Two Black teens from New Orleans may have made mathematical history by proving the Pythagorean theorem by using trigonometry.
In a presentation at one of the nation’s most esteemed math societies, the girls claimed they’ve done something that no academic in the past 2,000 years has done.
Calcea Johnson and Ne’Kiya Jackson presented their findings at the American Mathematical Society’s Annual Southeastern Conference on Saturday, March 18. While both young ladies authored the research, only Jackson presented in this special session for undergraduates in the study of mathematics and statistics.
The young ladies were motivated by their teachers who stressed the school’s motto.
“Our slogan is ‘No Excellence Without Hard Labor.’ So, they definitely push us,” Johnson said about their support from the educators in her school, reports 4WWL.
While other presenters hailed from institutions like Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Clemson University, Florida State University, Carleton College, and California State University, the two seniors at St. Mary’s Academy in New Orleans were the only presenters who were still in high school.
“You don’t see kids like us doing this. It’s usually like you have to be an adult to do this,” Johnson remarked.
The two were proud of their presentation — especially standing side by side with other older scholars who are now their peers.
“It’s really an unparalleled feeling, honestly, because there’s just nothing like being able to do something that people don’t think young people can do,” Johnson said.
Adding, “A lot of times you see this stuff, you don’t see kids like us doing it.
St. Mary’s Academy is a predominantly Black Catholic institution, with 99.8 percent of its more than 400 students identifying as Black. Sources say the teachers are engaging and “genuinely care about the students” while pushing them toward…
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