Prominent Figures
This poet and author, known for works like I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, was an advocate for civil rights and the first African American woman to be featured in the inaugural poem for a U.S. president.
Who is Maya Angelou?
This legendary singer and civil rights activist, known as the "Queen of Soul," became famous for hits like "Respect" and "Natural Woman."
Who is Aretha Franklin?
This iconic baseball player broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Who is Jackie Robinson?
This month was chosen for Black History Month to coincide with the birthdays of both Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
What is February?
This Caribbean island nation is home to the famous reggae musician Bob Marley and has a rich culture that blends African, European, and Indigenous influences.
What is Jamaica?
This African American inventor and draftsman helped improve the incandescent light bulb and worked with both Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell. He also held a key patent for the production of carbon filaments used in light bulbs.
Who is Lewis Lattimer?
This legendary singer and performer, known as the "Empress of Soul," gained worldwide fame for her powerful voice and songs like "I Will Survive" and "Midnight Train to Georgia."
Who is Gladys Knight?
This basketball legend, known as "MJ," won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and is often regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
Who is Michael Jordan?
This landmark decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1954 declared that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.
What is Brown Vs. Bord of Education?
This large, diverse country in West Africa is home to the city of Lagos, a major cultural and economic hub.
What is Nigeria?
The first African American woman to travel into space, she did so aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992.
Who is Mae Jemison?
This famous African American singer, known for his smooth voice and classic hits like “What’s Going On,” is often hailed as the "Prince of Soul."
Who is Marvin Gaye?
Who was the first African American to play in the NBA, breaking the color barrier in 1950?
Who is Earl Lloyd?
This powerful African American organization, founded in 1909, works to fight for civil rights and social justice.
What is the NAACP?
This U.S. city, often called the "Cradle of Jazz," has been home to countless influential Black musicians and artists from the African American community.
What is New Orleans?
He was an influential lawyer, served as the first African American Supreme Court justice, and argued for desegregation in landmark cases like Brown v. Board of Education.
Who is Thurgood Marshall?
This renowned African American actor and singer starred in the movie The Wiz, a musical version of The Wizard of Oz, alongside Diana Ross.
Who is Michael Jackson?
This track and field athlete became an international sensation after winning 8 Olympic gold medals in the 2008 and 2012 Games.
Who is Usain Bolt?
This landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in 1967 legalized interracial marriage, with the plaintiffs being Richard and Mildred Loving.
What is Loving Vs. Virginia?
This popular festival, celebrated in Brazil, has roots in African traditions and is known for its vibrant parades, music, and dance.
What is Carnival?
This author and activist wrote "The Souls of Black Folk" and co-founded the NAACP.
Who is W.E.B. Du Bois?
This African American dancer and choreographer is famous for his innovative moves and performances, founding a company that celebrates modern dance and incorporating elements of African American culture.
What is Alvin Ailey?
This NBA star, known for his "Sky Hook," is one of the all-time leading scorers in NBA history and won 6 championships with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Who is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar?
This historic event, held in 1963, brought together over 250,000 people to demand jobs and freedom, and is remembered for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.
What is the March on Washington?
This country is home to the historic city of Accra and is the first African nation to gain independence from colonial rule in 1957.
What is Ghana?