Politics + Social Action
His 1984 campaign introduced the “Rainbow Coalition,” a multiracial, multi-issue political movement that pushed the Democratic Party toward more inclusive policies. In 1988, he placed second in the Democratic primaries, at that time the strongest showing ever by an African American presidential candidate.
The late Rev. Jesse Jackson’s presidential runs were groundbreaking because he became one of the first African American candidates to be taken seriously as a national contender, winning several Democratic primaries and caucuses.
What name was given to the all-Black regiments of professional soldiers created after the Civil War?
The Buffalo Soldiers were some of the first Black professional soldiers in the U.S. Army, formed after the Civil War.
What African American inventor improved the light bulb filament and worked closely with Thomas Edison?
Lewis Latimer, an inventor and draftsman, helped improve the light bulb and worked closely with Thomas Edison.
Which novel, written by Zora Neale Hurston, became a defining work of the Harlem Renaissance and is considered a classic of African American literature?
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston.
Which African American ophthalmologist invented a device for cataract surgery and became the first Black woman doctor to receive a medical patent?
Dr. Patricia Bath invented a device for cataract surgery and was the first Black woman doctor to receive a medical patent.
Who is most remembered for leading nonviolent protests that helped end legal segregation in the United States, including his leadership in the 1963 March on Washington where he delivered the historic “I Have a Dream” speech.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Which African American Navy cook became a hero at Pearl Harbor and received the Navy Cross for bravery?
Doris “Dorie” Miller, a Navy cook, became a hero at Pearl Harbor and was the first African American awarded the Navy Cross.
Which African American mathematician and astronomer assisted in surveying the land that became Washington, D.C.?
Benjamin Banneker, a self-taught mathematician, helped survey the land that became Washington, D.C.
What was the name of the African American poet who wrote the famous poem “The Negro Speaks of Rivers?”
Langston Hughes wrote “The Negro Speaks of Rivers.”
What travel guide did African Americans use, with publishing between 1936-1966?
The Negro Motorist Green Book (also known as The Green Book).
Who was the first Black woman to run for president of the United states?
Shirley Chisholm
Who was the first African American to reach the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army and, despite his experience and leadership, racial discrimination blocked his promotion to general.
Charles Young was posthumously promoted to Brigadier General more than 100 years after his death.
Who was awarded the Spingarn Medal from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People for his work on blood plasma?
Dr. Charles Drew – awarded the Spingarn Medal for his pioneering work with blood plasma and blood banks.
Before becoming a professional musician, Chuck Berry studied to become a _______ and has a degree in ________
Chuck Berry studied to become a hairdresser/cosmetologist and earned a degree in hairdressing and cosmetology.
Which African American male tennis player became the first to win both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open?
Arthur Ashe was the first Black male tennis player to win the U.S. Open and Wimbledon.
Who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013 and worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on civil rights and also focused on LGBTQ+ rights?
Bayard Rustin – awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013.
The oldest living Buffalo Soldier, Sergeant Mark Matthews, died at the age of _____ in the year of ______
Sergeant Mark Matthews died at age 111 in 2005.
W.E.B. Du Bois was the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University.
Who was the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University?
Who was the first African American to publish a book of poetry?
Jupiter Hammon – first African American to publish a book of poetry (published 1760).
Who was the first African American woman to publish a book in the United States, achieving this in 1773?
Phyllis Wheatley was the first African American woman to publish a book (1773)
Who was the first African American Senator and what state did they represent?
Hiram Revels, representing Mississippi, was the first African American U.S. Senator (1870).
What African American World War I infantry unit spent more time in combat than any other U.S. regiment?
The Harlem Hellfighters, an all-Black WWI infantry unit, spent more time in combat than any other U.S. regiment.
Which prolific African American inventor, nicknamed “Black Edison,” held more than 50 patents?
Granville T. Woods, known as “Black Edison,” held more than 50 patents in electrical engineering.
Which iconic jazz singer, signed to Chicago's Chess Records, is known as the “First Lady of Song,” and won 13 Grammy Awards?
Ella Fitzgerald won 13 Grammy Awards and is known as the “First Lady of Song.”
Who was the first African American tennis player to win Wimbledon, achieving the milestone in 1957?
Althea Gibson was the first African American to win Wimbledon (1957).