Moments
This secret network helped enslaved people escape to freedom.
The Underground Railroad
What is considered the cure-all medicine in many Black households? (hint: it's green)
Ginger ale.
Name 3 HBCUs.
Lincoln, Cheyney, Spelman, Morehouse, Howard, Hampton, Clark Atlanta, North Carolina A&T State University, Jackson State University, Florida A&M University (FAMU), Delaware State, Morgan State, Bowie
This Black mayor of Philadelphia took office in 2024.
Cherelle Parker
This Philly dance trend with fast footwork went viral on social media.
Philly footwork (Tangin’)
This 2020 moment, when millions around the world protested racial injustice after the murder of George Floyd, demonstrated the power of youth voices and collective action.
Black Lives Matter movement
What is one way Black culture has influenced music worldwide?
Created genres like hip-hop, R&B, jazz, blues, gospel, and rock & roll
Used music as a tool for protest and activism
Shaped dance styles that spread internationally
Inspired global artists to adopt hip-hop culture
Influenced fashion and slang through music
This HBCU in Washington, D.C. is often called “The Mecca.”
Howard University
This NBA superstar opened the “I PROMISE School” in Akron, Ohio to support at-risk students.
LeBron James
This 1990s sitcom helped reshape how Black families were portrayed on television by showing wealth, education, and stability.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
In the late 1960s, this Black activist group created a program to provide free meals to children in cities across the U.S., including Philadelphia.
The Black Panthers
What does it mean to “stay ready”?
So you don’t have to get ready.
Name a divine 9 sorority or fraternity.
This Olympic gymnast became the most decorated gymnast in history!
Simone Biles
This hit ABC sitcom, set in a Philadelphia public school, highlights the daily lives of Black educators and students, bringing national attention to issues of equity in education.
Abbott Elementary
This amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery.
The 13th Amendment
Non-Black households: “Do not talk to me like that.”
Black households: IANOLF
I Am Not One of Your Little Friends 😭💀
Why were HBCUs created?
HBCUs were founded to provide access to higher education for Black students when segregation and discrimination prevented them from attending most other U.S. colleges and universities. These institutions helped prepare students for careers in teaching, science, law, medicine, and other fields.
He was the first Black president of the United States and she was the first Black woman elected Vice President of the United States
Barack Obama and Kamala Harris
Born Cassius Clay in Louisville, this boxing legend trained and lived in Philadelphia for part of his career, became a heavyweight champion, and was a powerful voice for civil rights and Black pride.
Muhammad Ali
In 1909, this organization was founded to fight for African American civil rights.
NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People)
What is one example of “Black excellence” outside of fame or money?
Graduating, starting a business, helping family, leadership, resilience, community work
This HBCU in Atlanta, Georgia is known for its famous alumni including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Morehouse College
This Supreme Court Justice became the first Black woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022
Ketanji Brown Jackson
(notice how recent in time that was)
This Philly church has historically been a hub for Black activism and organizing.
Mother Bethel AME Church
Founded by Richard Allen, a former enslaved person in 1794, creating the first independent Black denomination in the U.S.