A hybrid workshop at Howard University / on Zoom
Mathematician Elbert Cox, PhD 1925, is a legend in his field: when he graduated from Cornell nearly a century ago, he became the first Black person to earn a doctorate in math, not only in this country but anywhere in the world. And after breaking that barrier, he went on to a lifetime of teaching and mentorship, holding the door open behind him for others. Within two decades, some two dozen African Americans had followed in Cox’s footsteps by receiving PhDs from Cornell—including seven in math or physics.
On Saturday, September 27, Professor Laurent Saloff-Coste, the Cornell Math Department historian, will give a presentation about Cox's time at Cornell.
In a recent Cornellians article, Cornell mathematics chair Tara Holm reflected: “At that time, it was hard for nonwhite people to be admitted to just about any institution—but from the very beginning, Cornell has had a legacy of accepting students of all races. So in many ways it was incredibly remarkable for Cox to have earned his PhD, and in others it was just business as usual at Cornell.”
Cox studied theoretical math; as Holm explains it, “he used abstract mathematical structures to better understand patterns in numbers.”
But he also had wide-ranging interests, taking courses in physics, botany, zoology, chemistry, and even dairy science.
(Full Article: Remembering the Cornellian Who Broke Racial Barriers in Math - Cornellians | Cornell University)
The Cox Centennial Celebration at Howard University and on Zoom will honor the Legacy of Elbert Cox with a hybrid event, held Sept 26-27, 2025. It will feature interactive presentations, including Saloff-Coste's, illustrating the achievements and impact of Dr. Cox. Scholars, educators, students, and community members will gather for two powerful days of reflection, learning, and connection.
For more details about the Centennial and schedule of the events, please visit:
Cox Centennial Celebration of 100 Years of Black PhD Mathematicians - Howard University
