Black History In Iowa

1. How many African Americans lived in Iowa in 1840?

1

79

188

226

In 1840, there were 188 African Americans living in Iowa.

Explanation

In 1840, there were 188 African Americans living in Iowa.

2. In what year was the Iowa Constitution amended to remove "free white" from the list of qualifications to serve in the Legislature?

1850

1880

1901

1922

In 1880, the Iowa Constitution was amended to remove the requirement of "free white" from the qualifications to serve in the Legislature. This change was significant as it eliminated racial discrimination and allowed individuals of all races to hold public office in Iowa. Prior to this amendment, only white individuals were eligible to serve in the Legislature, which reflected the prevalent racial attitudes of the time. The removal of this qualification in 1880 marked an important step towards inclusivity and equality in the state's political system.

Explanation

In 1880, the Iowa Constitution was amended to remove the requirement of "free white" from the qualifications to serve in the Legislature. This change was significant as it eliminated racial discrimination and allowed individuals of all races to hold public office in Iowa. Prior to this amendment, only white individuals were eligible to serve in the Legislature, which reflected the prevalent racial attitudes of the time. The removal of this qualification in 1880 marked an important step towards inclusivity and equality in the state's political system.

3. Where was the first Iowa branch of the NAACP founded in 1915?

Cedar Rapids

Des Moines

Iowa City

Muscatine

The first Iowa branch of the NAACP was founded in Des Moines in 1915. Des Moines is the capital and largest city in Iowa, making it a significant location for the establishment of such an important organization.

Explanation

The first Iowa branch of the NAACP was founded in Des Moines in 1915. Des Moines is the capital and largest city in Iowa, making it a significant location for the establishment of such an important organization.

4. What was the first name of the slave in the 1839 Iowa Territorial Supreme Court case that declared no one could be reduced to slavery?

Jupiter

Ralph

Frederick

Denmark

In the 1839 Iowa Territorial Supreme Court case that declared no one could be reduced to slavery, the first name of the slave involved was Ralph.

Explanation

In the 1839 Iowa Territorial Supreme Court case that declared no one could be reduced to slavery, the first name of the slave involved was Ralph.

5. In what year did Iowa become the first "free" state admitted to the Union from all the states included in the Louisiana Purchase?

1846

1847

1848

1849

In 1846, Iowa became the first "free" state admitted to the Union from all the states included in the Louisiana Purchase. This means that Iowa was the first state in this group to prohibit slavery, as opposed to being a slave state.

Explanation

In 1846, Iowa became the first "free" state admitted to the Union from all the states included in the Louisiana Purchase. This means that Iowa was the first state in this group to prohibit slavery, as opposed to being a slave state.

6. In what year did Iowa pass its first Hate Crimes bill?

1987

1989

1991

1993

In 1987, Iowa passed its first Hate Crimes bill. This legislation was enacted to address and punish crimes motivated by bias, prejudice, or hatred towards a particular group or individual. The bill aimed to protect vulnerable communities and ensure that offenders faced appropriate consequences for their actions. By passing this bill, Iowa demonstrated its commitment to combating hate crimes and promoting equality and justice within the state.

Explanation

In 1987, Iowa passed its first Hate Crimes bill. This legislation was enacted to address and punish crimes motivated by bias, prejudice, or hatred towards a particular group or individual. The bill aimed to protect vulnerable communities and ensure that offenders faced appropriate consequences for their actions. By passing this bill, Iowa demonstrated its commitment to combating hate crimes and promoting equality and justice within the state.

7. How much did African Americans who wanted to move into Iowa have to pay the state government in 1844?

$50

$200

$400

$650

In 1844, African Americans who wanted to move into Iowa had to pay the state government $200. This fee was imposed as a way to discourage African Americans from settling in the state, as Iowa was not welcoming to people of African descent at the time. The high cost of $200 was likely intended to be a financial burden and barrier for African Americans, limiting their ability to move to Iowa and establish a presence there.

Explanation

In 1844, African Americans who wanted to move into Iowa had to pay the state government $200. This fee was imposed as a way to discourage African Americans from settling in the state, as Iowa was not welcoming to people of African descent at the time. The high cost of $200 was likely intended to be a financial burden and barrier for African Americans, limiting their ability to move to Iowa and establish a presence there.

8. What is the name of the woman from Des Moines who led lunch counter sit-ins and boycots over a decade before the famous sit-ins in the South?

Hattie McDonald

Deborah Berry

Carrie Chapman

Edna Griffin

Edna Griffin is the correct answer because she was a woman from Des Moines who led lunch counter sit-ins and boycotts over a decade before the famous sit-ins in the South. She was a civil rights activist who fought against racial segregation in public places, particularly in restaurants. Her activism and leadership in Des Moines played a significant role in the broader civil rights movement.

Explanation

Edna Griffin is the correct answer because she was a woman from Des Moines who led lunch counter sit-ins and boycotts over a decade before the famous sit-ins in the South. She was a civil rights activist who fought against racial segregation in public places, particularly in restaurants. Her activism and leadership in Des Moines played a significant role in the broader civil rights movement.

9. In what year did the Iowa Supreme Court desegrate public schools through its Clark v. Board of Directors decision?

1850

1864

1928

1964

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Explanation

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10. In what year did Iowa elect its first male and female African American state legislators, James H. Jackson or Waterloo and Willie Stevenson Glanton of Des Moines?

1962

1964

1966

1968

In 1964, Iowa elected its first male and female African American state legislators, James H. Jackson of Waterloo and Willie Stevenson Glanton of Des Moines. This marked an important milestone in the state's history as it represented a significant step towards diversity and representation in the political sphere.

Explanation

In 1964, Iowa elected its first male and female African American state legislators, James H. Jackson of Waterloo and Willie Stevenson Glanton of Des Moines. This marked an important milestone in the state's history as it represented a significant step towards diversity and representation in the political sphere.