Brandywine-Aquasco
By Audrey Johnson, 301-922-5384
GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER
“George Washington Carver was an Agricultural Chemist, Inventor and Environmentalist born in 1864 in Diamond, MO. He grew up happily on the farm of his former owner who adopted him after he was orphaned by the Civil War. When George was 10, he attended a one-room school in Neosho, MO. George sustained himself in Neosho by working in the kitchen of a family for room and board. In 1878, George traveled to Fort Scott, KS to attend high school. He graduated and was accepted at Highland University but was denied admission because of his race. In 1890, George was finally accepted at Simpson College in Indianola, IA studying art. A year later he transferred to Iowa State University to study botany. George was the first Black student. In 1894, he submitted his bachelor thesis entitled “Plants Modified by Man”. He graduated, started teaching, and quickly earned his Master’s.”
“In 1896, Booker T. Washington, the first principal and president of the Tuskegee University in AL invited George to head its Agriculture Department. Booker and George disagreed with the operation of the Agricultural Department and as a result of the clash of wills, George was demoted. In 1911, George contended that his laboratory had not received promised equipment and submitted his resignation. Booker relented and created his new research department. In 1915 to 1923, George experimented and researched new uses for peanuts, formulated fertilizers, crop rotation yields and an improved cotton plant.”
“George and his peanut products were almost solely responsible for the rise in U.S. peanut production after the boll weevil devastated the American cotton crop beginning about 1892. George developed over 300 uses from peanuts including oil, dyes, soap, plastic and ink. George was a dedicated environmentalist and rejected many offers and patents. The money he did receive he willingly contributed to research. For his work, George received many awards including the prestigious Spingarn Medal in 1923 and was made a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in London. George died on January 5, 1943, in Tuskegee, AL. He dedicated his life to his fellow man and sought to end the misery of starvation in the world.” Wikipedia
CLINTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Clinton United Methodist Church, Clinton, Maryland is now hiring a Part-time Children & Youth Director 12–14 hours per week, $20/hour. Clinton United Methodist Church is seeking a passionate, creative and faith-centered leader to help rebuild vibrant ministry with the next generation. What will you do? Lead children and youth programs. Facilitate youth groups (Middle & High School). Create online Bible studies. Plan seasoned events and retreats. Engage with families and support volunteers. Who you are: Passionate about ministry with kids & teens, inclusive and justice-rooted, organized & collaborative, experienced in ministry or education. To Apply: Send your resume & cover letter to cumcmd@verizon.net. Applications received on a rolling basis.
Summer YOUTH ENRICHMENT PROGRAM (SYEP)
The Prince George’s County Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP) provides opportunities for young people ages 14 to 24 across the County to receive career development, job readiness training and employment. Get ready. Application Dates: March 1–March 31, 2026. Program Dates: July 6–August 14, 2026. The Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP) offers County Youth and young adults ages 14 to 24 with enriching and constructive summer work experiences in community organizations, private sector companies, and government agencies.
FREDERICK DOUGLASS
“Frederick was an abolitionist, orator, writer, strategist and statesman born a slave in February 1818, in Cordova, Maryland. He was sent to Baltimore at age 10. His mistress felt compassion and began to teach him to read. The tutoring was discovered, and Frederick was beaten for his lessons by his master and six years later, Fredrick was sent to a slave breaker. One day the youth refused to allow the overseer to strike him ever again. His defiant courage was an inspiration to the other slaves. In 1838 Fredrick was apprenticed to be a caulker in Baltimore, Maryland, where he was able to disguise himself as a sailor and escape to New York, NY”.
“Frederick married and settled in New Bedford, MA, which had a thriving free Black community, and he often made impromptu anti-slavery speeches. In 1941 he was invited to join the abolitionist movement. Despite being an outspoken advocate for anti-slavery he was often abused and attacked. In 1845 the fugitive slave laws soon forced Fredrick to flee to England. His fiery speeches on the evils of slavery aroused the sympathy of the British people. In 1847 they gathered funds to purchase his legal freedom. He returned to New York a free man and published the famous “North Star” newspaper. In 1959 civil tensions were eminent. Frederick secretly met with abolitionist John Brown and pleaded with him to abandon his planned attack at Harpers Ferry. When the Civil War broke out Douglass advised President Lincoln to make use of Black soldiers for the Union
cause. After the war, he served as a member of the Legislative Council of the District of Columbia. He was the first African American to hold a government rank. He was appointed secretary to a commission to Santo Domingo by President Ulysses S. Grant. Fredrick was given many honors and duties but continued to actively express his views, especially his advocacy for women’s suffrage. Until his death in 1895, Fredrick’s heart was open to his people. He courageously broke the bonds of slavery and famously stated: “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” He stands as the foremost Black American of the 19th century”. Wikipedia
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In and Around Morningside-Skyline By Mary McHale 301-735-3451 ...with Mary McHale, will return soon! Top of Page