When John Forte of the Refugee Camp rapped “Mathematics was the key to set my whole race free” (1) it spoke to a profound truth of Afrikan history that maths and its techno-cultural descendants began in Afrika. However, the history of mathematics tends to focus on the achievements of Greek, Indian, Chinese and Arabic civilisations – to the exclusion of Afrika save, perhaps Kemet (which has its own dynamics). (2) A key factor in this was the rupture caused by the Maafa. (3) Thus, it could be argued that our oppression coincides with our mathematical dislocation.
On a basic contemporary level there is also evidence that this dislocation is being foisted on our children. For example, even when a child’s family circumstances and prior attainment were taken into account, Black Caribbean students were only two-thirds as likely as white students to be entered for the highest level of maths exams at age 14. Since these decisions are taken months before the exams are sat, they can influence how a child perceives their own mathematical ability accompanied by the tragic refrain: “I’m no good at maths.”. (4)
One response to this by a group of Mathematicians at University College London has been to establish Black Mathematician Month throughout the entirety of October alongside the 30th anniversary of Black History Month in 2017 to actively promote the work of black mathematicians from around the world. (5)
Consequently, the idea emerges that re-connecting with Afrika’s rich mathematical legacy could be a foundation of our technological renaissance. Someone who certainly thinks this is the case is Bro. Issac Anoom, aka Mr. Numbervator a maths consultant who is: “utterly dedicated to getting the essential skills and concepts of Maths across to the younger generation in an imaginative, action packed, challenging fun way which extends children’s thinking.” (6)
In a bid to bring this work to even more young people Mr. Numbervator has partnered with Sovereign Comics to create a maths comic book series along with differentiated activity books as well as numeracy workshops designed for primary school children using these resources (https://www.sovereigncomics.co.uk/sovereign-comics-press-pack).
As indicated earlier, mathematics was central to Afrikan spirituality, culture, science technology and economics. (7) It will be interesting to see, if these efforts begin to make inroads, what impact they will have on the community.
(1) Fugees feat. A Tribe Called Quest, Busta Rhymes and John Forté (1997) Rumble in the Jungle. Mercury Records
(2) Michael Brooks (21/10/21) Mathematics in Africa has been written out of history books – it’s time we reminded the world of its rich past. https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/african-mathematics-black-history-b1944288.html; Ivan Van Sertima (1983) The Lost Sciences Of Africa: An Overview in Van Sertima (Ed) Blacks In Science: ancient and modern. Transaction Publishers. p. 14
(3) Ibid.
(4) Nikoleta Kalaydzhieva, Sean Jamshidi & Rafael Prieto Curiel (03/10/17) October is Black Mathematician Month. https://www.lms.ac.uk/news-entry/03102017-1422/october-black-mathematician-month
(5) Nikoleta Kalaydzhieva, Sean Jamshidi, Eleanor Doman and Jessie Renton (04/10/18) Black Mathematician Month 2018. https://chalkdustmagazine.com/black-mathematician-month/black-mathematician-month-2018/
(6) Afrika Speaks with Alkebu-Lan on Galaxy Radio (14/09/20) Why does maths matter? https://www.mixcloud.com/AfrikaSpeaks/why-does-maths-matter-140920/
(7) Kamau Beyete A. Sadiki (1991) African Origins of Science & Math. https://www.africa.upenn.edu/Bibliography/African_Origins_Math.html
We ask the question:
Can we do the maths?
1) What do we know about the role of maths in pre-colonial Afrika?
2) Do our children really struggle with maths?
3) Would knowing about prominent mathematicians help our children?
4) What effect would increased mathematical literacy have on the community?
Our special Guests:
Bro. Paul Nelson: co-founder / writer for Sovereign Comics. Has held roles in HM government’s cabinet office, project management, sales/marketing, with 17 years as a professional writer notably in music and publishing. Outstanding achievements in music (as Phoenix Da IceFire) include an AIM award nominated album, performances with Wu Tang Clan, Big Daddy Kane, KRS One and many more.
Bro. Dean Richards: co-founder, editor, art director, and character designer at Sovereign Comics. Has 22 years’ experience in visual media (illustration, 2d and 3d animation, digital film making, script writing, and broadcast radio) with visual effects credits in feature films. Worked with BBC, ITN, Saatchi and Saatchi and various blue-chip companies.
Bro. Isaac Anoom: (AKA Mr. Numbervator): is an OFSTED-commended, Key Stage 1-3 maths consultant who designs school development plans to improve learning outcomes in maths. A recipient of the ‘Teacher of the Year’ award, he has served as Primary Maths Advisor for Guernsey and continues to write and present maths programmes for the BBC. Isaac has received letters of commendation from the Secretary of State for Education as well as mathematics consultants, teachers and parents.)