I still remember the first time someone told me that girls couldn’t do math. The words stung and colored my view of myself, along with my perception of girls and women around me. Even though the scar remains and is easily pricked by off-handed comments, I can look back now and realize that every counterexample I encountered helped me realize the truth - that anyone can do math.
Each and every counterexample also matters to our children, students, colleagues and community. These individuals provide powerful examples of mathematicians across identity markers and professions. Mathematician projects are becoming more common in classrooms across our county, and yet we can do more to introduce mathers that counter the narrative that so many of us are told about who can do math.
If you are looking to elevate the contributions of Black women in mathematics, Black Girl Mathgic offers a variety of resources including a Hall of Fame that provides bios on Black math pioneers. Quick introductions to a few mathematicians can be regularly delivered to your inbox and then shared with others by signing up for their newsletter. Recently, Dr. Gloria F. Gilmer (1928–2021) was highlighted for her work in the field of Ethnomathematics: the study of how math is used by different people in different cultures.
Whether you are helping someone to see themselves as a mathematician or helping to dispel false beliefs about who can do math, each and every counterexample adds up to send a powerful message - anyone can do math.
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