Euphemia Haynes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Euphemia Lofton Haynes
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| Born | September 11, 1890 Washington, D.C., United States
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| Died | July 25, 1980 (aged 89) Washington, D.C., United States
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| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | University of the District of Columbia, Smith College, University of Chicago, The Catholic University of America |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Mathematics |
| Thesis | Determination of Sets of Independent Conditions Characterizing Certain Special Cases of Symmetric Correspondences (1943) |
| Doctoral advisor | Aubrey Edward Landry |
Martha Euphemia Lofton Haynes (born September 11, 1890 – died July 25, 1980) was an amazing American mathematician and educator. She made history as the first African American woman to earn a PhD in mathematics. She received this special degree from the Catholic University of America in 1943.
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Early Life and Education
Euphemia Lofton was the only daughter of William S. Lofton, a dentist, and Lavinia Day Lofton, a kindergarten teacher. She was a very bright student from a young age.
In 1907, she was the top student, or valedictorian, at M Street High School. She then graduated with honors from the Normal School for Colored Girls in 1909. This school is now known as the University of the District of Columbia.
She continued her studies at Smith College, earning a degree in mathematics in 1914. In 1917, she married Harold Appo Haynes, who was also a teacher. She later earned a master's degree in education from the University of Chicago in 1930.
Her biggest academic achievement was earning her PhD in mathematics in 1943. She completed her studies at The Catholic University of America. Her important research paper was about "Symmetric Correspondences."
A Life in Education
Euphemia Lofton Haynes spent 47 years working in the public schools of Washington, D.C. She truly helped improve the city's education system.
In 1966, she became the first woman to lead the D.C. Board of Education. She served on the board until 1967. During her time there, she strongly spoke out against the "track system."
This system placed students into different learning paths, which she believed unfairly limited African American students. She argued that it kept them from being ready for college. Her efforts helped lead to a lawsuit, Hobson v. Hansen (1967), which ended the track system in D.C.
Haynes taught many different subjects and age groups. She taught first grade at Garrison and Garfield Schools. She also taught mathematics at Armstrong High School and was the head of the Math Department at Dunbar High School.
After retiring from the public school system in 1959, she didn't stop teaching. She started the mathematics department at the University of the District of Columbia. She also taught part-time at Howard University.
Community Involvement
Beyond her work in schools, Euphemia Lofton Haynes was very active in her community. She was involved in many groups that worked to help people.
She served as a leader in the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women. She also worked with groups like the National Urban League and the NAACP. These organizations worked to fight for civil rights and equality.
She was also a member of the League of Women Voters, which encourages people to vote. Her dedication showed how much she cared about making her community a better place for everyone.
Recognition and Legacy
Euphemia Lofton Haynes received special honors for her important work. In 1959, Pope John XXIII gave her the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award. This is a high honor from the Catholic Church. In 1998, she was named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Haynes passed away on July 25, 1980, in Washington, D.C. She left a generous gift of $700,000 to Catholic University. This money helps support a special teaching position and a student loan fund in the School of Education.
Her family's important papers are kept in the Catholic University archives. They tell the story of her amazing life and achievements.
In 2004, a public charter school in Washington, D.C., was named the E.L. Haynes Public Charter School in her honor. The Catholic University of America also created the Euphemia Lofton Haynes Award. This award celebrates outstanding junior mathematics students who show great promise in their studies.
Published Works
- Euphemia Lofton Haynes. The Historical Development of Tests in Elementary and Secondary Mathematics. University of Chicago, Department of Education (1930).
- Euphemia Lofton Haynes. Determination of Sets of Independent Conditions Characterizing Certain Special Cases of Symmetric Correspondences. Catholic University of America Press (1943).
See also
In Spanish: Euphemia Lofton Haynes para niños
