Black History Month: Spotlight on African American Mathematicians
As we reflect on Black History Month, it is important to shine a light on the achievements of African Americans in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Countless African American men and women have made significant contributions to the STEM field while navigating discrimination due to their race and gender. Let’s shine a spotlight on 3 unsung heroes in STEM and be inspired by their stories.
Dr. Ernest Wilkins, Jr - Mathematician, Physicist
Dr. Ernest Wilkins, Jr. began making history early on in his life. He was a child genius who enrolled in the University of Chicago in 1936 at only 13 years old, becoming one of the youngest students to ever attend the university. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics at 17, a master’s in mathematics at 18 and a Ph.D. in mathematics at just 19 years old! At that time, he was the 7th African American to ever receive a Ph.D. in Mathematics.
After graduating from the University of Chicago, Wilkins started his professional career performing research on how to produce nuclear materials, as the United States was involved in World War II. At the end of the war in 1945, Wilkins returned to working as a mathematician for a company that produced and tested optical devices such as microscopes and telescopes. He then went on to earn another bachelors’ and masters’ degree in mechanical engineering from New York University. Wilkins now had 5 advanced degrees!
Beginning in the 1970s, Wilkins transitioned to teaching, becoming an Applied Mathematical Physics professor at Howard University, a distinguished historically black college and university in Washington, DC. While at Howard University, he started the Ph.D. program in mathematics that is still ongoing today. He also served as the president of the American Nuclear Society and was elected to the National Academy of Engineering, only the 2nd African American in the academy at that time.
Dr. Euphemia Haynes - Mathematician
Dr. Euphemia Hayes holds the distinction of being the first African American woman to receive a doctoral degree in mathematics, earning the degree from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC in 1943.
Prior to receiving her doctorate, Haynes founded the mathematics department at Miner Teachers College in 1930. Now known as The University of the District of Columbia, the college’s previous mission was to train African American teachers.
Dr. Hayes continued to be a strong advocate for education later in her career, receiving an appointment to the District of Columbia Board of Education and becoming the first woman to serve on the board. She successfully served as president for one term in 1967, where she worked to end legal segregation within DC’s schools.
In recognition of her work, Dr. Hayes received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal (translated in Latin as “Church and Pope) from Pope John XXIII in 1959. This distinction is the highest honor that can be given by the pope to non-clergy members.
Dr. Elbert Frank Cox: Mathematician
The first Ph.D. in Mathematics given to an African American man was earned by Elbert Frank Cox. Dr. Cox received his doctorate in 1925 from Cornell University, an Ivy League university in New York.
A few years after earning his doctorate, Cox began teaching at Howard University, where he remained for nearly 40 years until his retirement in 1965. In 1975, the Howard University Mathematics Department began offering a Ph.D. program in Mathematics, establishing the Elbert F. Cox Scholarship Fund for undergraduate math majors to encourage Black students to continue to study math at the graduate level.
In 1980, the National Association of Mathematicians honored Cox with the inaugural Cox-Talbot Lecture, which is held annually at the association’s banquet. (Fun Fact: The second namesake of the lecture is Walter Richard Talbot, the fourth African American to earn a doctorate degree in mathematics). The lecture is given by a mathematical scientist or educator who matches the contributions of Dr. Cox and models his example of being of service to others.
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The accomplishments of the men and woman we have highlighted can serve as an example of the endless possibilities the field of mathematics and other STEM fields can provide. Their stories also show how mathematics opens the door to collaboration. If your child likes mathematics and engineering or mathematics and technology, they don’t have to choose! They can combine their interests and chart their own path.
We are here at Mathnasium to help your child discover and grow their interest in mathematics. We are ready to support and encourage your child on their math journey! We offer specialized math instruction for children starting from 2nd up to 12th grade, in person and online. Give us a call today or reach out to us online to get started with your child’s free assessment.
