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The Legacy of George Washington Carver, 'An Uncommon Man'

Francis Benjamin Johnston
/
Library of Congress

George Washington Carver's journey from slavery to scientific accomplishment has inspired millions. But over time, many of his greatest accomplishments have been overshadowed by his reputation as "that peanut man."

On this episode of Talk of Iowa, Charity Nebbe chats with the makers of ​"George Washington Carver: An Uncommon Man," a documentary premiering tonight at 8 pm on Iowa Public Television. Producer and director Laurel Bower and Paxton Williams, associate producer of the film, discuss Carver's life and work. Dana Chandler, University Archivist at Tuskegee University in Alabama, provides insight into Carver's legacy today.

"Carver’s work is transcendent, beyond what he may have accomplished in Iowa State," Chandler says. 

"I think that his legacy, the fact that you have so many people around the world who are still accessing that material and using it to make their lives better, that is his legacy."