Elbert Frank Cox was an American mathematician who became the first Black person in the world to receive a Ph.D. in mathematics. He spent most of his life as a professor at Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he was known for his excellent teaching. Throughout his life, he faced numerous challenges because of his race. In his honor, the National Association of Mathematicians established the Cox-Talbert Address, which is presented annually at the NAM’s national meetings. Additionally, the Elbert F. Cox Scholarship Fund, which supports Black students pursuing studies in mathematics, is named in his honor.
Cox was born in Evansville, Indiana, to Johnson D. Cox, a Kentucky-born teacher active in the church, and Eugenia Talbot Cox. He grew up with his parents, maternal grandmother, and two brothers in…
