Music and Musicians
Where is the birthplace of Jazz?
New Orleans
True or False:
As a precursor to Black History Month, in 1926 the recognition of "Negro History Week" was created by historian Carter G. Woodson.
True:
Woodson's devotion to showcasing the contributions of Black Americans bore fruit in 1926 when he launched Negro History Week in the second week of February. Woodson's concept was later expanded into Black History Month.
"I have a Dream"
What was the name of the African American woman who helped hundreds of slaves in the southern United States, escape to freedom?
Harriet Tubman
Who is known as the fastest man in the world?
Usain Bolt
This famous Jazz singer and scatter was known as the "lady of song" and had also performed duets with Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong.
Ella Fitzgerald
True or False:
The Emancipation Proclamation gave African Americans the right to vote.
False:
President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, declaring "that all persons held as slaves" within the rebellious states "are, and henceforward shall be free."
What was the main cause for the Civil War?
The heart of the divide between the North and the South was slavery.
This girl was a brave 6 year old and became the first African American student to integrate an elementary school in the South in 1960.
Ruby Bridges
Who are the two most famous and most highly paid women in the history of tennis?
Venus and Serena Williams
Tennis player Serena Williams won more Grand Slam singles titles than any other woman or man during the open era. Serena and her sister Venus won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, and three doubles gold medals at the Olympics.
This musician was an American singer, songwriter and pianist. Referred to as the "Queen of Soul", she has twice been placed ninth in Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Artists of All Time".
Aretha Franklin
True or False:
The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses established in the United States during the early to mid-19th century. They were used by enslaved African Americans to escape into free states and Canada.
True:
In the early 1800s, Quaker abolitionist Isaac T. Hopper set up a network in Philadelphia that helped enslaved people on the run. At the same time, Quakers in North Carolina established abolitionist groups that laid the groundwork for routes and shelters for escapees.
Who triggered a boycott of the Montgomery, Alabama bus system in 1955 by refusing to give up their seat to a white passenger on a bus?
Rosa Parks
This woman is the first Black/Asian woman to become Vice President of the United States of America.
Kamala Harris
Who was the first black major league baseball player?
Jackie Robinson
This music genre originated from African Americans coming together in their churches to give praise and sing poignant spirituals and hymns. This genre dates back to the 1930's.
Gospel Music
True or False:
Lauryn Hill was best known for her poetry and activism and was awarded the presidential medal of freedom in 2010.
False:
Maya Angelou was an American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees.
Who was the first U.S. President to recognize Black History Month, in 1976?
President Gerald R. Ford
He officially recognized Black History Month and called upon the public to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history".
The first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer for the American Ballet?
Misty Copeland
This young woman is the first African-American to be a world all-around champion and the first woman to win three consecutive world all-around titles.
Simone Biles
This artist was the most iconic figure in Jazz but evolution took him into Funk, Rock, and even Hip-Hop. He represents the everchanging musical landscape of America.
Miles Davis
True or False:
Gabby Douglas was the first self-made millionaire and she invented her own hair care line.
False:
Madam C.J. Walker was an African American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political and social activist. She is recorded as the first female self-made millionaire in America and made her fortune thanks to her homemade line of hair care products for Black women.
February was chosen as the month to recognize Black History in America to coincide with the birthdays of 2 prominent men with a role in eliminating slavery. Name 1 of them.
Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass
Abraham Lincoln was born February 12th 1809
Fredrick Douglass was born February 1818
This woman became interested in aviation (flying) after hearing stories from World War I veterans. Aviation schools in the United States would not admit women or black people so she studied and earned her pilot’s license in Europe. She then became the first African American woman Pilot.
Bessie Coleman
He is an American civil rights activist and a former quarterback of the 49ers. In 2016, he knelt during the national anthem at the start of NFL games in protest of police brutality and racial inequality in the United States.
Colin Kaepernick