WASHINGTON – Howard University kicks off the National Math Festival on Friday, May 3, inside the Founders Library Browsing Room, with “Math, Politics, and ‘The Negro Genius’: The Story of J Ernest Wilkins, Jr.,’ featuring Talitha Washington, Ph.D., associate professor of mathematics, as the presented speaker. The presentation, sponsored by the Department of Mathematics, is free to the public and will explore the story of J Ernest Wilkins, a pioneering mathematician during the civil rights era who became known as the “Negro Genius.” The lecture begins at 6 p.m., preceded by a reception at 5 p.m.

“I look forward to sharing the fascinating story of J. Ernest Wilkins. At the age of 19, he earned a doctorate in mathematics from the University of Chicago. By the time he was 21 years old, he was conducting research with the Manhattan Project which developed atomic bombs during World War II,” Washington says.

Organized by the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI), in cooperation with the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath), and the National Association of Mathematicians (NAM), the National Math Festival brings together some of the most fascinating present-day mathematicians to inspire and challenge all ages to see math in new and unexpected ways.

Those attending Howard’s kickoff event for the National Math Festival are encouraged to attend the main event, taking place Saturday, May 4, at 10 a.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Festival guests will be able to explore playful lectures on the math behind how the world works, along with creative short films, performances, team sports challenges, and more. For more information on the National Math Festival, visit https://www.nationalmathfestival.org.

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ABOUT HOWARD UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, two Marshall Scholars, one Schwarzman Scholar, over 70 Fulbright Scholars and 22 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States.  For more information on Howard University visit www.howard.edu

MEDIA CONTACT: Ramzey Smith, Office of University Communications, Ramzey.smith@howard.edu