Cox, Elbert Frank

1895-1969 · Contribution: 1925-1965

Mathematics

First Black person in the world to earn a PhD in mathematics, awarded by Cornell University in 1925

Mathematics: collage image
Mathematics

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Quick facts

Born
1895-1969
Active since
1925-1965
Category
Mathematics

Impact on the world

Cox broke the ultimate barrier in mathematics as the first Black PhD in the field worldwide, and then spent four decades training the mathematicians who followed him.

An alternative history

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Sources

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    MacTutor History of Mathematics (University of St Andrews)

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