Black History Quiz: How Much You Know?
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Questions and Answers
- 1.
In 1950, Ralph Ellison received the National Book Award for what book?
- A.
Invisible Man
- B.
Native Son
- C.
Their Eyes Were Watching God
- D.
The Souls of Black Folk
Correct Answer
A. Invisible ManExplanation
Ralph Ellison received the National Book Award in 1950 for his book "Invisible Man." This novel explores the experiences of an African American man living in the United States and addresses themes of identity, racism, and social invisibility. Ellison's writing style and the depth of his storytelling resonated with readers and critics, making "Invisible Man" a significant and influential work in American literature.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What was the first African American owned-and-operated newspaper?
- A.
The Washington Post
- B.
The Boston Globe
- C.
The People's Paper
- D.
Freedom's Journal
Correct Answer
D. Freedom's JournalExplanation
Freedom's Journal was the first African American owned-and-operated newspaper. It was founded in 1827 by John Russwurm and Samuel Cornish. The newspaper aimed to advocate for the rights and interests of African Americans, providing a platform for their voices to be heard. Through its articles, Freedom's Journal addressed issues such as slavery, education, and racial justice. The establishment of this newspaper marked an important milestone in African American history, as it paved the way for the growth of African American journalism and the fight for equality.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What was Chubby Checker’s longest-running hit song on the Top 40 charts?
- A.
Jingle Bell Rock
- B.
The Twist
- C.
Hey Good Lookin'
- D.
Wild Thing
Correct Answer
B. The TwistExplanation
Chubby Checker's longest-running hit song on the Top 40 charts was "The Twist." This song became a sensation in the early 1960s and popularized the dance craze of the same name. Its catchy beat and simple dance moves made it a favorite among audiences, leading to its long-lasting success on the charts.Rate this question:
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- 4.
This man was the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University. His ideas were used as a foundation for the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Who was he?
- A.
Booker T. Washington
- B.
James Weldon Johnson
- C.
W.E.B. DuBois
- D.
Langston Hughes
Correct Answer
C. W.E.B. DuBoisExplanation
W.E.B. DuBois was the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University. His ideas, such as the concept of "double consciousness" and his advocacy for equal rights and education, greatly influenced the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. He co-founded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and was a prominent leader and intellectual in the fight for racial equality.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What Supreme Court decision overturned the rule of segregation?
- A.
Plessy v. Ferguson
- B.
Brown v. The Board of Education
- C.
Dred Scott v. Sanford
- D.
Bailey v. Patterson
Correct Answer
B. Brown v. The Board of EducationExplanation
Brown v. The Board of Education is the correct answer because this Supreme Court decision overturned the rule of segregation. In this landmark case, the Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, effectively ending the "separate but equal" doctrine established in Plessy v. Ferguson. The decision was a major victory for the civil rights movement and paved the way for desegregation in schools and other public institutions.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What US President ended segregation in the US Armed Forces by issuing an Executive Order?
- A.
John F. Kennedy
- B.
Harry S. Truman
- C.
Richard M. Nixon
- D.
Lyndon B. Johnson
Correct Answer
B. Harry S. TrumanExplanation
Harry S. Truman is the correct answer because he issued Executive Order 9981 in 1948, which ended segregation in the US Armed Forces. This order stated that "there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin." Truman's decision to desegregate the military was a significant step towards civil rights and paved the way for further advancements in ending racial discrimination in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Who invented the smallpox vaccine?
- A.
Dr. John Franklin Enders
- B.
Dr. Jonas Salk
- C.
Dr. Louis Wright
- D.
Dr. Edward Jenner
Correct Answer
C. Dr. Louis Wright -
- 8.
What African American sports legend was commemorated by a postage stamp in 1982?
- A.
Jesse Owens
- B.
Jackie Robinson
- C.
Michael Jordan
- D.
Muhammad Ali
Correct Answer
B. Jackie RobinsonExplanation
Jackie Robinson, an African American sports legend, was commemorated by a postage stamp in 1982. He is renowned for breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball, becoming the first African American player in the modern era. Robinson's exceptional skills and courage in the face of racial discrimination made him an iconic figure in sports history. His achievements and contributions to the game of baseball and the civil rights movement earned him this honor of being commemorated on a postage stamp.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What African nation was founded by American president James Monroe as a homeland for freed American slaves?
- A.
Egypt
- B.
Sierra Leone
- C.
Senegal
- D.
Liberia
Correct Answer
D. LiberiaExplanation
Liberia was founded by American president James Monroe as a homeland for freed American slaves. This was part of the American Colonization Society's efforts to resettle freed slaves in Africa. The country was established in 1822 and became an independent republic in 1847. The capital city, Monrovia, was named after President Monroe.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Where is the National Civil Rights Museum located?
- A.
Washington, D.C.
- B.
Selma, Alabama
- C.
Atlanta, Georgia
- D.
Memphis, Tennessee
Correct Answer
D. Memphis, TennesseeExplanation
The National Civil Rights Museum is located in Memphis, Tennessee. This museum is dedicated to chronicling the history of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States and is situated at the former Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. The museum houses exhibits and artifacts that showcase the struggles and achievements of the Civil Rights Movement, making it an important historical and cultural landmark in Memphis.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Where did Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. go to college?
- A.
Spelman College
- B.
Howard University
- C.
Fisk University
- D.
Morehouse College
Correct Answer
D. Morehouse CollegeExplanation
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. attended Morehouse College. This historically black college located in Atlanta, Georgia, played a significant role in shaping his beliefs and activism. Morehouse College provided King with a strong foundation in academics and leadership, and it was during his time there that he was exposed to the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and the principles of nonviolent resistance. King's education at Morehouse College greatly influenced his future as a civil rights leader and his commitment to fighting for equality and justice.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Boasting twelve number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, what female singing group was the most successful American vocal group of all time?
- A.
The Supremes
- B.
Sister Sledge
- C.
Labelle
- D.
The Pointer Sisters
Correct Answer
A. The SupremesExplanation
The Supremes were the most successful American vocal group of all time, with twelve number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. This achievement demonstrates their immense popularity and success in the music industry.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which state was the first to abolish slavery?
- A.
New York
- B.
Maine
- C.
Vermont
- D.
Ohio
Correct Answer
C. VermontExplanation
Vermont was the first state to abolish slavery. In 1777, Vermont's constitution banned adult slavery, making it the first state to take such a step. This decision reflected the state's strong anti-slavery sentiment and commitment to equality. Vermont's abolition of slavery set a significant precedent and influenced other states to follow suit in the years that followed.Rate this question:
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- 14.
He was first elected to Congress, representing Georgia, in 1986, and was one of the keynote speakers at the 1963 March on Washington; he also marched with Martin Luther King Jr. and civil rights leaders in the Selma, Alabama march in 1965. Who is he?
- A.
John Lewis
- B.
Jesse Jackson
- C.
Ralph Abernathy
- D.
Jackie Robinson
Correct Answer
A. John LewisExplanation
John Lewis is the correct answer because he was elected to Congress in 1986, representing Georgia. He was also one of the keynote speakers at the 1963 March on Washington and marched with Martin Luther King Jr. and civil rights leaders in the Selma, Alabama march in 1965.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Who was the first African American astronaut to enter space?
- A.
Guion Bluford
- B.
Robert Henry Lawrence, Jr.
- C.
Ronald McNair
- D.
Robert Curbeam
Correct Answer
A. Guion BlufordExplanation
Guion Bluford was the first African American astronaut to enter space. He achieved this milestone on August 30, 1983, as a member of the crew of the space shuttle Challenger. Bluford's historic mission paved the way for future African American astronauts and broke barriers in the field of space exploration.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Who was the first black female astronaut to travel in space?
- A.
Dr. Stephanie Wilson
- B.
Dr. Joan Higginbotham
- C.
Dr. Yvonne Cagle
- D.
Dr. Mae Jemison
Correct Answer
D. Dr. Mae JemisonExplanation
Dr. Mae Jemison was the first black female astronaut to travel in space. She made history on September 12, 1992, when she flew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour as a mission specialist. Jemison's achievement broke barriers and inspired countless individuals, especially women and people of color, to pursue careers in STEM and space exploration. She has since become an advocate for science education and continues to inspire future generations with her accomplishments.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Where is Edmund Pettus Bridge located? This was the site of a peaceful protest for voting rights that turned violent - later known as Bloody Sunday.
- A.
Birmingham, Alabama
- B.
Little Rock, Arkansa
- C.
Selma, Alabama
- D.
Memphis, Tennessee
Correct Answer
C. Selma, AlabamaExplanation
The correct answer is Selma, Alabama. The Edmund Pettus Bridge is located in Selma, Alabama. It gained historical significance due to the events that took place on March 7, 1965, known as Bloody Sunday. On that day, civil rights activists attempted to march from Selma to Montgomery to demand voting rights for African Americans. However, they were met with violence from state troopers as they crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge, resulting in a significant turning point in the civil rights movement.Rate this question:
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- 18.
What football star became the first to rush over 2,000 yards in a single season.
- A.
Lynn Swann
- B.
O.J. Simpson
- C.
Jerry Rice
- D.
Barry Sanders
Correct Answer
B. O.J. SimpsonExplanation
O.J. Simpson is the correct answer because he became the first football star to rush over 2,000 yards in a single season. This accomplishment occurred in the 1973 season when Simpson played for the Buffalo Bills. He finished the season with 2,003 rushing yards, setting a new record and paving the way for future running backs to strive for this milestone.Rate this question:
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- 19.
In 1917, a black woman won the American Tennis Association title. Who was she?
- A.
Althea Gibson
- B.
Billie Jean King
- C.
Lucy Diggs Slowe
- D.
Leslie Allen
Correct Answer
C. Lucy Diggs SloweExplanation
Lucy Diggs Slowe was the first African American woman to win the American Tennis Association title in 1917. She was an accomplished athlete and educator who made significant contributions to both sports and education. Slowe's victory in the ATA championship was a groundbreaking achievement, as it showcased the talent and skill of black women in tennis during a time of racial segregation and discrimination. Her success paved the way for future generations of black female tennis players, including Althea Gibson, who would go on to achieve even greater milestones in the sport.Rate this question:
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- 20.
These three quotes are from a notable abolitionist and American who had been born into slavery in Maryland and escaped at the age of 20: 1) “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” 2) “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” 3) “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” Who are those words attributed to?
- A.
Harriet Tubman
- B.
Sojourner Truth
- C.
Frederick Douglass
- D.
Nat Turner
Correct Answer
C. Frederick DouglassExplanation
The given quotes are attributed to Frederick Douglass, a notable abolitionist and American who was born into slavery in Maryland and escaped at the age of 20. These quotes reflect his beliefs and experiences, emphasizing the importance of education, the necessity of struggle for progress, and the significance of nurturing strong individuals from a young age.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Feb 12, 2017Quiz Created by
Betsy_brown
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