George Washington Carver was born into slavery near Diamond Grove, Missouri, sometime around 1864. His exact birthdate is unknown. His mother, Mary, was enslaved by Moses and Susan Carver. Just weeks after his birth, George, his mother, and sister were kidnapped by night raiders, though only George was found and returned, effectively orphaning him and setting the stage for a unique and challenging early life.

Following the Civil War and the abolition of slavery, Moses and Susan Carver raised George and his brother, James, as their own children. They instilled in him a strong work ethic and a love for learning, even though formal education opportunities were limited for Black children in the area. He showed an early interest in plants and was known as the 'Plant Doctor' for his ability to nurture and heal sick plants.

Carver's early quest for education was marked by racial prejudice and hardship. He moved from town to town in Missouri and Kansas, working various jobs to support himself while seeking schooling. He was often turned away from schools because of his race, demonstrating the pervasive discrimination of the era and highlighting his perseverance in the face of adversity.

After years of self-study and attending various schools, Carver graduated from Minneapolis High School in Kansas. He was then accepted to Highland University in Highland, Kansas. However, upon arrival, he was denied admission because of his race. This blatant act of discrimination further fueled his determination to succeed.

Carver enrolled at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, to study art and music. He excelled in these subjects, but his art teacher recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue botany instead, believing his skills would be more valuable to him and his community.

Carver transferred to Iowa State Agricultural College (now Iowa State University) to study agricultural science. He excelled in his studies, becoming the first African American to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the institution. He continued his studies and earned a Master of Science degree in 1896, specializing in agricultural bacteriology and mycology.

Booker T. Washington, the founder of Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) in Alabama, invited Carver to head the agricultural department. Carver accepted the position, seeing it as an opportunity to serve the African American community in the South and improve their economic prospects through agricultural innovation.

For nearly five decades, Carver dedicated his life to teaching and researching at Tuskegee Institute. He developed innovative farming techniques to improve soil fertility and promote crop diversification, particularly advocating for the cultivation of peanuts, sweet potatoes, and soybeans as alternatives to cotton, which had depleted the soil. He developed hundreds of uses for these crops, which offered poor farmers alternative sources of both food and income.

Carver passionately promoted crop diversification to combat soil depletion caused by cotton monoculture in the South. He published numerous bulletins and gave demonstrations to farmers, encouraging them to plant peanuts, sweet potatoes, and other nitrogen-fixing crops. His efforts helped revitalize Southern agriculture and improve the economic well-being of many African American farmers.

Carver's expertise in peanut agriculture gained national attention when he testified before Congress in support of a tariff on imported peanuts. His compelling testimony, delivered with passion and scientific authority, helped convince Congress to pass the tariff, protecting American peanut farmers from foreign competition and solidifying his national reputation.

In the 1930s, Carver's contributions to agriculture and his inspiring life story garnered widespread recognition. He received numerous awards and honorary degrees, becoming a symbol of hope and achievement for African Americans during a period of intense racial segregation. His work was recognized by presidents, industrialists, and everyday people alike.

George Washington Carver died on January 5, 1943, at the age of approximately 78. He left his life savings to the George Washington Carver Foundation, which continues to support agricultural research and education. He is remembered as a pioneering scientist, an inspiring educator, and a champion of social justice, leaving a lasting legacy of innovation, perseverance, and service to humanity.