Science versus ‘Science’: Exploring the Life of Benjamin Banneker in the Context of Thomas Jefferson’s Views in Notes on the State of Virginia

Despite substantive research being conducted on the interaction between Thomas Jefferson’s views on race and the life of Benjamin Banneker, recent interpretations of Jefferson’s influence on constructing modern American racism suggest this relationship should be re-examined. New understandings of Jefferson interpret him as a key instigator of a modern American racism, as he was a leader of his time who distinctly incorporated claims of science in the justification for racial inferiority. This new analysis of Jefferson’s influence suggests a new interpretation of his interaction with Benjamin Banneker should occur, as the approach taken when comparing the two men has been one which represented Jefferson as a symbol for the common southern American slave owner. With new research challenging this view, new studies into Banneker should follow suit. This paper seeks to build upon the work of Jordan Winthrop, Robert Pierce Forbes, Bruno Carvalho, LaGarrett King, and Angela G Ray and conducts this reassessment of the dynamic between Banneker and Jefferson with new research included to evaluate Banneker’s significance on discussion of race accordingly. This paper argues that comparing Banneker to Jefferson in this novel context heightens Banneker’s significance, as he becomes one of the first African Americans to challenge this new racism and hence sets critical precedents for addressing similar rhetoric. Banneker’s role transforms from one of many individuals who challenged slavery into a man who framed a template for social action against racist dogma guised by science.