The Black Man Who Designed the City of Washington DC

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[@BlackExcellist]

Pierre Charles L'Enfant did not architect DC so we are not carrying that narrative any longer. L’Enfant was a loose canon and a disaster to work with. It’s easy research if you’re interested. Not only was he hostile and acted like a spoiled brat who couldn’t get his way, but the Frenchman tore down the house of the nephew of one of the commissioners who George Washington hired to oversee the project. That was the last straw. Washington in turn fired him and ordered the nephew’s house to be rebuilt to the same level it was before L’Enfant destroyed it. L’Enfant was dismissed and he took his blueprints with him. His career immediately went into the tank and he lived the rest of his life in disgrace in Prince George’s County. It’s a joke that his name comes up as the Designer of DC. Banneker saved the project, memorized L’Enfants design for all of its flaws and saw the project through to the end.

[@darkmattersproject2951]

Sorry but that’s not all. Pierre was fired because he wanted Washington DC to look like Paris. Large Blvs and Avenues. Washington disagreed with him. They use to go and meet under the K st bridge in the evening to discuss things. Back then they would use lanterns to light the dark Inn. They would have pints of beer while looking over the plans. After Pierre was fired they hired Banneker. Banneker took the plans and completed the city. There was one problem. The circles. Why sooo many circles. Oh well. He proceeded. Do you know why DC have random circles all over the place

[@darkmattersproject2951]

You don’t know your history. Pierre was fired because he wasn’t paid. He went back to France. Died broke. Later his body was brought to the United States. He’s buried in Arlington Cemetery. He called Washington DC the city of DREAMS. Now he’s buried in Arlington in a dream like state over looking the city he called the city of dreams. This is why MLK speech was called I have a dream

[@BlackExcellist]

It’s documented and this is one of many >> boundarystones.weta.org/2019/08/02/lenfants-guide-getting-fired

[@darkmattersproject2951]

Pierre walks the halls of congress still looking for his money. You can hear him moan and groan at night. Knocking on doors asking for more popoyes chicken

[@darkmattersproject2951]

@@BlackExcellist Good information. But not totally factual

[@aplan4u328]

This is what get me angry about Hollywood. They will make a movie about every drug dealer, gangster, pimp, prostitute, crook, and criminal but won't make movies about men like these. And don't even get me started about the slave movies. 😡

[@4tank4]

Some just can’t accept it

[@yubantwo2086]

Slave movies, aka brutality porn. When you say Hollywood, don't forget that it includes being fueled by the likes of the Black elites such as Oprah and Tyler Perry, who promote Hollywood's negative Black narratives on screen, who could but don't do better.

[@Mimiandpaulaziglar4911]

Right!! I was just telling my nine year old this!! He was one of the most brilliant men of our time. Plus they were a free family!!! Where the movie!!!

[@zhenshanren6249]

Reparations must include the de-colonization of information The truth must be allowed to be heard!!!

[@JAZZLlFE]

Nobody asked but back in 1968 when I was 6 years old, I had to say a little speech about Benjamin Banneker for black history celebration at school and 55 year later I still remember my speech. "Benjamin Banneker served on the committee to lay the plans for Washington D.C., he also invented a clock which was thought to be the first clock ever made and assembled in the United States."

[@ranauldogreer2711]

I also delivered a speech on Benjamin he was a extraordinary man.

[@JAZZLlFE]

@@ranauldogreer2711He was indeed.👍🏽

[@theire483]

We don't know to ask...that is why it is good to tell us. I fell in love with Charles Drew (70s) because the teacher said, Find someone to do a report on. Her one caveat was, It cannot be MLK, or Malcolm X. That is how I learned about Charles Drew.

[@sofumba]

Benjamin Banneker also was known for making that Clock out of WOOD! He wrote a Farmer's Almanac each month that was widely circulated, and a great accomplishment for an African-American man at that time in history. It is believed that he inspired Benjamin Franklin's Almanac to be written as well.

[@Gwan-so..]

..thanks for sharing 👍🏿

[@maryeliz8799]

That old adage still holds true- “Knowledge is power.”

[@barrytelesford5265]

acting judiciously on knowledge is power.

[@keyvisdamptey9105]

😏

[@johnbreitmeier3268]

And if you tell this lie about Bannaker doing something he NEVER did long enough, fools like you will believe it. Bannaker would be ashamed of you.

[@carlalucille5627]

I am a descendent of Benjamin Banneker's sister. Our family learned this about 10 years ago. Since then, my cousin did a genealogy of our family and passed on literature and books for us to share with our descendants. I knew that Benjamin Banneker created the almanac, but never did I knew we were related. It made me proud to share with my children and my husband. 💜💜

[@A.D.907]

Your family is supposed to be one of the richest families in the U.S. Makes no sense how blacks aren't paid for any of the patents of inventions whites make billions off of

[@realdeal8303]

Need to study our ancestors for our power because not only was it stolen and claimed by others but also stripped US of many attributes and skills we don't possess today 😢.

[@BlackExcellist]

and pass it down through the generations

[@franknoble7863]

I agree power is in education.

[@JoyceWilliams-zd8kh]

Power from dead people but not from the Hebrew God who created them. Paganism was your people first religion

[@realdeal8303]

@@JoyceWilliams-zd8kh that would be the same power that was stolen or was killed for that "POWER" it's not worship but recognizing our abilities and having control of them is key we definitely are a people who have fell to baal

[@realdeal8303]

@@JoyceWilliams-zd8kh if we were the first man then everything was OURS 🌍

[@heathermetz6576]

Fascinating story about Benjamin Banneker. His almanac, his wooden clock, and his land surveying in DC are remarkable and should continue to be told.

[@msrubie11]

heatermetz6576 Do you actually think Black Americans don't know their own history? It is you who don't know it. There would be no America had our ancestors not built it. There would be no access for anyone who has immigrated here had our people not fought for it and now because of our fight the same people work against us to lock us out. Black Americans know our history very well it is you who don't know. All the BUILDINGS in the cities in the SOUTH, NORTH and EAST COAST built in the antebellum period were built by Black Americans. All construction prior to the 1980's were done by Black Americans hands. Why do you think unfettered illegal Immigration was allowed and has been being dumped in Black Americans communities in the early 1900's, the 1950's and 60's, the 1980's until now! So when you say it's "remarkable", remarkable for who, those who are so filled with stereotypes they were raised with who just can't believe Black Americans been here and built this country? SMH As stated by the National Black Chamber of Commerce, one of the richest legacies of African decedents has been construction. From building the pyramids of Egypt to building cities like New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington DC, many African Americans were involved in construction during times of slavery. Celebrating Black History Month - COCOON | Remodeling Blog thecocoon.com thecocoon.com › Blo The Black Architects Who Built New Orleans Architectural Digest www.architecturaldigest.com › ... › ad Jul 27, 2021 - Two of the most prominent Black families responsible for designing, building, and developing these architectural gems were the Dollioles and the ...

[@adeenbenyasharal5412]

We are the greatest people on this planet. This is why everybody tries to put and keep their foot on our necks.

[@lynetteburnett4671]

IF ONLY OUR YOUTH OF TODAY COULD REALIZE JUST HOW POWERFUL THEY COULD BE!

[@BlackExcellist]

I’m so proud of our resilience and what we have been able to accomplish only 4 generations out of chattel slavery

[@marlenesheffield8777]

For truth!!!

[@Realone_since94]

@@lynetteburnett4671 d euteronomy 7:6 King James Version 6 For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.

[@jwt1035]

Why are the greatest people on earth still carrying water on their heads despite the existence of canals and irrigation for more than 2000 years elsewhere?

[@Vernonu9]

Benjamin Banneker, a wise man was he He made a clock for the world to see He could not read, he could not write He said to himself, "this I must fight" (Some stuff I can't remember) He planned Washington DC for you and for me. - A poem I recited during church service in the late 80s.

[@KeepItReels]

Sorry you been banned in Florida. LOL. High 5.

[@crystalwingate3022]

Written in the beginning was never a part of our culture according to people of color. We had a oral tradition of passing down our history to the next generation. The creator spoke our people through visions and dreams. And of course through our conscience. Written was taught when the watchers taught corruption to mankind. According to the book of Enoch. And guess what the creator still deals with us in the same way.

[@BlueMusicful]

I’m so amazed at our ancestors that were self-taught, turning out to be some of the most intelligent people of that time. It’s incredible and motivating. ❤

[@fukray-cistutub3again847]

CORRECTION: Black American man!! We’re no longer sharing our contributions, culture, lineage, history, achievements and ethnic identity with no one else!!

[@AuthorLHollingsworth]

It's been time for a movie about this great inventor. Thank you for this video 🙏

[@Ravenelvenlady]

It's time a Black movie studio make this movie, not Hollywood. If Tyler Perry is serious, he could make it.

[@toddhayes3506]

Knowledge is Power

[@barrytelesford5265]

acting judiciously on knowledge is power

[@sharoncansler5524]

I’m 74. Never knew this. It angers me that so much has been stolen, withheld, and denied to us of our people’s vast contributions to this diminishing empire. Waiting for God to render just recompense on our behalf.

[@KeepItReels]

OMG I feel you. I thought Fred Astaire was greatest dancer then saw the Nicholas Brothers doing Flips into a perfect split where he was doing slides LOL.

[@BlackExcellist]

It drives me mad to think what our true potential could have been if America followed through on the promises of the Reconstruction period or even the 40 acres and a mule. They literally do not want us to succeed and then complain about the results that institutional racism has had our culture, mentality, and American perspective.

[@mikejones-wn1sw]

@BlackExcellenceExcellist agreed family, but our people dropped the bag when they started to believe what these same white people said regarding their heritage. Calling them african and telling them they Come from distant land with a bunch of backwards people

[@sherrisolomon8673]

​@@BlackExcellistThere should be a day dedicated to an individual historical Black Icon for Black History Month.

[@theire483]

Seriously...where did you go to school. We were taught this in the 60/70 when I was a kid in school.

[@CraigMcfly1985]

This was ignored for generations and these people are still ignoring this story this day.

[@warrior5502]

Makes me feel good; I went to Benjamin Banneker High School in College Park, GA. We have a robust history that the colonizers worldwide are trying to erase.

[@tyrell1984]

My favorite thing about him is that he also designed and built “Big Ben” in London England… He was creating a new world before the new world…

[@capabilitybrown5873]

Unfortunately, it probably isn't the case. A google search shows Augustus Pugin and Charles Barry as the architects of Big Ben.

[@AtelierofZ_Co24]

I want a feature film about this man's life and accomplishments.

[@fukray-cistutub3again847]

Why so they can caste an African or Caribbean to portray him on the big screen?

[@gifi11]

Oddly, I learned about him during that Martin episode lol. Martin thought he hit the lottery when he thought he had a Benjamin Banneker clock lol.

[@BlackExcellist]

😂😂😂

[@bigdre7120]

Our ancestor was a True genius and Intellectual Giant!!!

[@carolynbarr770]

This is exactly why History is so important, all of it!!

[@adrianjeffrey2897]

300 years later and we are still grappling with replacing WS with a system of justice

[@kana-35]

200 years

[@venitakbennett-bonaparte1986]

500 years

[@Nia_Authentically]

I honestly feel ashamed I didn’t know this. Especially as someone who visits DC quite often. Thank you for educating!

[@fukray-cistutub3again847]

CORRECTION: Black American man!! We’re no longer sharing our contributions, culture, lineage, history, achievements and ethnic identity with no one else!!

[@awiley2698]

This is who Tommy was referring to on the episode of Martin when Pam and Martin donated the clock to the nun charity..wow

[@BlackExcellist]

😄

[@felicethomas6594]

Thank you for sharing this information

[@BlackExcellist]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SuperMogul]

I approve this message! B1✊🏿

[@theunmaskedcomicoo9858]

Benjamin Banneker is unsung hero and icon, the first time I heard about him I was six in the first grade. In a predominately white classroom, I felt connected to him but I quickly held my excitement. This was due to the reactions of some of the other classmates so pride turned right back into self shame. However, in growing and understanding my ancestry from that time on I truly understood what was hidden. There is comic book series from DC called ICON vs HARDWARE and in it one of them traces their lineage back to Benjamin Banneker. The discovered that he built a time machine preserved still working right under Washington, DC. Although it is historical fiction it makes one wonder, what else could he have done that is hidden.

[@KeepItReels]

Blowing my mind. I had a Rolex that was always off by a minute drove me crazy and researched that was common..and he made a wooden clock accurate forever LOL. Kids making Tik Tok videos and wish I had this growing up. When I went to Howard U. in D.C. and building was named after Banneker I was enlightened. :)

[@TheLastJayL]

This is phenomenal. We always were. It’s not black excellence. It’s just plain excellence by a Black Man.

[@MsSharat123]

You would think they would have done a historical movie about him by now because he was in my history books in grade school and still no movie, what a shame.

[@veillifted]

Finally a video done right of this American genius!

[@lyn1.6]

This video was so informative. It's believed that Big Ben in England was named after him.

[@echad6259]

Read his book. It's good.

[@kayrobbie5840]

He was in my history book when I was in high school. I'm in my late 60's now. This I clearly remember reading about.

[@maytubes5]

EYE too

[@chico7469]

Haven’t heard much about this guy since the 80’s while in elementary school

[@lakersin556]

I didn't know any of this. Thanks. 👍

[@BlackExcellist]

Happy to help!

[@64TRLOVE]

Thanks for sharing

[@BlackExcellist]

Thanks for watching!

[@Robbover]

KNOWLEDGE IS EVERYTHING!! HISTORY 101.... We must stay positive and keep moving forward. Also, it starts at the home. Pass it on to our children. Please, show them the way. Learn from our past to make a better future. Thank you for sharing! Much love... Peace, Respect and happiness to all.

[@adrianjeffrey2897]

the story telling is dope and i like how you incorporated some ai IMAGES. they DIDNT EXPECT US TO USE THIS TOOL

[@BlackExcellist]

💪🏽💪🏽

[@dbouchef150]

Call fortunately for me, I grew up having a black experience a part of my youth. I was privy to having a comic book about Benjamin Banneker, and Toussaint Louverture

[@TS-zu4hv]

Love this man.

[@keisha4620]

Thanks for posting.

[@CCB09]

Thank you for your work, please keep them coming we need to tell our history and pass those info down.

[@lynneedavis]

Benjamin Bannaker was a true Genius.......he was also the architect and designer of Big Ben in London, so called as the Bell was named after him......

[@maryeliz8799]

Wow…I did not know that! Thanks for sharing that info!❤

[@solomonwaller5669]

The design was completed in 1859 by Edmund Beckett Denison. Benjamin Banner died in 1806.

[@Mimi-cg2cw]

Trump pissed...

[@alicemcleod6149]

He designed Big Ben or Elizabeth's Tower?? Man, I live for this kind of stuff, loving more about our great race!

[@capabilitybrown5873]

Unfortunately it is probably not the case. A google search shows Augustus Pugin and Charles Barry as architects and it was named after Benjamin Hall, chief commissioner of works at the time of installation.

[@harrisre-nee3017]

*I never knew he was an ACTIVIST?!?* 😮😮😮😱 Thanks for making this video!! 🏆👏🏿💃🏿

[@mareerogers364]

My son portrayed Mr. Banneker 53 years ago! He was so proud😊

[@judyowiso5468]

Wow, nicest job

[@BlackExcellist]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@love1almightygodandallhisc666]

❤ The truth crushed to the ground will rise again. Dr. Martin L. King.

[@MikoMoJo]

I am a proud graduate of Benjamin Banneker High School in Washington, DC 💙.

[@theorderofthebees7308]

I learned so much - Thank you

[@high-techtroy4314]

WOW EXCELLENT ACHIEVEMENTS 👏 👏👏

[@brendalewis2431]

This just proves that blacks truly are amazing people.

[@SuperLuminalElf]

To me it proves that HUMANS can BE amazing - when Obstacles (racism; enslavement, etc) are removed and replaced with Support, Strength, Love and Guidance .. Brother Benjamin was a Genius, a Polymath and an Amazing Human Being!

[@melvinamccullough647]

AS A WASHINGTONIAN I LOVE THIS.. Thank you very much for sharing this AMAZING information.. MY CITY YESSSSSS.. Born at Freeman’s Hospital aka HOWARD UNIVERSITY✅✅✅✅🎊🎊👌🏿😇🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠🏦

[@reoscorpio]

Benjamirun Banneker... i've know about him my whole life.. We even have the same birthday.. November 9th.. So his spirit of Freedom, and intelligence, and creativeness runs inside me

[@girlinred273]

Thank you JESUS for the spotlight what an amazing person

[@MuseKafeTV]

This is awesome. Knowledge is power!💯

[@deliadavis4626]

Thank you for this information. I’ll be sure to pass it along to family and friends.

[@patrickjeffers7864]

KRS-one rapped about this dude decades ago on "You must learn"..(i think that was the single)..never heard about him in school before or since

[@marilynbables8071]

Excellent idea--a movie would be fascinating!

[@luludoc1]

This is wonderful … even taking away the racial aspect … this man is a true marvel. It is unfortunate that individuals of this caliber have been relegated to obscurity when they are truly impressive individuals … continue keeping individuals of excellence at the forefront of our minds!

[@fukray-cistutub3again847]

CORRECTION: Black American man!! We’re no longer sharing our contributions, culture, lineage, history, achievements and ethnic identity with no one else!!

[@jeanheard4615]

We learn about him in school

[@user-hk8wn7ox9v]

WHEN THE BLACKS WERE FREED,WE HAD ALL THE LABOR KNOWLEDGE.WE WERE THE BUILDERS.

[@CozumelTy]

Awesome pictures and story telling! Thank you.

[@LiveLaughLoveDMV]

Absolutely AMAZING! I LOVE these videos. I definitely have to share. OMG I LOVE this!!!

[@user-qf9ed8km3p]

There is a lot more to his story that should have been told, this was rather simplistic.

[@stephaniefoster1964]

Banneker Museum in Ellicott City, MD.

[@crest4sensation938]

FASCINATING!!!

[@lydiadoumon6781]

This is my first time reading about. Hero to me and all of us 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@toneykingstarr9962]

Why didn't they do a movie about him instead of the same old repetitive slave movies

[@RLModerndayJoseph]

Why u think, racism.

[@Ravenelvenlady]

Who's 'they'? WE as Black people should make these films about our Ancestors, NOT our enemies. Maybe a good Black screenwriter can appeal to Tyler Perry to make a serious, historic film.

[@KGtheKO]

Because WE are supposed to, not them or they

[@yvettewaritay2654]

Thank you for this message❤ 10/19/23🙏4🌍☮️

[@a.b.5487]

They didn't want us to have any positive images of ourselves.But every lie comes to the surface sooner or later.

[@LetitiaLatifahNajieb]

Wonderful memories.Thank you for posting.

[@AnthonyAllenJr]

Trying to navigate through D.C. without GPS is ridiculous...😅

[@BlackExcellist]

😂😂

[@deniseandrews113]

@BlackExcellenceExcellist But we managed to do it for decades before GPS was available!

[@beryllewis2180]

Benjamin Banneker's name is 1 of many great Black people ( as well as brown, yellow, red, n white people ) mentioned in the excellent Stevie Wonder song " Black man " from his fantastic album ' 22 songs in the key of life'

[@abeck7929]

Loving all these black history channels because I didnt learn this in high school or even college❤

[@zerenamafdet440]

💯This was Beautiful!💯

[@gilmoremccoy6930]

I already knew about Ben!!! Thanks for sharing...

[@BlackExcellist]

You bet!

[@ki.nichelle]

Very cool information! Thank you for sharing

[@Cali-ssippian]

Ahaa!! The infamous BIG BEN. My uncle taught me about Mr Benjamin Banneker....✔️💯💪🏾

[@OneEyedLion]

BB was highly educated. His story always made me question the slave narrative. It's hard to believe that he was the only one. Further, someone of that education would want to teach other to develop a legacy.

[@adaeptzulander2928]

Why is this only NOW being done in 2023. WE as black people should have been doing movies on this on our own by now.

[@jihadel-amin]

He needs a bigger and better monument in DC

[@michaelfreeman8413]

TEACH 🙌

[@sunshinesunflowerz1647]

Thank you for this, I like when you do things like this. It lets me know that my learning experience, in a school that I didn't want to attend, wasn't in vain. Appreciate you 🩷

[@BlackExcellist]

Peace & Blessings

[@marks.3798]

DC traffic patterns are an absolute nightmare!

[@antonioburgosarau5594]

Big Ben Bey, the Moor AKA Benjamin Bannekker, he also designed Big Ben Clock, named after him in London, England,...

[@LAMBORGHINIACE]

Paul R. Williams designed Los Angeles

[@BlackExcellist]

Will look into this 🙏🏽✊🏽

[@LAMBORGHINIACE]

@@BlackExcellist Yes please he designed Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball‘s home on the celebrity side also buildings apartments in LA he has schools named after him in Southern California Be sure to shout a brother out lol Lamborghini Ace ♠️ Love Y’all ✊🏿

[@alicemcleod6149]

Thanks for creating this amazing video; let's be truthful all of us can share stories/experiences about overcoming prejudice which still exists today. The important is to love yourself and be proud of your color!

[@nathanhicks2000]

Wow amazing!

[@lamborghini835]

Thank you.

[@philthai99]

Salute. Thanks for sharing.

[@Angela-pi6zc]

Very thorough! Thank you for the excellent research.

[@nuance10]

Thank you for this! Shines light on necessity to continue innovation.

[@Huru_]

Glad these channels still exist. We'll need proof of the depth our ignorance was pushed to, even when we thought we finally broke free. Listen to your inner voice telling you: this still doesn't make a funkdam sense.

[@gwenniegirl50]

Thank you for this excellent video. Wealth of information.

[@phyllisalexander1012]

Thanks for this info 👍👍👍

[@inspirestrength505]

I subscribed because I like the narrator's voice strong clear and pleasing to the ear. The content was positive and I enjoyed learning about someone other than Martin Luther King. xoxo

[@carolynjones5497]

This is great news , now we need to teach our children. Let the record stand corrected, L’Enfant didn’t design the Mall area of Washington DC .

[@kincamell]

Stellar

[@theereload203]

Stories that need more air time

[@JkDibine]

Got no idea bruh, going all the way back to the true African story of Genesis

[@doug3819]

It makes me proud to know i am a desendant of Benjamin Banneker sister Jemima. I believe she is my great grandmother 6 times.

[@JkDibine]

👊🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿