Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Darrell Hubbard. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Darrell thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

Blackematics came to me three years ago during a road trip to Austin with my wife and two kids at the time. As I listened to a podcast about creating products, I reflected on the many podcasts I had heard about writing books and developing courses. I asked myself, “What am I truly good at?” That’s when two passions—mathematics and poetry—came together.

I thought about it for a while, and then the name just clicked: Blackematics.

I also reminisced about my childhood love for The Magic School Bus, how those stories captivated me, and how Ms. Frizzle—a brilliant science teacher—took her students on unforgettable adventures. That’s when I knew I had to create a book. I envisioned a Black math teacher who would lead his students on extraordinary mathematical journeys. And that’s how Mr. Blackematics became the heart of my story.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Darrell Hubbard, and I am a devoted Christian, husband, entrepreneur, mathematician, and proud father of three sons. I’m a native of Dallas, Texas, and I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Huston-Tillotson University—an achievement that reflects my deep passion for numbers and education. For the past ten years, I have been teaching high school math, not just because I love the subject, but because I thrive on the challenge it presents. Math allows me to make an impact in a meaningful way, and my greatest hope is that my students develop a true appreciation for mathematics, building confidence along the way.

Interestingly, my journey into education started with a dream of becoming a video game designer. I wanted to create educational video games, and I believed teaching would give me insight into how students think—allowing me to design experiences that truly resonate with them. While my plans shifted, everything I’ve done has led me back to my true passion: mathematics.

Becoming an author was a natural extension of that passion. I wanted to create something tangible that reflected my skills and interests. I love math, and I love poetry, so combining the two made perfect sense. Believe it or not, I wasn’t always great at math—until the 6th grade. That same year, I discovered a love for poetry in my English class. It was a pivotal moment, as both of the passions that shaped my journey as an author emerged in the same school year. I had always envisioned writing a poetry book, but I never imagined I would write a children’s book. Now, I’m incredibly excited about it.

The desire to create something meaningful for my children ultimately led me here. I wanted to build something that could provide for my family while also making a lasting impact. Reflecting on my journey—both with this book and with my career in education—I realize it started much earlier than I thought. Since the 10th grade, when I first began tutoring, I assumed everyone loved math the way I did. But while launching a tutoring program at my high school, I quickly learned that every student has strengths in different subjects. Now, as a teacher, I see this reality even more clearly—watching students struggle with a subject I love so deeply can be frustrating.

Through the adventures of Mr. Blackematics, I want to help kids build confidence and develop a love for math, just as I did. This journey is about more than just numbers—it’s about empowerment, creativity, and the belief that every student can find joy in learning.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative individual is witnessing the impact of my work—seeing how what I create positively influences someone else’s life and experience. Whether it’s helping a student gain confidence in math, inspiring a reader through storytelling, or sparking curiosity in those who engage with my work, knowing that my creativity has made a difference is incredibly fulfilling.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most challenging aspects of being a children’s book author is finding an illustrator who truly brings your vision to life. I originally finished the story for my book in December 2022, but I later changed the setting because I wanted to take kids on a journey that would show them how fun math can be. I realized I needed to focus on one concept rather than incorporating multiple mathematical ideas at once.

As I refined my story, I studied other authors’ books and illustrations, trying to find inspiration. I even explored whether AI could create my illustrations after seeing another author successfully do so. However, the process turned out to be more complicated than I had anticipated. Eventually, I found a potential illustrator, but at the time, I didn’t have the funds to move forward—so I set the project aside for a while.

Something kept calling me back to it, though. Then, in a conversation with my mother, she shared that she had written a book and was working with a publishing company. She connected me with them, and everything started falling into place. Having the right support and resources made the process much smoother, and now I have both the funding and the help to bring my vision to life. This journey has reinforced the importance of persistence and adaptability—when something truly matters, you find a way to make it happen.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: blackematics
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Blackematics