In their preface to Banneker's 1792 almanac, the editors of the work wrote that they:"feel themselves gratified in the Opportunity of presenting to the Public, through the Medium of their Press, what must be considered as an extraordinary Effort of Genius" — a complete and accurate EPHEMERIS for the Year 1792," calculated by a Descendant of "Africa," ... — They flatter themselves that a philanthropic Public, in this enlightened Era, will be induced to give their Patronage and Support to "this Work", not only on Account of its intrinsic Merit, (it having met the of several of the most distinguished Astronomers in America, particularly the celebrated Mr. "Rittenhouse") but from similar Motives to those which induced the Editors to give this Calculation the Preference, the ardent desire of drawing modest Merit from Obscurity, and controverting the long-established illiberal Prejudice against the "Blacks".