.
Halley’s Comet and the Black Man!
.
By Clarence G. Underwood
.
The story of Francis Williams is
Not fantasy but it is fact!
In the 1700’s a story did unfold.
It was about racism of old. It seems
A man from the islands completed
An extraordinary feat, he calculated
And observed Halley’s Comet return
Confirming Halley’s prediction, it was
Sweet! Many years before in a meeting
Of the Royal Society in London where
Newton and Halley were in attendance,
Membership had been denied him
Because he was black. But this black
Man confirmed their science you see.
Think of what knowledge we’d have if
All men were free. But at that time it was
Not to be because even a free black man
Wasn’t free. In that society it wasn’t to be,
Even the philosopher David Hume thought
He was an inferior being you see!
Recently, the IAU named an asteroid
In his honor, in April of 2025! So, now take
Notice, pay attention please, know that
Black scientists are a real human breed!
.
.
This poem was inspired by the description found at the site below!
.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Williams_(polymath)
#poetry