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| By Betsy_brown
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Betsy_brown
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Quizzes Created: 5 | Total Attempts: 2,199
| Attempts: 1,623
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  • 1/20 Questions

    What was Chubby Checker’s longest-running hit song on the Top 40 charts?

    • Jingle Bell Rock
    • The Twist
    • Hey Good Lookin'
    • Wild Thing
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About This Quiz

Explore pivotal moments and figures in African American history through this engaging quiz. Test your knowledge on key events, influential individuals, and landmark decisions that shaped the Civil Rights Movement and beyond.

Ready To Take The Black History Quiz? - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    What was the first African American owned-and-operated newspaper?

    • The Washington Post

    • The Boston Globe

    • The People's Paper

    • Freedom's Journal

    Correct Answer
    A. Freedom's Journal
    Explanation
    Freedom's Journal was the first African American owned-and-operated newspaper. It was founded in 1827 by John Russwurm and Samuel Cornish. The newspaper aimed to advocate for the rights and interests of African Americans, providing a platform for their voices to be heard. Through its articles, Freedom's Journal addressed issues such as slavery, education, and racial justice. The establishment of this newspaper marked an important milestone in African American history, as it paved the way for the growth of African American journalism and the fight for equality.

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  • 3. 

    Boasting twelve number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, what female singing group was the most successful American vocal group of all time?

    • The Supremes

    • Sister Sledge

    • Labelle

    • The Pointer Sisters

    Correct Answer
    A. The Supremes
    Explanation
    The Supremes were the most successful American vocal group of all time, with twelve number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. This achievement demonstrates their immense popularity and success in the music industry.

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  • 4. 

    What Supreme Court decision overturned the rule of segregation?

    • Plessy v. Ferguson

    • Brown v. The Board of Education

    • Dred Scott v. Sanford

    • Bailey v. Patterson

    Correct Answer
    A. Brown v. The Board of Education
    Explanation
    Brown v. The Board of Education is the correct answer because this Supreme Court decision overturned the rule of segregation. In this landmark case, the Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, effectively ending the "separate but equal" doctrine established in Plessy v. Ferguson. The decision was a major victory for the civil rights movement and paved the way for desegregation in schools and other public institutions.

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  • 5. 

    Where did Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. go to college?

    • Spelman College

    • Howard University

    • Fisk University

    • Morehouse College

    Correct Answer
    A. Morehouse College
    Explanation
    Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. attended Morehouse College. This historically black college located in Atlanta, Georgia, played a significant role in shaping his beliefs and activism. Morehouse College provided King with a strong foundation in academics and leadership, and it was during his time there that he was exposed to the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and the principles of nonviolent resistance. King's education at Morehouse College greatly influenced his future as a civil rights leader and his commitment to fighting for equality and justice.

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  • 6. 

    He was first elected to Congress, representing Georgia, in 1986, and was one of the keynote speakers at the 1963 March on Washington; he also marched with Martin Luther King Jr. and civil rights leaders in the Selma, Alabama march in 1965. Who is he?

    • John Lewis

    • Jesse Jackson

    • Ralph Abernathy

    • Jackie Robinson

    Correct Answer
    A. John Lewis
    Explanation
    John Lewis is the correct answer because he was elected to Congress in 1986, representing Georgia. He was also one of the keynote speakers at the 1963 March on Washington and marched with Martin Luther King Jr. and civil rights leaders in the Selma, Alabama march in 1965.

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  • 7. 

    What football star became the first to rush over 2,000 yards in a single season.

    • Lynn Swann

    • O.J. Simpson

    • Jerry Rice

    • Barry Sanders

    Correct Answer
    A. O.J. Simpson
    Explanation
    O.J. Simpson is the correct answer because he became the first football star to rush over 2,000 yards in a single season. This accomplishment occurred in the 1973 season when Simpson played for the Buffalo Bills. He finished the season with 2,003 rushing yards, setting a new record and paving the way for future running backs to strive for this milestone.

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  • 8. 

    Who was the first black female astronaut to travel in space?

    • Dr. Stephanie Wilson

    • Dr. Joan Higginbotham

    • Dr. Yvonne Cagle

    • Dr. Mae Jemison

    Correct Answer
    A. Dr. Mae Jemison
    Explanation
    Dr. Mae Jemison was the first black female astronaut to travel in space. She made history on September 12, 1992, when she flew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour as a mission specialist. Jemison's achievement broke barriers and inspired countless individuals, especially women and people of color, to pursue careers in STEM and space exploration. She has since become an advocate for science education and continues to inspire future generations with her accomplishments.

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  • 9. 

    Where is Edmund Pettus Bridge located? This was the site of a peaceful protest for voting rights that turned violent - later known as Bloody Sunday.

    • Birmingham, Alabama

    • Little Rock, Arkansa

    • Selma, Alabama

    • Memphis, Tennessee

    Correct Answer
    A. Selma, Alabama
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Selma, Alabama. The Edmund Pettus Bridge is located in Selma, Alabama. It gained historical significance due to the events that took place on March 7, 1965, known as Bloody Sunday. On that day, civil rights activists attempted to march from Selma to Montgomery to demand voting rights for African Americans. However, they were met with violence from state troopers as they crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge, resulting in a significant turning point in the civil rights movement.

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  • 10. 

    What African nation was founded by American president James Monroe as a homeland for freed American slaves?

    • Egypt

    • Sierra Leone

    • Senegal

    • Liberia

    Correct Answer
    A. Liberia
    Explanation
    Liberia was founded by American president James Monroe as a homeland for freed American slaves. This was part of the American Colonization Society's efforts to resettle freed slaves in Africa. The country was established in 1822 and became an independent republic in 1847. The capital city, Monrovia, was named after President Monroe.

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  • 11. 

    What African American sports legend was commemorated by a postage stamp in 1982?

    • Jesse Owens

    • Jackie Robinson

    • Michael Jordan

    • Muhammad Ali

    Correct Answer
    A. Jackie Robinson
    Explanation
    Jackie Robinson, an African American sports legend, was commemorated by a postage stamp in 1982. He is renowned for breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball, becoming the first African American player in the modern era. Robinson's exceptional skills and courage in the face of racial discrimination made him an iconic figure in sports history. His achievements and contributions to the game of baseball and the civil rights movement earned him this honor of being commemorated on a postage stamp.

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  • 12. 

    This man was the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University. His ideas were used as a foundation for the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Who was he?

    • Booker T. Washington

    • James Weldon Johnson

    • W.E.B. DuBois

    • Langston Hughes

    Correct Answer
    A. W.E.B. DuBois
    Explanation
    W.E.B. DuBois was the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University. His ideas, such as the concept of "double consciousness" and his advocacy for equal rights and education, greatly influenced the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. He co-founded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and was a prominent leader and intellectual in the fight for racial equality.

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  • 13. 

    These three quotes are from a notable abolitionist and American who had been born into slavery in Maryland and escaped at the age of 20: 1) “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” 2) “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” 3) “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” Who are those words attributed to?

    • Harriet Tubman

    • Sojourner Truth

    • Frederick Douglass

    • Nat Turner

    Correct Answer
    A. Frederick Douglass
    Explanation
    The given quotes are attributed to Frederick Douglass, a notable abolitionist and American who was born into slavery in Maryland and escaped at the age of 20. These quotes reflect his beliefs and experiences, emphasizing the importance of education, the necessity of struggle for progress, and the significance of nurturing strong individuals from a young age.

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  • 14. 

    In 1950, Ralph Ellison received the National Book Award for what book?

    • Invisible Man

    • Native Son

    • Their Eyes Were Watching God

    • The Souls of Black Folk

    Correct Answer
    A. Invisible Man
    Explanation
    Ralph Ellison received the National Book Award in 1950 for his book "Invisible Man." This novel explores the experiences of an African American man living in the United States and addresses themes of identity, racism, and social invisibility. Ellison's writing style and the depth of his storytelling resonated with readers and critics, making "Invisible Man" a significant and influential work in American literature.

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  • 15. 

    Who invented the smallpox vaccine?

    • Dr. John Franklin Enders

    • Dr. Jonas Salk

    • Dr. Louis Wright

    • Dr. Edward Jenner

    Correct Answer
    A. Dr. Louis Wright
  • 16. 

    Which state was the first to abolish slavery?

    • New York

    • Maine

    • Vermont

    • Ohio

    Correct Answer
    A. Vermont
    Explanation
    Vermont was the first state to abolish slavery. In 1777, Vermont's constitution banned adult slavery, making it the first state to take such a step. This decision reflected the state's strong anti-slavery sentiment and commitment to equality. Vermont's abolition of slavery set a significant precedent and influenced other states to follow suit in the years that followed.

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  • 17. 

    What US President ended segregation in the US Armed Forces by issuing an Executive Order?

    • John F. Kennedy

    • Harry S. Truman

    • Richard M. Nixon

    • Lyndon B. Johnson

    Correct Answer
    A. Harry S. Truman
    Explanation
    Harry S. Truman is the correct answer because he issued Executive Order 9981 in 1948, which ended segregation in the US Armed Forces. This order stated that "there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin." Truman's decision to desegregate the military was a significant step towards civil rights and paved the way for further advancements in ending racial discrimination in the United States.

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  • 18. 

    Who was the first African American astronaut to enter space? 

    • Guion Bluford

    • Robert Henry Lawrence, Jr.

    • Ronald McNair

    • Robert Curbeam

    Correct Answer
    A. Guion Bluford
    Explanation
    Guion Bluford was the first African American astronaut to enter space. He achieved this milestone on August 30, 1983, as a member of the crew of the space shuttle Challenger. Bluford's historic mission paved the way for future African American astronauts and broke barriers in the field of space exploration.

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  • 19. 

    In 1917, a black woman won the American Tennis Association title. Who was she?

    • Althea Gibson

    • Billie Jean King

    • Lucy Diggs Slowe

    • Leslie Allen

    Correct Answer
    A. Lucy Diggs Slowe
    Explanation
    Lucy Diggs Slowe was the first African American woman to win the American Tennis Association title in 1917. She was an accomplished athlete and educator who made significant contributions to both sports and education. Slowe's victory in the ATA championship was a groundbreaking achievement, as it showcased the talent and skill of black women in tennis during a time of racial segregation and discrimination. Her success paved the way for future generations of black female tennis players, including Althea Gibson, who would go on to achieve even greater milestones in the sport.

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  • 20. 

    Where is the National Civil Rights Museum located?

    • Washington, D.C.

    • Selma, Alabama

    • Atlanta, Georgia

    • Memphis, Tennessee

    Correct Answer
    A. Memphis, Tennessee
    Explanation
    The National Civil Rights Museum is located in Memphis, Tennessee. This museum is dedicated to chronicling the history of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States and is situated at the former Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. The museum houses exhibits and artifacts that showcase the struggles and achievements of the Civil Rights Movement, making it an important historical and cultural landmark in Memphis.

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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Jun 05, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Feb 12, 2017
    Quiz Created by
    Betsy_brown
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