Calcea Johnson and Ne’Kiya Jackson are two remarkable young mathematicians from St. Mary’s Academy in New Orleans who made history by presenting a groundbreaking proof of the Pythagorean theorem using trigonometry—something long thought to be impossible. In 2023, while still high school students, they presented their findings at the American Mathematical Society’s Annual Meeting, challenging centuries-old mathematical assumptions.

Their achievement not only showcases their brilliance but also highlights the importance of representation in STEM fields. Johnson and Jackson’s work has inspired young scholars everywhere, proving that innovation and discovery know no age limits.

Dr. Patricia Bath was a trailblazing ophthalmologist, inventor, and advocate whose innovations revolutionized eye care. She was the first Black woman to receive a medical patent, inventing the Laserphaco Probe in 1986, a device that made cataract surgery safer and more precise. Her groundbreaking work helped restore vision to countless patients, including those who had been blind for decades.

As a co-founder of the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness, she dedicated her life to making eye care accessible to underserved communities. Dr. Bath’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of Black innovators in medicine and beyond. 

Moses West is a visionary inventor and former Army Ranger whose groundbreaking Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) is tackling water scarcity in communities worldwide. His machine pulls moisture from the air and condenses it into clean, drinkable water, providing a sustainable solution in areas affected by drought, natural disasters, and water contamination.

Through his company, AWG Technology, West has delivered thousands of gallons of water to communities in need, including Flint, Michigan, and hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico. His mission goes beyond innovation— he’s committed to ensuring that access to clean water is a right, not a privilege, inspiring change in global water security.