker went to a private school for whites and blacks.  He had a great interest in mathematics and science.  In 1789 Banneker, who became a master at astronomy, could predict the accuracy of the solar eclipse.  In 1791 Banneker began issuing his almanacs.  It lasted until 1802.  Banneker also established a numerous amount of important connections with officials of the national government.  Also Banneker was asked to assist the commissioner to the streets of District of Columbia.  After that Banneker's name was submitted to President Washington by Jefferson . 

The Real McCoy"

 Elijah McCoy ( 1842 43--1929)

Elijah McCoy was trained during the Civil War to be an mechanical engineer.

He worked as an fire man.

McCoy Family returned to the United States after some years to Ypsilanti, Michigan.

McCoy worked in a machine shop where he became very " fascinated with machinery".

His parent sent him to Edinburgh, Scotland to learn Mechanical engineering ;after that he returned to Detroit, Michigan as an worker on the railroad.

On the railroad he oiled the engines of the locomotives ; that was dangerous and often done by orphan ; this were called " grease monkey" Elijah wanted to create an lesser dangerous way of oiling the locomotive.

Working daily and consistently ; McCoy created an " drip cup that is attached to an engine or Machinery" on July 2, 1872

The devices was being improved through an year by McCoy where it was being sold throughout the world such as " Russian, France< German, Austria, and Great Britain; from the " McCoy Manufacturing Company in Detroit, Michigan , that was established in 1920 by some business men.

Other , tried to imitate Elijah inventions but, could not fit the image perfecting of his unique exquisiteness. People wanted the finest quality of machinery ; " so when purchasing the product they was substances to ask for the "real McCoy".

Paul Cuffe

Another African American who was important is Paul Cuffe.  He worked for economic independence and group self-respect . Also,Cuffe and his brother protested their lack of civil rights by refusing to pay taxes in Massachusetts because they were denied franchise. After that Massachusetts passed the law allowing taxation to all free black slaves. Also by 1806 Cuffe owned a ship, vessels ,houses and land.  Cuffe also managed to bring some blacks to Sierra Leone from being enslaved.  Blacks were involved in government issues and help to build a wiser nation.

Phillis Wheatly

In the mid 1700's, there were African American women who showed great artistic talent other then being religios which makes them limited.  One of those women was Phillis Wheatly.  She were born in Africa and brought to America when she was a little girl.   Phillis became a maid for a woman named Suvannah Wheatly. Phillis  gradually began learning to read  the bible.  She had a great interest for writing.  Phillis wrote her first poem in 1770 about a Revern George Whitefield's death.  After that she was manumitted and sent to England for her health. In England she addressed a poem to Countess of Huntingdon and received popularity.  Before she left, arrangements were made to publish her first book, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral.  She has also composed "His Excellency General Washington ","Liberty and Peace and other poems before her death in 1784.      

 In conclusion, while most histories of the 1700's do not highlight the accomplishments of African Americans, there were many advancements made by this group in the areas of religion, government and art. The individuals are just a few examples of prominent African Americans who made a difference in America after the 1700’; that was able to achieve excellence through out black injustice.