Born into slavery and reared during the Reconstruction years in the South, George Washington Carver struggled through poor health, poverty and prejudice to become a great benefactor, not only to his people, but to his country as well. Carver is known in history books as the "peanut man"—for his research into and promotion of alternative crops to cotton. As one of the world's foremost experts in agriculture and horticulture, Carver, through his research and teaching at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, practically reinvented land management in the South. He is said to have complied a list of over 300 uses for peanuts and by-products of peanuts such as cosmetics, dyes and paints, plastics, gasoline and nitroglycerin.
But his work as a creative scientist stretched far beyond those endeavors. He marveled at the world around him and his ability to inspire those closely associated with him may well have been one of his greatest lifetime achievements. As a living example of the importance of hard work, a positive attitude and a good education, Carver was instrumental in changing the stereotype of the time that the black race was intellectually inferior to the white race.
Here then, is the story of Carver's life... a life that should not be forgotten, for it is full of hope, meaning and inspiration. To commemorate his life and inventions, George Washington Carver Recognition Day is celebrated on January 5, the anniversary of Carver's death.
For anyone looking for an inspirational story, for historians, teachers and students, and for young and old alike, this DVD—featuring stunning photography and a superb original music score—is certain to be watched again and again.
