She was the first woman and first black to become the U.S. Surgeon General.
M. Jocelyn Elders appointed by President Clinton in 1993.
100
What important botanist came to be known as "the Peanut Man"?
George Wahington Carver (who found 300 products that could be made from peanuts, including printer's ink and a milk substitute.
100
Who was the first African American woman to host a nationally syndicated TV talk show?
Oprah Winfrey (Her show debuted in 1986).
100
Did black explorer Matthew Henson accompany Robert Peary to the North Pole or the South Pole?
North Pole (It is believed that Henson reached it 45 minutes ahead of Peary.)
100
Name the two great prizefighters who met in the first heavyweight title bout ever held in Africa?
Muhammad Ali and George Foreman (Fought in Zaire in 1974, "the Rumble in the Jungle" was won by Ali.
200
She led so many slaves to freedom that she came to be known as "the Moses of Her People." What was her real name?
Harriet Tubman (An ex-slave from Maryland, she was a leading "conductor" on the Underground Railroad.)
200
What type of anemia is a genetic disease commonly found among people of African descent?Sickle Cell Anemia ( a condition in which red blood cells are crescent-shaped and unable to carry oxygen)
Sickle Cell Anemia ( a condition in which red blood cells are crescent-shaped and unable to carry oxygen)
200
Who wrote the Pultizer prize-winning novel The Color Purple?
Alice Walker (in 1982)
200
What constitutional amendment abolished slavery throughout the United States?
The Thirteenth Amendment, in 1865.
200
In 1960, what rock singer introduced a dance with the same name as his #1 hit record?
Chubby Checker (The twist set off the greatest dance craze since the 1920's).
300
In 1990, who became the first black woman mayor of Washington D.C.
Sharon Pratt Kelly
300
Which African American women was the first to ever fly in space?
Mae C. Jemison selected by NASA in 1987, was a missions specialist on the Discovery Space-Lab 5 flight in 1991.
300
Who was the first African American to sing a leading role with the Metropolitan Opera?
Marian Anderson in 1955.
300
Which group was founded by Martin Luther King, Jr.: CORE, NAACP, SNCC, SCLC?
SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference), 1957.
300
Who wrote and directed Do the Right Thing and Jungle Fever?
Spike Lee (whose acclaimed film Malcolm X was released in 1992.)
400
At what event did Martin Luther King Jr., deliver his "I Have a Dream speech?
The March on Washington, in 1963 (Dr. King's powerful speech captured the yearning and hope of the day.
400
What major recording company was founded by Berry Gordy, Jr. in 1959?
Motown Record Corporation (whose early recording artists included the Supremes and the Jackson Five).
400
Was Lorraine Hansberry the author of A Raisin in the Sun or Lillies of the Field?
A Raisin in the Sun (which earned the New York Drama Critics Award for best play in 1959).
400
What Supreme Court Justice did Anita Hill charge with sexual harassment during his confirmation hearings?
Clarence Thomas, in 1991 (Hill's accusation drew national attention to the sexual-harassment issue.
400
Who was the first African American ever to receive an Academy Award?
Hattie McDaniel as Best Supporting Actress for her role in Gone With the Wind.
500
Who was the first African American ever to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court?
Thurgood Marshall (who served from 1967 to 1991)
500
Was Bessie Coleman the first black woman to obtain a license to practice nursing or fly a plane?
Fly a plane
500
What world-renowned poet read "On the Pulse of Morning" at President Clinton's inauguration in 1993?
Maya Angelou
500
Which colony in America was the first to legalize slavery?
Massachusetts, in 1641.
500
Who was the first African American to coach an NBA team?
Bill Russell in 1966 as the Boston-Celtics player-coach, he led the team to two NBA championships.