This Black History Month, we are celebrating the extraordinary contribution of Black mathematicians towards the advancement of mathematics.
For Black History Month 2024, we are asking a hand-picked selection of prominent living Black mathematicians what Black History Month means to them, as well as their Black maths hero.
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Nathalie Ayi
Associate Professor, Sorbonne Université, Institut Universitaire de France
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month gives me the opportunity to discover figures who have unjustly remained in the shadows. I am glad they finally gain the recognition they deserve for their remarkable contributions to advancing sciences. It's a chance to celebrate their achievements, acknowledge the barriers they overcame, and reflect on how their work has shaped our world today.
Who is your black maths icon/hero?
My Black maths hero is Katherine Johnson, precisely for all the reasons I’ve mentioned earlier. She was an invaluable asset in several NASA missions, all while the United States was still deep in racial segregation. I find it truly admirable that she was able to rise to such a high level despite an extremely hostile historical context. Her mathematical brilliance and resilience in the face of systemic discrimination make her an inspiring figure for me.
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Professor Nira Chamberlain OBE
What does Black History Month mean to you?
At first Black History Month meant to me was a celebration of past Black achievement. Then in 2022 an incident occurred that change my mind.
In October 2022, Black History Month, I was invited to go a give a talk at a School in Brixton, London where 95% of its pupils are Black. On arrival, the school's representative told me that last year they had Stormzy (the British Rapper and global superstar) came and spoke to them. I said, "oh dear, no pressure!" Some of the comments from the pupils when they heard that a mathematician was coming, was "what on earth has mathematics to do with Black History Month?". Despite this, I gave my talk The Black Heroes of Mathematics - the story of how I and others became a mathematician despite the barriers placed before us. I gave the 200+ audience this rousing conclusion that said this:
"Sometimes, the world may marginalise you, overlook you, ignore you and even push you to one side. However, please remember one thing. You don't need anybody's permission to be a great mathematician!"
On hearing those words, every pupil started screaming and/or crying with joy. It was that moment I realised that Black History Month is not about the past, it is about the future too! To make this place a better world for everybody to live in,
Afterwards, I was surrounded by a large number of pupils, getting selfies and getting me to sign their maths books. One of the pupil came up to me and said, "Sir you are much better than Stormzy!" I said to him " Thank you so much, but please don't tell Stormzy that, as I do not want him to challenge me to a rap battle!"
Who is your black maths icon/hero
William Schieffelin Claytor one of the best mathematicians of his generation of any colour.
Edray Goins - I love reading his blog Diary of a Black Mathematician when I was a PhD student
Katherine Johnson - Her story was depicted in film Hidden Figures.
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Flavia H. Santos
Lecturer at Institute of Education, University College London
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month reminds us that despite barriers, scientific excellence has always existed among our ancestors and is our true inheritance—not slavery.
Who is your black maths icon/hero?
Prof Nira Chamberlain has achieved academic, scientific, and industry accolades. I highlight his dedication to making mathematics accessible to everyone. Likewise, I commend Dr Angela Tabiri, a mathematician, mathematics educator, and science communicator, for cultivating a passion for mathematics among African girls.
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Angela Tabiri
Research Associate and Academic Manager, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Ghana
What does Black History Month mean to me?
Black History Month is a reminder of the progress we have made in promoting diversity and inclusion. This also inspires me to initiate creative solutions to improve the representation of black people in diverse careers.
Who is your black maths icon/hero?
Katherine Johnson is my Black Hero of Mathematics