On January 5th, 1943, at the age of 79, the world lost an incredibly influential figure in science, agriculture, and the civil rights movement. George Washington Carver, born in 1864 to a former slave mother, rose above his humble beginnings to become one of the most prominent and adored figures of the time. His journey to become an innovator and leader started with his enrollment in 1891 in the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, currently known as Iowa State University, completing both his Bachelor of Science and Masters degrees in Agricultural Sciences. He later embarked on a 30-year long journey teaching at the Tuskegee Institute, a historically black college in Tuskegee, Alabama. Carver excelled in the fields of botany and plant science, focusing primarily on the production and manufacture of alternative crops for farmers who relied heavily on cotton. His works of experimentation and discovery included over 300 products made out of peanuts, sweet potatoes, and other common items, ranging from curing concrete to making personal hygiene products. Carver’s impact on agriculture was so profound, he often lent aid in explaining the science behind newly discovered inventions, enabling many farmers to reap economic benefits from their experiments. In addition to his works in science, Carver’s speech and movements served as a major influence to many civil rights activists of his time. He leaves behind a legacy of courage, dedication, and achievement that will never be forgotten.