In a world where Black excellence often goes overlooked, two young women from New Orleans are here to remind us just how powerful, resilient, and brilliant we are. Meet Ne’Kiya Jackson and Calcea Johnson, two high school students from St. Mary’s Academy who shattered nearly 2,000 years of mathematical norms and carved a path for Black students everywhere. They didn’t just break barriers; they rewrote the rules, proving that Black brilliance is a force to be reckoned with.
Young Black Excellence at its Finest
In 2022, Jackson and Johnson, seniors at St. Mary’s Academy, took on a challenge that even the most experienced mathematicians had deemed nearly impossible. The task? To prove the Pythagorean Theorem using trigonometry—a feat thought to be unattainable, a puzzle that had stumped scholars for centuries.
But these two young women were undeterred. With determination, curiosity, and a dash of that unbreakable New Orleans spirit, they not only succeeded but also presented their groundbreaking work at the American Mathematical Society’s Spring Southeastern Sectional Meeting in March 2023. Their discovery wasn’t just a win for them; it was a win for every young Black student who’s been told what they can’t do.
Their work challenged a long-standing belief that trigonometric proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem were inherently circular. By shattering this assumption, Jackson and Johnson showed the world that the way we think about math—and who gets to be great at it—needs to change.
Their contributions were so powerful that they were awarded the keys to the city of New Orleans, and none other than Michelle Obama herself praised their achievements. Imagine that: two young Black women from New Orleans making waves in the world of mathematics and inspiring others across the country.
From High School to the Pages of Academic Journals
Jackson and Johnson didn’t stop with one groundbreaking proof. They kept pushing, kept digging, and kept finding more ways to show the world that math has no limits. Their journey continued with the publication of a lead article in The American Mathematical Monthly in November 2024. Titled “Five or Ten New Proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem,” their paper not only provided five brand-new proofs but also laid out a method that could reveal five more, totaling ten proofs.
Let that sink in. These young Black women provided nine entirely new ways of proving one of the most fundamental principles in mathematics, an accomplishment that echoes through history and will inspire future generations of mathematicians.
Their work isn’t just about mathematics; it’s about redefining what’s possible. By separating two versions of trigonometry often confused in academia, they’ve made this complex subject more accessible to students everywhere. They’ve shown that math can be inclusive, innovative, and empowering, especially when viewed through the lens of Black excellence.
A Legacy of Achievement and Inspiration
Jackson and Johnson’s accomplishments have garnered admiration worldwide, not just because they did something remarkable, but because they are shining examples of what’s possible when Black students are given the tools, encouragement, and support they deserve. They are proof that young Black minds are full of potential and brilliance just waiting to be unlocked.
These young women have inspired a generation, and their work emphasizes the importance of diversity in fields like mathematics, where fresh perspectives lead to groundbreaking discoveries. Their journey reminds us that our communities are filled with hidden geniuses—young Black students who can change the world if given the chance.
Today, Ne’Kiya Jackson is pursuing pharmacy at Xavier University of Louisiana, while Calcea Johnson, her high school’s valedictorian, is studying environmental engineering at Louisiana State University’s Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College. Their academic journeys have only just begun, but their impact is already profound.
3 Key Takeaways to Inspire Young Black Teens
- You Are Capable of Greatness: Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do. Ne’Kiya and Calcea weren’t experts in the Pythagorean Theorem; they were simply curious, dedicated, and determined. Believe in your own potential. The world might try to set limits, but your brilliance knows no bounds.
- Education is Your Power: Knowledge is the key to breaking barriers. Whether it’s mathematics, science, or art, embrace learning with all you’ve got. Jackson and Johnson used math to make history. What can you achieve with the power of your own knowledge?
- Representation Matters: Ne’Kiya and Calcea are examples of how young Black students can reshape the world. Seeing people who look like you succeed in spaces that historically excluded us is powerful. Their achievements prove that Black excellence is real, and it’s here to stay.
These young women from New Orleans are a testament to the potential of the Black community, showing us all that there’s no limit to what we can achieve. At The Black Pulse, we celebrate the incredible accomplishments of Jackson and Johnson and hope their story inspires you to dream bigger, work harder, and embrace the beauty of Black excellence. The world is watching, and now is the time to show them what we’re made of.
Sources: CBS News, Xavier University of Louisiana, LSU, Science News, ScienceBlog.com, AtlantaBlackStar.com, Other Sources By Request.
