On March 14th, the world celebrates Pi Day, an occasion marked by the mathematical constant pi (Ï€), represented by the first three digits 3.14. This year, Blooms.live shines a spotlight on a remarkable figure in the history of mathematics, Euphemia Lofton Haynes, the first Black woman to achieve a PhD in Mathematics.
Born into the post-Civil War era on September 11, 1890, in Washington, D.C., Euphemia was a beacon of intellect and determination from a young age. The daughter of a respected kindergarten teacher and a prominent dentist who was part of Washington D.C.’s elite “Black 400,” Euphemia’s upbringing was steeped in a tradition of excellence and societal contribution.
Euphemia, preferring her middle name over Martha, navigated her early education with a keen mind and a spirit of resilience. She emerged as the valedictorian of her high school in 1907, where she eloquently expressed the importance of having a defined purpose and the grace of perseverance through her speech.
Following her high school triumph, Euphemia embarked on a journey of academic and professional accomplishments. She graduated from Miner Normal School in 1909, followed by a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Smith College in 1914. Her quest for knowledge didn’t stop there; in 1930, she furthered her education with a master’s degree in education from the University of Chicago, where her thesis explored the nuances of educational assessments.
That same year marked the beginning of her significant contribution to teacher education as she founded the math department at Miner Teachers College, now known as the University of the District of Columbia. Here, Euphemia dedicated nearly three decades to training African American teachers and nurturing future leaders.
Euphemia Lofton Haynes’ historic moment came in 1943 when she was awarded a PhD in Mathematics from the Catholic University of America, a monumental achievement as the first Black woman to do so. Her dissertation, guided by Professor Aubrey Edward Landry, explored symmetric correspondences, highlighting her profound understanding and innovation in the field.
Beyond academia, Haynes was deeply committed to educational reform. In 1960, she joined the D.C. school board, where she utilized her expertise to advocate against discriminatory practices in public schools. Drawing from her master’s thesis, she opposed the use of IQ tests for student placement, which she argued contributed to the segregation and unequal treatment of African American students. Her efforts led to significant changes, including the abolishment of the tracking system that had long perpetuated educational inequality.
Haynes’ legacy as an educator, mathematician, and reformer remains impactful. In recognition of her contributions, the Catholic University of America established the Euphemia Lofton Haynes Award in 2018, honoring juniors who demonstrate excellence in mathematics.
Euphemia Lofton Haynes passed away at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire Black women in STEM fields. Her life’s work transcends her achievements in mathematics, serving as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of education as a tool for societal change.