01/10/2026
Black History Month isn't only about looking back, it's also an opportunity to celebrate excellence in modern education, science & mathematics and the educators shaping the future of education and discovery
Here are just a few examples:
๐ NeโKiya Jackson & Calcea Johnson
While still high school students in New Orleans, they made history by discovering a new way to prove the 2,000-year-old Pythagorean theorem using trigonometry. Their work was presented to the American Mathematical Society in 2023.
๐งฎ Professor Kathleen Okikiolu
A British research mathematician who became the first Black woman to earn a PhD in mathematics from UCLA and has since had a distinguished research career, publishing 14 high quality research papers.
๐ Dr Mark Richards
A physicist and STEM outreach leader who has worked to connect young people with scientists and inspiring STEM role models by founding the UK's first network for Black physicists.
๐ฅผ Dr. Valerie Thomas
Invented NASA's 3D imaging technology (the illusion transmitter), which is the ancestor of modern 3D films and medical scanning. When she retired from NASA in 1995 she mentored young students in STEM.
๐ฉ๐พโ๐ซ Dr Beryl Gilroy
A pioneering educator who became London's first Black head teacher and made a lasting contribution to education, receiving several literary prizes in her lifetime.
These are just a few examples of Black people who have taught, researched, challenged ideas and opened doors for others.
And NeโKiya and Calcea's story is a particularly powerful reminder - you don't have to wait until you're older to make a meaningful contribution!
This Black History Month, let's celebrate the achievements happening now - and the people inspiring the next generation to see what might be possible.
Who would you add to the list?