The 2012 Daily Communicator Black History Month Quiz!

1.

In 1965, Patricia Harris became the first black female ambassador. What country did she serve?

A.

England
B.

The United States
C.

Luxembourg
D.

Ireland

Correct Answer
C. Luxembourg

Explanation
Patricia Harris became the first black female ambassador in 1965. She served as the ambassador to Luxembourg.

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2.

Pictured above: Diane Abbott In England, who was the first black Member of Parliament?

A.

Paul Boatang
B.

Dianne Abbott
C.

Bernie Grant
D.

Trick question! All three were elected at once in 1987

Correct Answer
D. Trick question! All three were elected at once in 1987

Explanation
In England, the first black Members of Parliament were not elected individually, but rather all three - Paul Boatang, Dianne Abbott, and Bernie Grant - were elected at the same time in 1987. This makes it a trick question as it implies that there was only one first black Member of Parliament.

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3.

After 26 years of being imprisoned for anti-apartheid activism in South Africa, Nelson Mandela was elected to what position?

A.

President of South Africa
B.

Prime Minister of South Africa
C.

African National Congressman
D.

General Secretary of South Africa

Correct Answer
A. President of South Africa

Explanation
After spending 26 years in prison for his anti-apartheid activism in South Africa, Nelson Mandela was elected as the President of South Africa. This position marked a historic moment as Mandela became the country's first black president, leading the nation towards reconciliation and democracy. His presidency was characterized by efforts to dismantle apartheid policies, promote equality, and build a united South Africa. Mandela's election as president symbolized the triumph of democracy over oppression and marked a significant turning point in South African history.

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4.

Tiger Woods is a famous golfer and person of African-Asian descent. He has won 14 major professional golf championships. What is his real name?

A.

Eldrick Tont Woods
B.

Du Tont Woods
C.

Eldrick Akio Woods
D.

Chongan Edward Woods

Correct Answer
A. Eldrick Tont Woods

Explanation
Tiger Woods' real name is Eldrick Tont Woods.

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5.

In 2001, Ruth J. Simmons became the first African American to preside over an Ivy League school as president. At what school did this occur?

A.

Yale University
B.

Princeton University
C.

Brown University
D.

Columbia University

Correct Answer
C. Brown University

Explanation
In 2001, Ruth J. Simmons made history by becoming the first African American to serve as president of an Ivy League school. This significant achievement took place at Brown University.

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6.

John Mercer Langston was the very first person of African descent to become an elected official in the United States government. He served as a town clerk in Brownhelm Township, Ohio. In what year was he elected?

A.

1835
B.

1845
C.

1855
D.

1865

Correct Answer
C. 1855

Explanation
John Mercer Langston was elected as a town clerk in Brownhelm Township, Ohio in 1855. This makes him the first person of African descent to become an elected official in the United States government.

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7.

This Cuban citizen was the first Hispanic and first Black person in space. Who is he?

A.

Arnaldo Tamayo Méndez
B.

Robert Curbeam
C.

Guion (Guy) S. Bluford, Jr.
D.

Frederick Drew Gregory

Correct Answer
A. Arnaldo Tamayo Méndez

Explanation
Arnaldo Tamayo Méndez is the correct answer because he was the first Hispanic and first Black person in space.

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8.

Ralph Bunche was an American political scientist and diplomat who received the Nobel Peace Prize for his late 1940s mediation in Palestine, becoming the first person of African descent to win a Nobel Prize. In what year did he receive it?

A.

1949
B.

1950
C.

1951
D.

1952

Correct Answer
B. 1950

Explanation
In 1950, Ralph Bunche received the Nobel Peace Prize for his mediation in Palestine in the late 1940s. This made him the first person of African descent to win a Nobel Prize.

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