LANHAM, Md. (CBSDC/WPGC) — He found 300 uses for peanuts, but that was just one of George Washington Carver’s many contributions to society.

Carver, who was born into slavery in 1864 in Missouri, also is credited with inventing adhesives, mayonnaise, ink, instant coffee, shaving cream, shoe polish, plastic, metal polish and wood stain, to name a few.

In 1941, Time magazine called Carver a “Back Leonardo” for his amazing legacy of invention.

Washington’s pursuit of education when no schools would accept a black man is testament to his determination and talent. He became the first black student at Iowa State in 1891, and later taught there as the school’s first black faculty member.

Check back all month for WPGC’s tribute to Black History Month.

All-News 99.1 WNEW’s Cheryl Simone contributed to this report