Black History Month Trivia Question and Answers

Toni Morrison was the first African American woman to win a Nobel Prize in literature for her powerful and influential works that explore the African American experience and themes of race, identity, and history. Her writing is known for its lyrical prose, complex characters, and deep exploration of the human condition, making her a groundbreaking and highly respected figure in the world of literature.

Martin Luther King Jr. delivered the famous "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963. The speech is considered one of the most iconic speeches in American history, advocating for civil rights and racial equality. King's powerful words and vision for a future where people are judged by their character rather than the color of their skin continue to inspire people around the world.

Thurgood Marshall was the first African American to serve as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. He was appointed to the Supreme Court by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1967 and served on the Court for 24 years. Marshall was a prominent civil rights lawyer and argued several landmark cases before the Supreme Court, including Brown v. Board of Education, which led to the desegregation of public schools in the United States. His appointment to the Supreme Court marked a significant milestone in the fight for racial equality and justice in America.

Black History Month was first celebrated in 1976 as part of the United States Bicentennial. It was officially recognized by President Gerald Ford, who urged Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history." The month of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two prominent figures in African American history.

Harriet Tubman was known as the "Queen of the Underground Railroad" due to her significant role in guiding hundreds of enslaved individuals to freedom through the Underground Railroad network. She risked her life numerous times to lead slaves to safety in the North, earning her the title of the most famous conductor of the Underground Railroad and a symbol of resistance against slavery in the United States.

The Harlem Renaissance was a significant cultural movement in the 1920s that celebrated African American art, music, literature, and intellectual achievements. It was centered in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City and played a crucial role in shaping and promoting African American culture and identity during that time period.

W.E.B. Du Bois authored the book "The Souls of Black Folk" as a seminal work in African American literature, addressing the social and political issues faced by African Americans in the United States. Du Bois was a prominent civil rights activist, sociologist, and historian who played a key role in the early civil rights movement. His book is considered a classic in the study of race relations and continues to be influential in discussions on race and equality.

Hattie McDaniel was the first African American to win an Academy Award for her role as Mammy in the 1939 film "Gone with the Wind." She won the award for Best Supporting Actress, breaking barriers and making history in the entertainment industry. Her talent and performance paved the way for future generations of African American actors and actresses in Hollywood.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was landmark legislation that aimed to end discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was a significant step towards achieving equality and civil rights for all individuals in the United States.

Richard Theodore Greener was the first African American to graduate from Harvard University in 1870. He was a trailblazer in higher education for African Americans and went on to have a successful career as a lawyer, diplomat, and professor. Greener's achievement at Harvard University opened doors for future generations of African American students to pursue higher education at prestigious institutions.

Frederick Douglass was a prominent abolitionist who published "The North Star," an anti-slavery newspaper. He used this platform to advocate for the abolition of slavery and the promotion of equal rights for all individuals. Douglass was a powerful voice in the fight against slavery and his newspaper played a significant role in spreading the message of the abolitionist movement.

Shirley Chisholm was the first African American woman elected to Congress. She made history in 1968 when she was elected to represent New York's 12th Congressional District. Chisholm was a trailblazer in American politics, advocating for racial and gender equality throughout her career. Her election marked a significant milestone in the fight for diversity and representation in the United States government.

Henry B. Gonzalez is not the correct answer to the question. The correct answer is Frank Gehry. Frank Gehry is a famous Canadian-American architect known for his innovative and unique designs, including The Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. His distinctive style and use of materials have made him one of the most renowned architects in the world.

Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball when he made his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. He faced significant discrimination and adversity but went on to have a successful career, paving the way for more African American players to enter the league. Robinson's impact on the sport and society as a whole is widely recognized and celebrated.

Malcolm X co-authored "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" with Alex Haley. This book is considered to be one of the most influential and powerful autobiographies ever written, detailing Malcolm X's life, his transformation from a criminal to a prominent civil rights leader, and his views on race, religion, and society. The book continues to inspire and educate readers about the struggles and triumphs of the civil rights movement.

Vanessa Williams made history as the first African American to be crowned "Miss America" in 1983. Her win was a significant milestone in the pageant's history, breaking barriers and paving the way for more diversity and representation in the competition. Williams' victory was a momentous occasion that inspired many and brought attention to the importance of inclusion and equality in beauty pageants.

The Black Panther Party originated from the Civil Rights Movement due to the shared goal of fighting against racial discrimination and seeking equality for African Americans in the United States. The Civil Rights Movement laid the foundation for the Black Panther Party's activism and advocacy for social justice and empowerment within the Black community. The Black Panther Party emerged as a more militant and radical extension of the Civil Rights Movement, with a focus on self-defense, community organizing, and addressing systemic issues of racism and inequality.

Rosa Parks famously refused to give up her bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott and becoming a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement.

Brown v. Board of Education was a landmark Supreme Court case in 1954 that ruled segregation in public schools unconstitutional. This decision effectively ended the "separate but equal" doctrine established in Plessy v. Ferguson, marking a significant victory for the civil rights movement and paving the way for desegregation in other areas of American society.

Bessie Coleman was the first African American woman to receive a pilot's license. She faced discrimination and challenges due to her race and gender but persevered to achieve her dream of becoming a pilot. Coleman's determination and trailblazing spirit paved the way for future generations of African American women in aviation.

Booker T. Washington was a prominent African American educator and advisor to Presidents who advocated for vocational education. He believed that vocational training was essential for African Americans to gain economic independence and social equality in a racially segregated society. Washington's approach emphasized practical skills and self-reliance, and his leadership at the Tuskegee Institute helped shape the direction of African American education in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott is often cited as the starting point of the Civil Rights Movement because it was a significant event that sparked national attention and set the stage for future activism. The boycott, led by Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr., was a powerful example of nonviolent protest against racial segregation and discrimination. Its success in desegregating public transportation in Montgomery, Alabama, inspired further civil rights actions and paved the way for the larger movement that followed.

Duke Ellington was a key figure in the development of jazz music during the Harlem Renaissance due to his innovative compositions, unique style, and influential leadership of his orchestra. His contributions helped shape the sound of jazz during this period and solidified his legacy as one of the most important figures in the genre's history.

Maya Angelou is the correct answer because she was the author of the famous poem "Still I Rise." Maya Angelou was a renowned American poet, writer, and civil rights activist known for her powerful and inspirational works that often focused on themes of resilience, strength, and overcoming adversity. "Still I Rise" is one of her most well-known and beloved poems, celebrating the indomitable spirit and perseverance of the human soul.

The 15th Amendment, passed in 1870, aimed to grant African American men the right to vote. This amendment prohibited the denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude, effectively giving African American men the right to participate in the democratic process.

Dr. Mae Jemison made history as the first African American woman to travel to space when she flew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992. Her groundbreaking achievement paved the way for future generations of women and people of color to pursue careers in space exploration.

George Washington Carver is known for his groundbreaking work in agricultural science, particularly for his research on peanuts and crop rotation. He developed over 300 different uses for peanuts, including peanut butter, and promoted the importance of crop rotation to improve soil fertility. Carver's contributions revolutionized farming practices and had a lasting impact on agriculture in the United States.

W.E.B. Du Bois was a prominent civil rights activist and scholar who played a key role in founding the NAACP along with other like-minded individuals. Together, they sought to address systemic racism and fight for the rights of African Americans through legal means and advocacy.

Martin Luther King Jr. received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his nonviolent resistance to racial prejudice in America. His leadership in the civil rights movement and advocacy for equality and justice made him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

Zora Neale Hurston is the famous African American author of the novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God." She was a prominent figure of the Harlem Renaissance and her novel is considered a classic of African American literature, exploring themes of race, gender, and identity. Hurston's unique writing style and portrayal of African American culture have solidified her place in literary history.

Rosa Parks was known as the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement" for her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955. Her refusal to give up her seat to a white passenger sparked a wave of protests and activism that ultimately led to the desegregation of public transportation in the United States. Parks' courageous act and unwavering commitment to equality made her an iconic figure in the fight for civil rights.

Dr. Charles Drew was the first African American to win the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his groundbreaking research on blood transfusions and blood plasma storage. His work revolutionized the field of medicine and saved countless lives by improving the process of storing and transporting blood for transfusions.