1970s TV & FILM
This sitcom starring Redd Foxx premiered in 1972 and became one of the decade’s biggest hits
Answer: What is Sanford and Son?
This group of brothers from Gary, Indiana had hits like “ABC” and “I Want You Back.”
Answer: Who are The Jackson 5?
This boxer regained the heavyweight title in 1974 during the “Rumble in the Jungle.”
Answer: Who is Muhammad Ali?
This civil rights leader became the first African American mayor of Los Angeles in 1973.
Answer: Who is Tom Bradley?
This hairstyle became a symbol of Black pride throughout the decade.
Answer: What is the Afro?
This 1977 miniseries based on Alex Haley’s work became the most-watched TV event of the decade.
Answer: What is Roots?
This singer released the 1976 hit “Love Hangover.”
Answer: Who is Diana Ross?
This baseball legend broke Babe Ruth’s home run record in 1974.
Answer: Who is Hank Aaron?
This magazine, founded in 1970, became a major voice for Black women.
Answer: What is Essence?
These tall, chunky shoes were a disco fashion staple.
Answer: What are platform shoes?
This 1974 sitcom featured the Evans family and introduced the catchphrase “Dy-no-mite!”
Answer: What is Good Times?
This funk band led by Maurice White released “September” in 1978.
Answer: Who is Earth, Wind & Fire?
This NBA star won the Rookie of the Year award in 1970 and later became known for his skyhook.
Answer: Who is Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar?
This organization launched its free breakfast program nationwide in the early 1970s.
Answer: What is the Black Panther Party?
This 1970s toy craze involved smooth moves and a spinning waist.
Answer: What is the Hula Hoop?
(Note: The Hula Hoop was invented earlier, but its major comeback in Black communities and dance shows like Soul Train was in the 70s.)
Pam Grier starred in this 1973 action film about a nurse turned vigilante.
Answer: What is Coffy?
This 1979 song by Chic became a disco anthem with the lyric “Good times…”
What is Good Times?
This Olympic sprinter won gold in the 1976 Montreal Games and became a track icon.
Answer: Who is Edwin Moses?
This groundbreaking TV dance show, hosted by Don Cornelius, debuted nationally in 1971.
Answer: What is Soul Train?
This 1970s dance move, often seen on Soul Train, involved sliding backward smoothly.
Answer: What is the backslide (later known as the moonwalk)?
Richard Roundtree played this cool private detective in the 1971 film that defined the blaxploitation era.
Answer: Who is Shaft?
This legendary musician released the groundbreaking album Songs in the Key of Life in 1976.
Answer: Who is Stevie Wonder?
This tennis star won the 1975 Wimbledon men’s singles title, becoming the first Black man to do so.
Answer: Who is Arthur Ashe?
This author published Roots: The Saga of an American Family in 1976.
Answer: Who is Alex Haley?
This 1970s fashion trend featured bold patterns, wide collars, and bright colors, often worn to clubs.
Answer: What are disco suits?