Happy Pi Day! Cheers to black female mathematicians. Today, March 14 (3/14), marks the annual celebration because the date represents the first three digits of the mathematical constant π (pi), approximately 3.14159. The history of Pi Day dates back to 1988 when physicist Larry Shaw at the Exploratorium in San Francisco organized the first official celebration. Shaw and his colleagues at the museum marked the occasion by marching in a circle and eating pi(e)—a fun play on words.
Over the years, Pi Day grew in popularity, becoming a global celebration of mathematics. In 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives officially recognized March 14 as National Pi Day, further solidifying its significance in math and education.
Pi has been studied for thousands of years, with its origins in ancient civilizations like Babylon and Egypt.
Here, we are celebrating the impact of Black women in mathematics, historically and presently.
Mathematics has long been an essential field in advancing society, and African American women have played a significant yet often overlooked role in its progress. From breaking racial and gender barriers to pioneering space exploration and education, these remarkable women have left a lasting impact. Their stories of perseverance and brilliance inspire future generations to pursue careers in STEM.
Trailblazers Who Paved the Way
Euphemia Haynes (1890-1980): The First African American Woman to Earn a Ph.D. in Mathematics
Euphemia Haynes was a pioneer, becoming the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics in 1943 from from the Catholic University of America. As an educator and advocate, she dedicated her life to improving math education in Washington, D.C., and worked tirelessly to ensure equitable education for Black students. Her contributions laid the foundation for future mathematicians to excel in academia and beyond.
Dorothy Vaughan (1910-2008): NASA’s First African American Manager
Dorothy Vaughan was a mathematician and a human computer at NASA. As the head of the segregated West Area Computing Unit at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), she broke barriers and became NASA’s first African American manager. With the advent of electronic computers, Vaughan became an expert in Fortran, ensuring that African American women had a place in the future of technology and programming. Her story, highlighted in the film Hidden Figures, showcases her extraordinary contributions to the space race. Octavia Spencer portrayed her.
Marjorie Lee Browne (1914-1979): Advocate for Minority Representation in Mathematics
One of the first African American women to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics, Marjorie Lee Browne dedicated her career to mentoring minority students and encouraging women to pursue mathematics. She spent 30 years at North Carolina College, where she shaped the future of Black mathematicians through research and education.
Katherine Johnson (1918-2020): A Mathematical Genius Who Sent Astronauts to Space
Katherine Johnson’s contributions to NASA were so impactful that astronaut John Glenn requested her to verify complex orbital calculations before his historic 1962 flight. Johnson’s mathematical genius helped launch the first American into space and paved the way for future exploration. Her story, highlighted in the film Hidden Figures, showcases her extraordinary contributions to the space race. Taraji P. Henson portrayed her.
Mary Jackson (1921-2005): NASA’s First Black Female Engineer
Mary Jackson’s journey from being a human computer under Dorothy Vaughan to becoming NASA’s first Black female engineer is a testament to her determination. When faced with barriers to advancement, she shifted roles to influence hiring and promotion policies for female engineers and scientists at NASA, ensuring that future generations had access to opportunities. Her story, highlighted in the film Hidden Figures, showcases her extraordinary contributions to the space race. Janelle Monáe portrayed her.
Modern Mathematicians Leading the Way
Dr. Erica Nicole Walker (b. 1971): Advocating for Racial and Gender Equity in Mathematics
As the Dean at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, Dr. Erica Nicole Walker’s research focuses on racial and gender equity in mathematics education. Her work ensures that underrepresented students persist in advanced mathematics, helping to shape a more inclusive academic landscape.
Dr. Nicole M. Joseph (b. 1971): Elevating Black Girls and Women in Mathematics
An associate professor at Vanderbilt University, Dr. Nicole M. Joseph is dedicated to researching the identity development of Black girls and women in mathematics. Through her Joseph Mathematics Education Research Lab (JMEL), she mentors scholars and fosters an intersectional approach to mathematics education, ensuring that Black women have a strong presence in the field.
Dr. Talitha Washington (b. 1974): A Champion for Data Science and Equity
Dr. Talitha Washington’s impact in mathematics extends beyond academia. As the Center for Applied Data Science and Analytics (CADSA) Executive Director at Howard University, she is pioneering efforts to increase Black representation in data science. The Spelman College graduate also served as the inaugural Director of the Atlanta University Center Data Science Initiative, which developed data-based solutions for societal challenges. Her leadership in the Association for Women in Mathematics solidifies her as a trailblazer in STEM.
The Legacy Continues
The contributions of these phenomenal African American women in mathematics go far beyond their achievements. They have collectively reshaped the field, proving that Black women belong in every aspect of STEM. From historical pioneers like Euphemia Haynes and Dorothy Vaughan to contemporary leaders like Drs. Talitha Washington and Nicole Joseph, their legacy inspires generations to break barriers and reach new heights in mathematics.
Their stories are a testament to the power of perseverance, intellect, and the importance of representation. For college-educated Black professionals and aspiring mathematicians, these women serve as a beacon of possibility and proof that excellence in mathematics is not only attainable but also transformative. Their legacies remind us that when doors are opened, generations of future scholars, educators, and scientists will walk through them, carrying the torch of progress even further.
