Another Black Hero, 'The Father of Modern Agriculture'

I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in. 

~George Washington Carver

Geo. Washington Carver

Today we memorialize Martin Luther King. But long before Martin was born, there was another black man who is called "The Father of Modern Agriculture". His name was George Washington Carver, and he was born into slavery during the mid-1860s.

Kidnapped at a week of age by night raiders, Carver was reunited with his then masters, and later adoptive parents, Moses and Susan Carver.

Growing up after the abolition of slavery, Carver learned and studied with his parents. However, because of his skin color, Carver was not permitted in a formal school nearby.

He left his home when he was 13 to study in a school that permitted African Americans. Over the years, Carver earned a Bachelor of Science, and eventually his Master’s Degree.

He became a well-known botanist for his work in plant pathology and mycology. Carver revolutionized agricultural science with soil-enriching crops such as peanuts and soybeans. He discovered over 100 uses for the sweet potato and 300 uses for the peanut.

George Washington Carver was not only a brilliant scientist, but he was a man of God as well. Known for championing the relief of racial tensions before his time, Carver’s belief in God is often overlooked.

He viewed faith in Jesus as a means of destroying racial disharmony. He was not only a professor concerned with the intellectual development of his students, but he was also concerned about his students’ character development, stating,

“When our thoughts—which bring actions—are filled with hate against anyone, Negro or white, we are in a living hell. That is as real as hell will ever be.”

For a list of the 400+ products invented by this humble genius, CLICK HERE

2012 Christian Nature

O God, You have taught me from my youth; and to this day I declare Your wondrous works. Psalm 71:17