We speak with Professor Ron Eglash about the influence of indigenous African mathematics on computing, and moving from extraction to generative justice. Professor Ron Eglash’s groundbreaking research on African Fractals revealed the African roots of modern computing, which was otherwise largely hidden. His TED Talk on the subject has had more than 1.7 million views, and has inspired innovations in architecture, arts, literature and education. He created a new discipline called ethnocomputing and today supports a suite of online simulations called Culturally Situated Design Tools, which have been used in American schools and internationally to allow students to learn math and computing through what he calls “heritage algorithms”. His most recent work on “Generative Justice,” develops an alternative economic theory based on indigenous principles. His education background includes a BS in cybernetics, MS in Systems Engineering, and a PhD in the History of Consciousness. He is currently a Professor with appointments in both the School of Information and in the School of Art and Design at the University of Michigan.

Image courtesy Luanne Cadd

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