Jefferson Gets An Anti-Slavery Appeal (1791) [Archive Favorite]
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Banneker's Challenge to Jefferson
This chapter explores the pivotal correspondence between Benjamin Banneker and Thomas Jefferson, highlighting Banneker's rebuttal to Jefferson's views on race and the concept of Black inferiority. It examines the tension between Enlightenment ideals and the institution of slavery, emphasizing the hypocrisy in Jefferson's acknowledgment of Banneker's intelligence while maintaining racial prejudices. Through this analysis, the chapter underscores the broader implications of Banneker's appeal for equality and the crucial role of free Black individuals in the abolitionist movement.
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