Section One
Section Two
Section Three
Section Four
Section Five
Section Six
Section Seven
Section Eight
Last Section
100
Who refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus at age 15, preceding Rosa Parks by nine months?
Who was Claudette Colvin?
100
Joined the Lakers in 1979, former Michigan State University grad. He was the recipient of many NBA awards. He was phenomenal on the court and went on to coach in the NBA, win the BET Humanitarian Award, and the NBA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. As a successful businessman he has partnered with major companies like Starbucks, Hewlett Packard and Loew's movie theaters.
Who is Earvin "Magic" Johnson?
100
Who became the first African-American woman and Native American to hold a pilot license?
Who was Bessie Coleman?
100
Which inventor’s most notable device was a protective smoke hood used in a 1916 tunnel rescue? And the known for creating the stop light.
Who was Garret Morgan?
100
Who popularized the phrase “Black Power” while working for global Black liberation? Also an original SNCC Freedom Rider.
Who was Stokely Carmichael?
100
Trained as a social worker, he spent most of his career working to end employment discrimination in the United States and turning the National Urban League from a relatively passive civil rights organization.
Author of; To Be Equal and Beyond Racism
(A Magnet school in Chicago is named after him.)
Whitney M. Young
100
Well known for his song "Shuffle Along" which was the first all Black revue on Broadway.
Who is Eubie Blake?
100
Queen of Christmas and Songbird Supreme is how this R&B and Pop Diva is recognized in the Guiness book of World Records.
Who is Mariah Carey?
100
Godfather of Soul. Known for fueling Black pride with songs like "Black and Proud", "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag", etc.
Who is James Brown?
200
Which leader served as longtime head of the NAACP and investigated lynchings to combat segregation?
He was a double agent, passing as white to collect information on the KKK and Lynchings.
Who was Walter White?
200
Strategist of nonviolent protest was the chief organizer of the 1963 March on Washington? He was known for his forward thinking and strategies, however he was often kept in the shadows.
Who was Baynard Rustin?
200
Famed attorney is known for representing families in high-profile police brutality cases? He represented George Floyd's family and many other civil rights' cases that gain publicity.
Who is Ben Crump?
200
Served as an NAACP's first field secretary in Mississippi and organized voter registration efforts? He was assassinated in Mississippi as he entered his home.
Who was Medgar Evers?
200
Queen of the Blues, known for her powerful vocals and Chicago Blues.
Who is Ko Ko Taylor?
200
In March of 2021 she was nominated by Biden for U.S. Circuit judge. She is the first African American to hold the position of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.
Who is Ketanji Brown Jackson?
200
U.S. Senator from New Jersey, known for the longest speech in U.S. Senate History (25 hours)
Who was Cory Booker?
200
Graduated from West Side High school, in the WNBA team member of the Chicago Sky. She was a standout at Louisville College before going pro.
Who is Dana Evans?
200
Formed and Managed the Jackson Five, responsible for the record label Ivory Tower International Records.
Who is Joe Jackson?
300
Which comedian cocreated, wrote, and starred in a groundbreaking sketch television show? Known for his bold truths, and stepping away from a 50 million dollar contract due to his ethical beliefs.
Who is Dave Chappelle?
300
Which group revolutionized gospel music and brought it to mainstream audiences? Originally from Detroit, these 5 celebrate 50 years in the music industry.
Who are the Clark Sisters?
300
Early soul figure wrote the civil rights anthem A Change Is Gonna Come and also known for the light-hearted classic Twistin the Night Away? From Chicago, he was the son of a Pastor.
Who was Sam Cooke?
300
Responsible for one of the most socially conscious, celebrated and timeless works of 20th century popular art: his 1971 album, What's Going On. Other bestselling Motown songs; Mercy Mercy and Ain't No Mountain High enough (duet with Tammi Terrell) From Washington, D.C. (was eventually murdered by his father)
Who was Marvin Gaye?
300
Called the “Queen of Soul” with music that became an anthem for civil rights and women’s empowerment? At the age of 14 she quit school to go on the road with her Father's Gospel Caravan.
(R.E.S.P.E.C.T.)
Who was Aretha Franklin?
300
From Akron, Ohio however this athlete grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. He has led the NBA in free throw percentages four times. He was an NBA all-star nine times and is considered one of the greatest point guards and shooters in NBA history.
Who is Stephen Curry?
(AKA Steph Curry)
300
She bridged vaudeville and southern blues, influencing generations of Blues singers.
Viola Davis portrayed her in a film about her life.
Who is Ma Rainey?
300
Currently a dedicated coach, she was formally a member of the WNBA team the Detroit Shock. From Gary, IN a West Side H.S. graduate.
Who is Angela Hamblin Blakely?
300
Father of Modern Gospel, best known for his recording "Lord, Help Me to Hold Out"
Who is James Cleveland?
400
Who is recognized as the “First Lady of Gospel Music”?
Known for singing on Broadway in "Mama I want to Sing" and movies such "The Fighting Temptations".
Who is Shirley Caesar?
400
Who is a leader of the neo-soul movement, celebrating Black identity and spirituality? She has received American Music Awards, 4 Grammys, and 2 NAACP Awards.
Who is Erykah Badu?
400
He highlighted Black excellence in a genre rooted in Black music. His achievements are deeply connected to broader narratives about Rock and Roll. This connection made him unique in the music industry.
Who is Jimi Hendrix?
400
Which bandleader and composer mentored many musicians and helped establish jazz as serious concert music with symphonic works? He was a pianist, composer and big band leader.
Known for snazzy songs such a "It don't mean a thing".
Who was Duke Ellington?
400
Which director is noted for gritty action and thriller films such as Training Day and The Equalizer?
Who is Antoine Fuqua?
400
Her competitive career began in 2011, in the 2018 Olympics she became the second gymnast to win a medal for every event becoming a five-time World Champion gymnast. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022 from Biden.
Who is Simone Biles?
400
He revolutionized the electric guitar, known for R&B and soulful music.
Who is T Bone Walker?
400
Inventor of the shoe lasting machine that revolutionized the show industry. Allowing shoes to be made quicker and much cheaper.
Who is Jan Matzeliger?
400
Modern Gospel vocalist, released her debut album in 1983 titled "Peace Be Still"
Who is Vanessa Bell Armstrong?
500
Who is known for playing Sergeant Roger Murtaugh in the Lethal Weapon series? (iconic partner in buddy-cop films)
Who is Danny Glover?
500
Who made history onstage as Brutus Jones in Eugene O’Neill’s The Emperor Jones? (groundbreaking African American lead)
Who was Charles Gilpin?
500
Which actor is celebrated for a deep, authoritative voice and acclaimed roles in The Shawshank Redemption and Million Dollar Baby?
Who is Morgan Freeman?
500
Who pioneered a fusion of African, Caribbean, and ballet movement and founded a self-supporting Black dance company?
Who is Katherine Dunham?
500
Actress, poet, playwright, screenwriter, journalist and civil rights activist. She is best known for originating the role of "Ruth Younger" in the stage and film versions of A Raisin in the Sun (1961).
She is celebrated for activism and work in African American theatre and film?
Married to Ossie Davis.
Who is Ruby Dee?
500
An extraordinary tennis player, she was the first Black to play at Wimbledon in 1951. First Black to win Grand Slam event in 1956.
Known for her greatness in tennis and golf
*2002 her career and life was celebrated at the U.S. Open Tournament
*Author of ; I Always Wanted to be Somebody
Who was Althea Gibson?
500
Nicknamed the "Divine One" and had one of the greatest voices in the history of jazz.
Like Anita Baker she had a 3 octave range, her time was before Anita Baker.
Sarah Vaughan
500
First Black woman from Gary, IN to serve as a T.V. correspondent for CBS news. She also covered the Democratic Party presidential primaries in 1972.
Who is Michele E. Clark?
500
Released over 276 songs!
Bass-baritone concert artist, actor, professional football player, and activist who became famous both for his cultural accomplishments and for his political stances.
He was also in the Emperor Jones with Charles Gilpin
Who is Paul Robeson?
600
From Gary, IN known for his roles on Star Trek, Spenser, and American History X.
Who is Avery Brooks?
600
The first female mayor of Gary, IN. Harvard Graduate, known for her work as an attorney, politician, and civic leader.
Karen Freeman-Wilson
600
An actor, film maker, and former professional football player. Known for his roles in Blaxploitation films like Black Caesar and Hell Up in Harlem.
Who is Fred Williamson?
600
Former Educator and Politician first Black woman from Indiana elected to U.S. Congress. She played a major role in MLK day becoming a national holiday.
Who is Katie Hall?
600
Historian, Educator, and Historian from Gary, IN. She dedicated her life to preserving the city's Black culture and history. Founder of the Gary Historical and Cultural Society.
Who is Dolly Millender? "Dharathula Millender"
600
A professional boxer from Gary, IN. Known to be "Merciless" in the boxing community, known for her powerful style and long career.
Who is Mary McGee?
600
One of the most important drummers in history. In 1970 he founded the percussion ensemble M'Boom.
Who is Max Roach?
600
A hurdler and sprinter who competed in the 1976 Olympics winning the 100m hurdles. She is from Gary, IN. She later became a successful High School coach in Gary receiving many honors for her excellence. (Roosevelt Graduate)
Who is Rhonda Brady?
600
Born as Herman Poole Blount, known for his experimental music and cosmic performances.
Who is Sunra?