Answer:
Benjamin Banneker attributed his success in life to perseverance, intelligence, and diligence. Despite receiving only an eighth-grade education, he excelled in mathematics and became a skilled farmer after taking over his parents' farm. Also he independently studied concepts of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and successfully built a wooden clock from scratch using reverse engineering and physics principles. Banneker's involvement in the survey team that designed the layout for Washington, DC, where he helped select sites for important federal buildings, further showcased his capabilities. His achievements demonstrate that mental prowess is not tied to skin color, and he is recognized as one of the prominent African American scientists and mathematicians.