The Importance of Math Literacy: Reflections from the Counted Out Film Screening

EdVestors partnered with the Boston Public Library to host a screening of the important documentary, Counted Out: Math is Power on March 6th. This film screening wasn't just another movie night; it was a powerful call to action, a poignant reminder of the inseparable link between math education and social justice. After the film, I led a panel discussion with Omo and Maisha Moses, the children of civil rights activist Bob Moses, to whom the film is dedicated. The conversation highlighted the urgent need to redefine our relationship with mathematics.

I opened the discussion by emphasizing the film's core message: advancing math education is crucial for advancing justice. In a world shaped by complex algorithms, data-driven policies, and intricate systems, a lack of mathematical literacy leaves citizens vulnerable. I asked the panelists to imagine if every citizen had enough math in their toolkits to see how math shapes our institutions, technologies, political systems, and even personal choices.

Maisha Moses, Executive Director of the Young People's Project (YPP), resonated deeply with this sentiment. She pointed to a chilling moment in the film when Supreme Court Justice Roberts’ comments underscore the idea that a lack of mathematical literacy can hinder our ability to recognize and address injustices embedded within our political and societal structures. Maisha asserted "Math is implicated in so many layers and levels in why our politics are playing out in the way they are.” She emphasized the necessity of understanding complex mathematical concepts like the efficiency gap (EG), a crucial measure of gerrymandering. "Our world would look very different today," she concluded, if we all grasped the power of these numbers.

Omo Moses, founder and CEO of MathTalk, shared a more personal perspective. He reflected on his own strained relationship with math as a child, contrasting it with the positive, experiential approach he adopted with his own children. He highlighted the importance of learning math through real-world applications, like cooking or playing on the playground, a philosophy mirroring the Algebra Project's methodology. He also noted the film's emphasis on language and community, echoing his work with MathTalk. "The classroom is a meeting place," Omo explained, "a place for conversation, not just solutions."

Both Maisha and Omo’s organizations continue their father’s advocacy for improving math literacy among young people. The Young People's Project was born from Bob Moses's Algebra Project in Mississippi. YPP empowers young people to teach each other math. This model recognizes young people as valuable contributors, not passive recipients, of knowledge. The young people “started to feel like they were connected to something bigger than themselves," Maisha explained. YPP’s work is about activating young people to be part of the solution to the problems that society faces.

Meanwhile, MathTalk, as I discovered firsthand, aims to make math fun and accessible. It's akin to the popular app, Pokemon Go, which is an augmented reality game, and it encourages children and families to explore math in their neighborhoods, earning virtual “math bucks” redeemable at local businesses. This innovative approach seeks to dismantle the fear and anxiety surrounding math, fostering a positive relationship from an early age.

We ended the conversation with a crucial question: how do we redefine who a "math person" is? In my work today, I am frequently taken aback by how many people describe themselves as “not a math person” and I wonder about the greater implications of this negative characterization. Maisha's response was simple yet profound: "Do math. Everybody can do math." She stressed that mathematics extends far beyond classroom equations, permeating every aspect of our lives.

Ultimately, the evening served as a powerful reminder that math is not just about numbers; it's about democracy, access, and social change. The film and the subsequent discussion ignited a spark, urging us to challenge our preconceived notions about math and empower everyone to claim their rightful place in the world of numbers. The message was clear: understanding math is not a privilege, but a fundamental right, essential for building a more just and equitable future.

Photo courtesy of the "Counted Out. Math is Power" film.