What is Black History Month?
Black History Month
celebrates the history and contributions of African-Americans. The
origin of this observance goes back to 1915, when historian Carter
G. Woodson proposed Negro History Week, although it did not begin
until 1926. Woodson chose the second week in February to honor the
birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two important
Americans who affected the lives of Blacks. Later, in 1976, this
celebration turned into Black History Month.
Family
Activity:
Take the time as a family to learn about the history of
African-Americans. While reading their biographies, discuss how
their contributions have impacted our society, what obstacles they
had to face, and what character virtues they display.
Quiz on
Black History
What city did
Jazz emerge from?
A. Memphis
B. New Orleans
C. Chicago
Answer: B. Jazz
evolved in New Orleans, which is often considered the most musical
city in the U.S. because of its French, Spanish, West Indian,
African, and English influences. However, by the early 1920s
Chicago had emerged as the jazz capital, while Memphis was a major
center for blues music. (source: Information Please)
The most famous
jazz nightclub in Harlem was called:
A. The Cotton Club
B. El Morocco
C. Studio 54
Answer: A. Open
from 1923 to 1940, the Cotton Club was the leading nightclub in
Harlem, featuring elaborate floor shows and innovative music.
Blacks were only allowed to perform. The audience was white. Many
performances were broadcast live over the radio. Duke Ellington,
Cab Calloway, Ethel Waters, and Billie Holiday performed there.
The El Morocco nightclub was located in mid-Manhattan, while the
disco Studio 54 was not established until 1977. (source:
Information Please)
Who was the
first African-American to play Major League Baseball?
A. Elston Howard
B. Satchell Paige
C. Jackie Robinson
Answer: C.
Jackie Robinson. Jackie became the Dodgers' second baseman in
1948. As the season went on, Jackie's play on the field helped
turn the boos into cheers. He batted .297, led the National League
in stolen bases (29), and was named Rookie of the Year. In 10
major league seasons, Jackie helped the Dodgers win six N.L.
pennants and the 1955 World Series. (source: Sports Illustrated
Kids)
Who was the
first track-and-field athlete to win four gold medals at one
Olympics?
A. Carl Lewis
B. Jesse Owens
C. Maurice Greene
Answer: B. Jesse
Owens. The 1936 Olympics were held in Berlin, Germany, in front of
the hateful eyes of dictator Adolph Hitler. For Hitler, the Berlin
Olympics was a stage to prove to the world that his racist views
were correct. Jesse Owens proved him wrong by winning the gold in
the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, long jump, and the 4x100-meter
relay. In 1976, President Gerald Ford awarded Jesse the Medal of
Freedom, the highest honor a U.S. citizen can receive. (source:
Sports Illustrated Kids)
The 15th
Amendment, which granted African Americans the right to vote, was
passed on which date?
A. February 3, 1870
B. July 14, 1889
C. November 19,
1910
Answer: A.
February 3, 1870 (source: Information Please)
Who is generally
considered the mother of the civil rights movement?
A. Harriet Tubman
B. Susan B. Anthony
C. Rosa Parks
Answer: C. Rosa
Parks. Her refusal to give up her seat on a bus to a white
passenger triggered the 1955-1956 Montgomery bus boycott. An
escaped slave, Tubman became a successful "conductor" on the
Underground Railroad. Anthony is generally considered the mother
of the women’s rights movement. (source: Information Please)
Who was the
first African-American woman to serve in a presidential cabinet
post?
A. Shirley Chisholm
B. Patricia Roberts
Harris
C. Condoleezza Rice
Answer: B.
Patricia Roberts Harris served as secretary of housing and urban
development under President Jimmy Carter. Before that, she had
been the first African-American woman to hold a U.S.
ambassadorship, which was to Luxembourg under President Lyndon B.
Johnson. (source: Information Please)
2004 Family
First. All rights reserved.
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