Black History Month
Why is Black History Month celebrated?
To honor the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. History, to honor key figures, celebrate African American culture, and to promote unity and equality between all people of different races
What was the secret network of trails and paths that helped to lead enslaved African Americans to freedom?
The Underground Railroad
What percentage of the U.S. population is African American?
13.6% to 14.4%
This object that directs traffic on the road through colors was invented by African American Garrett Morgan.
Traffic light/traffic signal
This African American civil rights leader was a minister, earned a PhD, received the Nobel Peace Prize when he was 35, and is known for his famous, "I Have a Dream" speech
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
When does Black History Month start and end?
February 1-March 1
In what year was slavery abolished?
1865
How many Black-owned employer businesses are there in the United States?
194,585
Used to protect people from dangerous diseases, this type of preventive medicine was brought to America by an African American. It helps to train the immune system to recognize and fight against a bacteria or virus.
(Flu, Covid, Tetanus)
Vaccines
This civil rights activist, known as the "mother of the freedom movement", is famous for refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott
Rosa Parks
When was Black History Month first celebrated?
Was first celebrated nationally in 1976, but the first celebration originated at Kent State University in 1970
Which president wrote the Gettysburg Address and is known for being an abolitionist?
Abraham Lincoln
How many African American military veterans are there in the United States?
2.4 million (1 out of every 8 veterans in the U.S.)
This device is used to make people louder. Created by African American, Dr. James E. West, this device is also used in phones and computers to record sound.
Microphone/Foil electret microphone (used in phones and cameras)
This president was the 44th U.S. president, and the first African American president in U.S. history
Barack Obama
How is Black History Month celebrated?
Community events, educational programs, museum exhibits, highlighting African American figures in literature and media, and social media campaigns
Which amendments gave African Americans equal rights and abolished slavery?
13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments (known as the Reconstruction amendments)
What percentage of employed African Americans work in business, science, or arts?
35%
This type of electronic system is common in many households today. Created by African American, Marie Van Brittan Brown, it is used to protect a house or building, and prevent people from getting in.
This African American track and field athlete won four gold medals in the 1936 Olympics, and set records in each event
(BOOK THEIF)
Jesse Owens
Why is Black History Month celebrated in February?
To coincide with Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass's birthdays. They were both important figures in the emancipation of enslaved people. Lincoln was known for signing the Emancipation Proclamation, and Douglass was a well-known abolitionist and former slave.
What famous book written by Harriet Beecher Stowe exposed people to how cruel and morally wrong slavery was?
"Uncle Tom's Cabin"
Out of the 535 seats in Congress, how many are held by African Americans?
63 (11.7%)
This common crunchy snack can come in individual bags or a large bag. Created on accident by African American chef, George Crum, they come in many different flavors and are one of the world's favorite snacks.
Potato chips
This African American memoirist, essayist, poet, and civil rights activist published seven autobiographies, including her most famous one, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"
Maya Angelou