In interviews with dozens of notable Black mathematicians, Journeys of Black Mathematicians gives the viewer an in-depth glimpse into history and Black academic excellence. This comprehensive documentary connects each subject with history, mathematics, and personal passion in the hope of inspiring young math fanatics to follow in their footsteps and preserve their unique stories. With a laser focus, this simple documentary doesn’t waver from its course in a single moment.
Journeys of Black Mathematicians is single-minded in its pursuit but incredibly multi-faceted in its observations because of the nature of personal histories. Each of the mathematicians interviewed has their own unique firsts and accomplishments, and I wish I had the space to credit each one here because this film is a regular Pantheon of Black academic accomplishment: Some completed unsolved problems, others rewrote the rule book with their theorems, but each and every one of them opened doors for others to follow in their footsteps, assuring academia opened to Black men and women and taking students under their wing.
Style-wise, Journeys of Black Mathematicians can run a bit dry, but those interested in Black history, mathematics, and education will be less likely to think so. Those viewers will be enraptured by interview after interview with groundbreaking experts in varied mathematical fields. Some work with algebra, others with physics, and still others with statistics or pure math. This makes Journeys of Black Mathematicians a must-have for educational libraries, especially in pre-college collections.
From my own experience in the classroom, I could see this documentary doing best in junior high and high school math classes. Those kids would be the proper age to be inspired by these stories while also thinking about higher education and a career. In higher education settings, Black history classes will see the most use in Journeys of Black Mathematicians, and in public libraries, the documentary would be a perfect fit in mathematics documentary collections. Highly Recommended.
How can Journeys of Black Mathematicians be integrated into public libraries’ collection development?
Journeys of Black Mathematicians is a comprehensive and inspiring documentary that highlights the stories of numerous Black mathematicians, offering both historical context and personal narratives that can encourage future generations. For public libraries, this documentary would be an invaluable addition to collections focused on education, history, diversity, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Its ability to connect history, personal experiences, and academic excellence makes it an essential tool for libraries aiming to inspire young learners, particularly those interested in math or looking to see the possibilities within academic careers. Libraries in diverse communities will also find this film particularly relevant in broadening access to positive role models in academia.
What college courses and majors could benefit from using Journeys of Black Mathematicians?
Journeys of Black Mathematicians would be a great supplement for a variety of college courses and majors, particularly those in STEM fields. Math departments could use it to inspire students by showcasing real-life Black mathematicians who have made groundbreaking contributions to the field. History and sociology students could use the documentary to explore the intersection of race, history, and academia. Additionally, education majors could benefit from understanding how the documentary addresses mentorship, the importance of representation, and the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in academic settings. The film's focus on diversity in math makes it a valuable resource for any course discussing equity in education, STEM, or racial history in the U.S.
How could Journeys of Black Mathematicians enhance special events on college campuses?
Journeys of Black Mathematicians would be a wonderful addition to special events on college campuses, particularly for events focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. It could be showcased during Black History Month, math conferences, or student-led discussions about race and representation in STEM fields. The documentary provides a unique opportunity to host panels with faculty members, Black mathematicians, or diversity advocates who can discuss the challenges and triumphs highlighted in the film. This would not only inspire students but also encourage cross-disciplinary conversations between math departments, sociology, history, and even philosophy courses, where students can engage deeply with issues of representation and access in higher education.
Why is Journeys of Black Mathematicians a strong candidate for movie licensing?
Journeys of Black Mathematicians is a strong candidate for movie licensing because it fills a crucial gap in both educational content and representation in STEM fields. Its focus on Black mathematicians is timely and highly relevant for schools, libraries, and universities aiming to diversify their educational offerings and promote inclusivity within the sciences. The documentary’s compelling narratives of perseverance, success, and academic excellence provide both inspiration and education. Licensing it for educational institutions, especially those focused on math, history, or diversity studies, would ensure that this valuable resource reaches a broad audience, particularly students who can benefit from seeing diverse role models in the field of mathematics.