Black TV Shows & Sitcoms in the 1970's
This popular sitcom starred a family running a junk business, featuring the iconic line “You big dummy!”
What is Sanford and Son?
Known as the "Queen of Disco," this artist rose to fame with hits like “Love to Love You Baby” and “Hot Stuff.”
Who is Donna Summer?
This boxer, known as “The Greatest,” regained the heavyweight title in 1974 after defeating George Foreman in the “Rumble in the Jungle.”
Who is Muhammad Ali?
This political activist, educator, and author was placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list in 1970.
Who is Angela Davis?
This 1971 film, starring Richard Roundtree, is one of the most iconic examples of the Blaxploitation genre.
What is Shaft?
This show, a spinoff from *Maude*, followed the life of a Black family moving on up to a deluxe apartment in Manhattan.
What is The Jeffersons?
This group was one of Motown’s most successful acts, releasing hits like “I’ll Be There” and “ABC.”
Who are The Jackson 5?
This running back was the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single NFL season in 1973.
Who is O.J. Simpson?
This organization founded in 1972 was a political party aimed at addressing the concerns of Black Americans.
What is the National Black Political Assembly?
Pam Grier starred in this 1974 Blaxploitation classic about a woman seeking revenge against drug dealers.
What is Foxy Brown?
This sitcom followed a Black family living in a Chicago housing project, with the matriarch Florida Evans at the center of the story.
What is Good Times?
This band blended funk and soul to create hits like “Shining Star” and “September.”
Who is Earth, Wind & Fire?
This NBA star led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first championship in 1971 and later won multiple championships with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Who is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar?
This leader of the Nation of Islam promoted Black empowerment and was instrumental in its growth during the 1970's.
Who is Louis Farrakhan?
This 1975 film by director Melvin Van Peebles is often credited with sparking the Blaxploitation movement.
What is Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song?
This variety show featured performances from top Black musical artists of the time and helped shape Black entertainment on television.
What is Soul Train?
This legendary artist released the iconic albums *What’s Going On* (1971) and *Let’s Get It On* (1973).
Who is Marvin Gaye?
This tennis player became the first Black man to win the Wimbledon singles title in 1975.
Who is Arthur Ashe?
This groundbreaking African American woman became the first Black member of the U.S. Congress in 1968 and ran for President in 1972.
Who is Shirley Chisholm?
This 1976 film starring Diana Ross as Billie Holiday chronicled the jazz singer’s rise and struggles.
What is Lady Sings the Blues?
This sitcom, set in Washington, D.C., followed the life of an independent Black woman raising her son and featured an ensemble cast.
What is What's Happening!!?
This funk and soul band, led by George Clinton, released hits like “Give Up the Funk” and “Flash Light.”
Who is Parliament-Funkadelic?
This track and field athlete won four gold medals at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, becoming one of the most celebrated sprinters in history.
Who is Evelyn Ashford?
This Supreme Court case in 1978 addressed affirmative action and had major implications for civil rights.
What is Regents of the University of California v. Bakke?
This 1977 film, based on Alex Haley’s book, became one of the most-watched miniseries in television history and told the story of African American history through the generations.
What is Roots?