3.15.24

Writing in Nature about Journeys of Black Mathematicians: Forging Resilience, Noelle Sawyer noted: "Teaching and learning at HBCUs is a point of pride throughout the documentary. These are places where Black maths students are nurtured rather than 'othered'. Many interviewees describe how the representation and support they found at these colleges propelled them into the field."

2.22.24

Following a screening of Journeys of Black Mathematicians: Forging Resilience on February 15 at the University of Washington, student reporter Amiya McLean wrote in her review in The Daily, "Black STEM faculty serve their students in dual capacities: not just as educators, but as role models for what students could be when they grow up. When students see representations of themselves in the fields they want to pursue, their dreams become more tangible."

2.15.24

The University of Washington Department of Mathematics, Department of Applied Mathematics and the Department of Statistics, in partnership with the Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute (SLMath), are hosting a screening of Journeys of Black Mathematicians: Forging Resilience on Thursday, February 15, 6 p.m. The screening will be at UW's Kane Hall Room 110, Seattle, WA. Learn more.

2.7.24

All are welcome to join the Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute (SLMath, formerly MSRI), and Zala Films at the first public premiere of Journeys of Black Mathematicians: Forging Resilience, at the David Brower Center, 2150 Allston Way, Berkeley, on Wednesday, February 7. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the screening at 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. A Q&A with filmmaker George Csicsery and a dessert reception will follow the screening. RSVPs are requested at https://slmath.ticketleap.com/jbm-film-berkeley/. Admission is free. The film will be shown with English language open captions.

1.11.24

George Csicsery of Zala Films writes about the making of Journeys of Black Mathematicians: Forging Resilience in the February 2024 issue of the Notices of the American Mathematical Society. In the article Csicsery shares how, with the support of the African American math community, and despite the onset of Covid-19 early in the project, he was able to interview more than 60 pioneer, mid-career and young mathematicians and filmed more than 200 hours of material for the project. Csicsery credits the National Association of Mathematicians (NAM), their griot, Johnny Houston, and the Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute (SLMath) for helping him shepherd the film to completion.

1.6.24

The Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute (SLMath) and the National Association of Mathematicians (NAM) invited JMM 2024 registrants to join them in San Francisco on January 6, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. for the world premiere of the newest documentary feature by director George Csicsery of Zala Films. The Journeys of Black Mathematicians documentary series explores the contributions of pioneering African Americans in mathematics. Forging Resilience, the first of two films, features interviews with contemporary Black American researchers and educators who discuss their experiences, struggles and accomplishments. The film surveys some innovative educational programs in math at every level from grade school through undergraduate and postdocs.

Tatiana Toro, director of SLMath, will introduce the film. A panel discussion following the screening features Johnny L. Houston, Elizabeth City State University/NAM; Emille Davie Lawrence, University of San Francisco; Duane A. Cooper, Morehouse College; Anisah Nu'Man, Spelman College; and Omayra Ortega, Sonoma State University/NAM.

The film will become available for streaming and public exhibition immediately after the premiere screening. See jbmfilm.com for more information.

12.1.23

Zala Films has produced a new promotional video. With a length of 11:27, Opening Doors to Mathematics: Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute (SLMath) is an introduction to SLMath's mission and activities.

The Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute (SLMath), formerly known as the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI), located in Berkeley, California, is one of the world's preeminent centers for collaborative research. Since 1982, the Institute's topic-focused programs have brought together emerging and leading minds in mathematics, in an environment that promotes creativity and the interchange of ideas. Learn more at slmath.org.

8.24.23

Secrets of the Surface: The Mathematical Vision of Maryam Mirzakhani has been listed as one of the "15 Offbeat Documentaries You Need to See to Believe" in Wealth of Geeks, a website about investing, weird side hustles and pop culture. In her description of the film, freelance writer Donna Freedman writes, "the documentary explains [Mirzakhani's] contributions to the field [of mathematics] in ways ordinary (non-genius) people can understand."

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