Elbert Frank Cox
First Black person in the world to earn a PhD in mathematics.
Their Story
Elbert Frank Cox was an American mathematician who, in 1925, became the first Black person known to earn a doctorate in mathematics. He spent much of his career teaching at Howard University, where he inspired many students. His work focused on areas of algebra and difference equations.
Era
1900s
Field
Mathematics
Elbert Frank Cox
First Black person in the world to earn a PhD in mathematics.
Math · Mathematics · 1900s · Black Innovators
Their Story
Elbert Frank Cox was an American mathematician who, in 1925, became the first Black person known to earn a doctorate in mathematics. He spent much of his career teaching at Howard University, where he inspired many students. His work focused on areas of algebra and difference equations.
Key Innovation
Earned the first mathematics doctorate awarded to a Black person and mentored future mathematicians.
Why It Matters Today
His example reminds students that persistence can break barriers others said were impossible.
Learn More
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elbert_Frank_Cox
Wilkinson STEM Education Foundation · 251 American Innovators · wilkinsonstemfoundation.org
