History of Black History Month
The birthdays of these two individuals are celebrated in February, thus leading to the placement of Black History month in February.
Who are Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
He was an American track and field athlete who won four gold medals at the 1936 Olympic Games. Owens specialized in the sprints and the long jump and was recognized in his lifetime as "perhaps the greatest and most famous athlete in track and field history"
Who was Jesse Owens
She was one of the first African Americans to receive a patent and improved the design of the ironing board.
Who was Sarah Boone
This area of Kansas City is known for entertainment and jazz.
What is 18th and Vine.
He was called the "Boss of the Blues," and during the 1930s—Kansas City's musical heyday— was the greatest blues singer in town
Who was "Big Joe" Turner.
This is the purpose of Black History month.
What is an annual time to celebrate achievements by African Americans.
He was an American professional baseball player who became the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era.
This man improved the sewing machine, the gas mask, and designed the three light traffic light system.
Who was Garrett Morgan.
This was the Kansas City African American newspaper business.
What is the Kansas City Call Newspaper
This Texas born jazz musician was one of the most outstanding trumpet soloists during the swing era getting his start in Kansas City.
Who was "Hot Lips" Page (Oran Page).
This is the month and year Black History month was established.
February, 1986
He was the first African American to hold a medical degree from the University of Glasgow in Scotland
Who was James McCune Smith
This inventor is responsible for the refrigerated truck.
Who was Frederick McKinley Jones in 1940.
Kansas City is home to this baseball museum.
What is the Negro Leagues Museum - extra 100 points if you can name Kansas City's Negro team.
This Kansas City transplant was stranded here and then proceeded to form and lead a famous 9-piece orchestra, thus giving him the nickname "Count ____"
Who was Count Basie (William Basie).
He was the first President to recognize Black History Month.
Who was President Gerald Ford.
Her invention was called Laserphaco Probe, which she patented in 1986.
Who was Patricia Bath.
This inventor created automatic elevator doors.
Who was Alexander Miles in 1887.
This individual is considered the "father of Kansas City barbecue".
Who was Henry Perry.
This world renowned saxophonist credited with developing the bop jazz style and for his integral role in helping to shape the city’s distinctive jazz sound, was born in Kansas City.
Who was Charlie Parker (1920).
This amendment abolished slavery in the United States.
What is the 13th amendment.
This cancer patient had her cancer cells taken from her without her permission. Studying her resilient cells continue to advance cancer research today.
Who was Henrietta Lacks (1950s). Henrietta’s immortal “He-La” cell line is the oldest and most commonly used human cell line in scientific research.
Who was Mark Dean c. 1980 and 1999
On Dec. 7, 2006, this Kansas Citian was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.
Who was Buck O'Neil
This musician is credited with forming the unique style of Kansas City jazz.
Who was Bennie Moten.