Born: September 11, 1890 (Washington, D.C.)
Died: July 25, 1980
Biography:
Martha Euphemia Lofton Haynes (September 11, 1890 – July 25, 1980) was an American mathematician and educator. She was the first African-American woman to earn a PhD in mathematics, which she earned from the Catholic University of America in 1943.
Euphemia Lofton was born on September 11, 1890, in Washington, D.C. She was the first child and only daughter of William S. Lofton, a dentist and financier, and Lavinia Day Lofton, a kindergarten teacher. From an early age, Euphemia showed a strong aptitude for academics, and this was further nurtured by her parents.
Euphemia attended M Street High School, where she excelled both academically and socially. In 1907, she became the valedictorian of her graduating class, an accomplishment that foreshadowed her future success. She then went on to graduate from the Normal School for Colored Girls (now known as the University of the District of Columbia) in 1909, earning a degree in education with distinction.
Euphemia’s passion for mathematics led her to pursue further education. In 1914, she graduated from Smith College with an undergraduate mathematics major and a minor in psychology. She then went on to earn a master’s degree in education from the University of Chicago in 1930.
Undeterred by the challenges faced by African-American women in academia, Euphemia embarked on her groundbreaking journey to earn a PhD in mathematics. In 1943, she accomplished this remarkable feat, becoming the first African-American woman to do so. Her dissertation, titled The Determination of Sets of Independent Conditions Characterizing Certain Special Cases of Symmetric Correspondences, was supervised by Aubrey E. Landry.
Throughout her career, Euphemia made significant contributions to the educational system in Washington, D.C. She taught in the public schools for 47 years, leaving an indelible impact on countless students. Euphemia’s commitment to education was evident not only in the classroom but also in her role as the first woman to chair the DC Board of Education from 1966 to 1967.
During her tenure on the DC Board of Education, Euphemia was a vocal critic of the track system that disadvantaged African-American students by assigning them to tracks that left them unprepared for college. Her advocacy work played a pivotal role in the filing of Hobson v. Hansen (1967), a landmark court case that ultimately led to the end of the track system in Washington, D.C.
Euphemia’s dedication and expertise in mathematics were widely recognized. In addition to teaching in various schools, she was a professor of mathematics at the University of the District of Columbia, where she also served as the chair of the Division of Mathematics and Business Education. She aimed to empower African-American teachers through her department, which focused on training teachers who could inspire and educate future generations.
Euphemia retired from the public school system in 1959 but continued to make significant contributions to the field of mathematics. She established the mathematics department at the University of the District of Columbia and occasionally taught part-time at Howard University.
Beyond her accomplishments in mathematics and education, Euphemia was actively involved in various community activities. She served as the first vice president of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women, chair of the advisory board of Fides Neighborhood House, and on the executive committee of the National Social Welfare Assembly, among other roles.
Euphemia Haynes left an enduring legacy as a trailblazer in mathematics and education. Her notable achievements and dedication to advancing opportunities for African-Americans have positioned her as an influential figure in both women’s history and the fight for equality. Her tireless efforts continue to inspire generations of mathematicians, educators, and advocates for social justice.