His Work Was Praised By Jefferson And Wilberforce

At the age of 59, Banneker wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson, who was serving as secretary of state for the United States at the time. The letter chastised Jefferson for having slaves and asked him to strive for the advancement of African Americans. It also had a handwritten manuscript of Banneker's 1792 almanac.

Banneker wrote that his "Sympathy and affection for [his] brethren" led him "unexpectedly and unavoidably" to take the opportunity to condemn endemic prejudice and the "groaning captivity and cruel oppression" of slavery. He claimed that his intention was simply to direct to Jefferson "as a present, a copy of an Almanack which I have calculated for the Succeeding year." Banneker contended that he had a moral obligation to address the secretary of state on this subject because he was aware of a serious injustice. Instead of speaking for all slaves, he did so as a more privileged "brother" of slaves who felt compelled to utilize his skills to further the interests of his race. Banneker attacked the system, which he dubbed "that State of dictatorial thraldom, and horrible captivity," highlighting the contradiction between the rhetoric of equality stated in the Declaration of Independence and the actuality of slavery.

Jefferson responded by praising Banneker's accomplishments and using them as evidence to dispel any racial prejudice. In the British House of Commons, abolitionists like William Wilberforce and others praised Banneker's efforts.