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arXiv · 2611.00125

Letter to a Young Black Mathematician: History, Storytelling, and Belonging in Mathematics

Ranthony A. Clark
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Abstract

What does it mean to tell the story of a mathematician? Written as a letter to a young Black mathematician, this article reflects on how stories shape our understanding of mathematics and our sense of belonging within the mathematical community. Through the lens of Hidden Figures Revealed, a project documenting Black mathematicians at The Ohio State University, I discuss humanity, mathematics, and context as three guiding principles for mathematical storytelling. In particular, I reflect on how this framework emerged through archival research, shaped historical narratives, and informed mathematical learning experiences.

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Ranthony A. Clark. 2026-10-29. Letter to a Young Black Mathematician: History, Storytelling, and Belonging in Mathematics. https://arxiv.org/abs/2611.00125

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