Cookout Culture
At the cookout, this person usually doesn’t have to ask for a plate…it gets made for them automaticall.
Who is Big Mama (or the oldest elder)?
“Keep crying and I’m gonna give you…”
What is “fix it for you”?
What was the name of the neighborhood where Good Times took place?
What is Cabrini-Green?
Before Rosa Parks, this 15-year-old refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus but was considered too young to be the face of the movement.
Who is Claudette Colvin?
If somebody says, “Come here,” from across the room and then asks, “Did you see what I was talking about?” what are you not supposed to say?
“What?” (You’re supposed to already be looking.)
If someone says, “Don’t use the good paper plates,” they’re referring to the ones reserved for this occasion.
What is the family reunion, holidays, or special guests?
“I’m not one of your…”
What is little friends?
On Martin, what was Gina’s profession?
What is an advertising executive?
This all-Black district in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was known as “Black Wall Street” before it was destroyed in 1921.
What is the Greenwood District?
Someone says they’re “just stopping by for a minute.” According to the unwritten rule, how long are they actually staying?
At least an hour.
Name the card game where a “Boston” means the opposing team scores zero.
What is Spades?
“You got all that talking to do…”
What is “but can’t clean your room”?
What fictional college was featured in A Different World?
What is Hillman College?
This newspaper, founded by Robert S. Abbott, encouraged millions of Black Americans to move North during the Great Migration.
What is The Chicago Defender?
You hear the phrase, “Don’t make me repeat myself.” According to the unwritten rule, what should happen next?
Whatever you were told to do the first time.
Besides grilling, this family member is often responsible for making sure everyone has enough charcoal, lighter fluid, and ice.
Who is Uncle (the Grill Master)?
“Every time I sit down…”
What is “here you come”?
In The Five Heartbeats, which member struggled with drug addiction?
Who is Eddie Kane?
This formerly enslaved man became the first Black U.S. Senator, representing Mississippi during Reconstruction.
Who is Hiram Revels?
At a family function, if an elder asks, “Who baby is this?” what’s the correct response?
Tell them who your parents (or grandparents) are not just your own name.
At many traditional Black family reunions, what food is quietly judged more than any other because everyone has their own family recipe?
What is potato salad?
Finish the sentence: “As long as you’re under my roof…”
What is “you’re going to follow my rules.”
In Coming to America, what African country was Prince Akeem from?
What is Zamunda?
The first African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard later became a co-founder of the NAACP.
Who is W.E.B. Du Bois?
You’re leaving a family gathering. According to the unwritten rule, how long should it actually take to leave after you announce you’re leaving?
Another 30–60 minutes because you have to say goodbye to everybody.