Context/Author
What were many African Americans suffering from at the time of the letter?
Slavery/enslavement
What type of Parallel Structure is used in the letter? What does the repeated phrase do in terms of tone/credibility?
Anaphora. The use of "sir" denotes respect, formality, literacy, and ability to communicate.
What does Banneker mainly appeal to in sections 2&3?
Logos, some Pathos
What religion is shared between both Banneker and Jefferson?
Christianity (though different sects/subgroups).
What was Benjamin Banneker's status and occupation?
Civil Engineer, free African American.
What does the metaphor in Paragraph 3 show/do?
Shows the overall bombardment of fallacies/unfounded ideas that were prevalent during the time Banneker wrote the letter. Additionally, it encourages the reader to let go of such ideas and see in the perspective of Banneker.
Who was the intended audience of the letter?
Thomas Jefferson. Overall audience were people who did not believe in the abilities/capabilities of African Americans.
What is an Almanac?
An annual calendar/document that lists astronomical/tidal data. Contains dates and statistical information.
Who was Thomas Jefferson at this time?
Secretary of State, abolitionist, diplomat to Europe.
How did the presentation of an Almanac contribute to Banneker's argument?
It demonstrated the literacy/abilities of the African American Population. Proving again that the lack of similar education does not cause a lack of ability.
Why was the letter written to Thomas Jefferson specifically? Hint: What was his position?
Thomas Jefferson's position as Secretary of State made his voice influential in matters of government, yet his role was not as large (such as the President) to prevent him from even reading letter (like Banneker's). Additionally, Jefferson's position as Secretary of State also made him a diplomat, someone who could travel internationally/domestically to promote ideas such as Banneker's.
Why did Banneker send an Almanac to Jefferson?
Jefferson was known to be interested in science, hence by sending an Almanac Banneker was able to appeal to Jefferson's scientific personality and build a more personable/friendly connection.
What proved Banneker's proficiency in science/STEM? (Or rather proved his abilities equivalent to other races despite his education background)
Calculated his own almanac, which he sent to Jefferson. Additionally, he helped build/set up the borders of Washington D.C. as a civil engineer.
Why does Banneker quote the Declaration of Independence?
Demonstrated his literacy and fluency in government literature. Also, the restating of Jefferson's own words kind of makes Jefferson accountable, while simultaneously arguing that all men are equal, as stated in the Declaration itself.
Overall, used to assert credibility and legal proof of Banneker's arguments.
What does Banneker repeatedly encourage the audience to do?
Let go of prior notions that African Americans are inferior in ability. He also asks that the audience takes his perspective, and that it is the duty of Christians to look out for/advocate for all members of the human race. (Paragraphs 3, 4, 5, 6).
How have African Americans changed (in terms of what they fight for) from the time Banneker wrote the letter to now?
Have changed from fighting for liberty and freedom as a whole, to now fighting for individual rights/liberties.
How does Banneker's self-education contribute to his credibility/his points?
Banneker's self-education proves his (and the African American community's) ability to communicate/articulate professionally and effectively (as seen in the wording and organization of his letter). Proving that the abilities of African Americans are equal to those of different dispositions.
What was Banneker's purpose with the Biblical Allusion to Job? (To quote "put your soul in their soul's stead").
To prove/ask the people of the United States to be rid of their "narrow prejudices" and to make them take the perspective of the oppressed. Aimed to put people in a position of empathy and understanding.
What was the purpose of Banneker's letter?
To find an advocate in Thomas Jefferson, someone who could help progress the fight for African American rights. Banneker also wanted to highlight that the abilities of African Americans were equivalent to others (as seen with Banneker's almanac) despite having the same education.
Why is the letter significant/relevant to Today?
Bonus: Connection to Maryland?
Banneker's letter was the first of many instances in which African Americans have appealed to government for the advocacy, and eventual abolition of slavery (though Banneker's letter did not go as far as this).
These instances are what have shaped the fight for civil rights/government advocacy, as seen in the BLM movement.
Bonus: Banneker, like Fredrick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, was from Maryland. He has both a museum and middle school dedicated to him and his efforts.