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Dec 15, 2021 · Published: Dec 15, 2021. Updated: Jul 28, 2023. Our list of influential Black mathematicians is as diverse as the field of study. These leaders in the field of mathematics are paving the way for the next generation of mathematicians, working in areas such as robotics, academia, national security, astronomy, and more.
Feb 5, 2024 · Benjamin Banneker (1731-1806) Banneker, a mostly self-educated man in mathematics and astronomy, is best known for building America’s first clock—a wooden device that struck hourly. Using his rich understanding of trigonometry and astronomy, he accurately predicted a solar eclipse in 1789. Banneker was also a passionate civil rights advocate.
This list catalogs Wikipedia articles on African Americans in mathematics, as well as early recipients of doctoral degrees in mathematics and mathematics education and other landmarks, and books and studies about African-American mathematicians.
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- And Some Free Classroom Resources For Your Instruction
- George Washington Carver
- Percy Julian
- Mae Carol Jemison
- Katherine Johnson
- Gladys West
- Marie M. Daly
- Edward Bouchet
- Annie Easley
- Walter Lincoln Hawkins
Helping your students see the possibilities of careers in STEM fields means providing them with diverse role models. Black History Month provides teachers with an opportunity to feature the stories and voices of black scientists, engineers and mathematicians in the context of their science instruction. We have made a list of some of the top Black s...
1860s – January 5, 1943 Field: Botanist, Inventor and Teacher Known for: Born into slavery, George Washington Carver became a foremost botanist, inventor and teacher. He invented over 300 uses for the peanut and developed methods to prevent soil depletion. He was made a member British Royal Society of Arts — a rare honor for an American – and advis...
1899–1975 Field: Civil Rights Activist, Medical Professional, Scientist, Chemist, Academic Known for: Percy Julian was a research chemist and pioneer in the chemical synthesis of medicinal drugs from plants, such as cortisone, steroids and birth control pills. He was inducted into the National Academy of the Sciences, National Inventors Hall of Fam...
October 17, 1956 -- Field: Engineer, Physician and NASA astronaut Known for: American engineer, physician and NASA astronaut, Mae Carol Jemison became the first African American woman to travel in space when she went into orbit aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on September 12, 1992. Resource: The Secret Life of Scientists & Engineers | Mae Jemiso...
August 26, 1918 – Field: Mathematician Known for: Katherine Johnson is best known for her major contributions to the United States' aeronautics and space programs with the early application of digital electronic computers. Her work was recently recognized and featured in the movie Hidden Figures. Resource: Katherine Johnson | NASA Computer | Video ...
1930 -- Field: Mathematician Known for:Born and raised in Virginia, Gladys West leveraged her mathematical and programming expertise to invent an accurate model of the Earth which was used as the foundation for the creation of the Global Positioning System (GPS). She was the second black woman ever to be employed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center...
1921–2003 Field: Chemist, Researcher and Activist Known for: Marie Daly was the first African-American woman to receive a Ph.D. in chemistry in the United States. She worked closely with scientist Dr. Quentin B. Deming and their work opened up a new understanding of how foods and diet can affect the health of the heart and the circulatory system. R...
September 15, 1852 – October 28, 1918 Field: physicist and educator Known for: The first African-American to earn a Ph.D. from any American university and the sixth person of any race to receive a Ph.D. in physics from an American university. He taught science at the Institute for Colored Youth for 26 years. Resource: Historical Detective: Edward A...
April 23, 1933 – June 25, 2011 Field: computer scientist, mathematician, and rocket scientist Known for: Annie Easley worked at NASA as a “human computer,” performing complex mathematical calculations. She evolved with the technology -- becoming an adept computer programmer and helped develop and implement code for numerous projects. Resource: Biog...
March 21, 1911 – August 20, 1992 Field: polymer chemists, scientist and inventor Known for: Walter Hawkins is best known for inventing a plastic coating for telephone wires that made universal service possible. He is a recipient of the National Medal of Technology and an inductee of the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Resource: Biography: W. Linco...
This list of African-American inventors and scientists documents many of the African Americans who have invented a multitude of items or made discoveries in the course of their lives. These have ranged from practical everyday devices to applications and scientific discoveries in diverse fields, including physics, biology, math, and medicine.
NameYearsOccupation (s)Inventions / Accomplishments1958–Electrical engineerFirst African American to serve as a ...1940–Physicist, inventorInvented a method of fabricating an ...1888–1958Civil engineerResponsible for the construction of many ...Ammons, VirgieDecember 29, 1908 – July 12, 2000InventorFiled the fireplace throat damper patent ...Mar 14, 2024 · Journeys of Black Mathematicians: Forging Resilience Zala Films Directed by George Csicsery. What does a mathematician look like? Standing in front of a room of Black children aged six to twelve ...
15 hours ago · How mathematician Freeman Hrabowski opened doors for Black scientists. Over 30 years, the scholarship programme Hrabowski founded has supported more than 1,500 Black students. He spoke to Nature ...
