The 2012 Daily Communicator Black History Month Quiz!

1.

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

President of South Africa

Prime Minister of South Africa

African National Congressman

General Secretary of South Africa

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.

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.

2.

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?

Eldrick Tont Woods

Du Tont Woods

Eldrick Akio Woods

Chongan Edward Woods

Tiger Woods' real name is Eldrick Tont Woods.

Explanation

Tiger Woods' real name is Eldrick Tont Woods.

3.

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

Arnaldo Tamayo Méndez

Robert Curbeam

Guion (Guy) S. Bluford, Jr.

Frederick Drew Gregory

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

Explanation

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

4.

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?

Yale University

Princeton University

Brown University

Columbia University

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.

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.

5.

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

Paul Boatang

Dianne Abbott

Bernie Grant

Trick question! All three were elected at once in 1987

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.

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.

6.

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

England

The United States

Luxembourg

Ireland

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

Explanation

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

7.

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?

1835

1845

1855

1865

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.

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.

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?

1949

1950

1951

1952

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.

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.