African-American Mathematics: A Thread Through History

Eighth in the Annual Series of Symposia "Without Number: Mathematics and Culture"

Saturday, April 28, 2007
Boston University, CAS Building (College of Arts and Science) Room B12
685-725 Commonwealth Avenue

Start Time: 10:00 am - End Time: 5:00 pm

Continental Breakfast and Poster Session:
Showcasing the work of African-American Students 10:00-10:45 am

WELCOMING REMARKS 10:45
Kenneth Elmore, Dean of Students

Panel Discussion 11:00-12:30
African-American Mathematics: History for the Future

Moderator: Kenneth Elmore, Dean of Students, Boston University

Panelists:

  • Pierre-Richard Jean Cornely, Radio & Communication Propagation TIG, Chair, The Raytheon Company, and Institute For Advanced Mind Studies
  • Roscoe Giles, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University
  • Donald King,Department of Mathematics, Northeastern University
  • Alfred G. Noël, Department of Mathematics, The University of Massachusetts Boston
    Luncheon Reception: 12:30-2:00
    Keynote Address 2:00-3:00
    Chair: John Belcher, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Boston University
    "Reflections on becoming a mathematician - a personal perspective"

    Abstract

    An African American tells about how he fell in love with solving certain kinds of problems in high school and ended up becoming a mathematician; what life was like for him "way back when", and how it all ended up - gloriously. Some statistics on minority persons in mathematics and science are given. We also discuss the numerous benefits and great opportunities that currently exist for minority students who choose to study mathematics.

    Donald F. St. Mary, Professor Emeritus of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Massachusetts Amherst

    Coffee Break 3:00-3:30

    Panel Discussion 3:30-5:00
    African-American Mathematics: How to Succeed as Students

    Moderator: Terrence Richard Blackman, Department of Mathematics, Medgar Evers College, CUNY

    Panelists:

  • John Belcher, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Boston University
  • Peter Blair, Goldwater Scholar, APS Fellow, Mellon Fellow, Harvard University
  • Rajini Jesudason, The John F. Kennedy School of Government (Summer Program)
  • Vanessa Valdez, Social Justice Academy and Upward Bound