“When I was young, I said to God, ‘God, tell me the mystery of the universe.’ But God answered, ‘that knowledge is for me alone.’ So I said, ‘God, tell me the mystery of the peanut.’ Then God said, ‘Well, George, that’s more nearly your size.’ “
George Washington Carver (1860’s – January 5, 1943), was an American botanist and inventor. The exact day and year of his birth are unknown; he was born into slavery in Missouri, either in 1861, or January 1864.
Carver’s reputation is largely based on publicity regarding his promotion of alternative crops to cotton, such as peanuts and sweet potatoes. He wanted poor farmers to grow alternative crops both as a source of their own food and as a source of other products to improve their quality of life. The most popular of his 44 practical bulletins for farmers contained 105 food recipes using peanuts. He spent years developing and promoting numerous products made from peanuts; none were commercially successful. He was also a leader in promoting environmentalism. He received numerous honors for his work, including the Spingarn Medal of the NAACP.
In an era of very high racial polarization, his fame reached beyond the black community. He was widely recognized and praised in the white community for his many achievements and talents. In 1941, Time magazine dubbed Carver the “Black Leonardo”. Which truly exemplified the racism in our culture.
For many children living in poverty their birthdays are just another day. You can change that! Every child deserves a memorable birthday and you can help to make it happen. Be the change that you want to see in the world! Details and “how to” here
GiftsToGive Happy Birthday Program
With over 40,000 South Coast children living in poverty, the need is truly overwhelming. Over 4,000 local children are homeless!
Make a difference in a child’s life! Join us in celebrating your birthday or the birthday of a child you love; by giving birthday presents to local children in-need. One celebration can help dozens of children.
Be bold – host a huge birthday celebration party – ask your guests to bring gifts for a GiftsToGive child. Organize a celebration for your child or grandchild, niece or nephew. Through this process help the “Birthday Child” understand that their birthday can make a real difference and then arrange a visit to the factory to drop off their gifts, and for you to “show this special child” in the most tangible of ways, the power of giving!
The real gift for this child that you love? – learning the power of giving, to help others. The gift for you? – well actually it is priceless!