January

Question 1

A young girl from Baltimore, this individual’s family fought for the integration of Gwynn Oak Amusement Park in Baltimore County. In 1963, she and her family were the first African American family to enter the Amusement Park when all were able to enter. The carousel she rode that day can still be seen in Washington DC on the National Mall. Name this young civil rights activist.

Answer 1

Sharon Langley

Question 2

President Barack Obama called this woman, who passed away in 2011, “The godmother of the civil rights movement.” She was one of the top African American leaders who worked for years designing and organizing events and strategies that would be used during the Civil Rights Movement. She served for 40 years as President of the National Council of Negro Women. She continued to push for equal rights for women, encouraging voter registration and voting. Name this notable woman.

Answer 2

Dorothy Height

Question 3

This Baltimorean dedicated his life to “working for the right of all men to share in the blessing of our Constitution.” He served as the Director of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). He successfully lobbied for the Civil Rights Act in 1957 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In 1978 he retired from the NAACP and joined his family law firm in Baltimore. Name this Baltimorean.

Answer 3

Clarence Michell, Jr.

Question 4

Lyndon B. Johnson nominated this Baltimore Native to serve as the first black Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court in 1967. name this justice and Baltimore Native.

Answer 4

Thurgood Marshall

Question 5

This Baltimore-born American economist revolutionized American economics during the 1970s and 1980. Her work regarding the economic treatment of women, teenagers, single parents, and especially African American working women helped change attitudes in American society. She would become the first woman president of the Industrial Relations Research Association. Who was this economist?

Answer 5

Phyllis Ann Wallace

Question 6

The most prolific boxer in history, this athlete from Louisville, Kentucky, refused to be drafted into the military to fight in the Vietnam war. He opposed the war and continued to fight and speak out against discrimination. In 1974, he would fight George Foreman to regain the world heavyweight boxing title. Name this champion:

Answer 6

Muhammad Ali

Question 7

In August of 1975, this individual became the first African American to become a four-star general in United States military history. He served in World War II, the Korean War, and was the vice commander of a fighter squad, flying 78 combat missions in Vietnam. He was enshrined in the National Aviation Hall of Fame years after his death. Name him

Answer 7

Daniel “Chappie” Jones

Question 8

This rap musical style arose in 1973 in New York City’s South Bronx. Designed to promote musical and dance competitions, the musical genre would become a mainstream part of American society. The first commercial rap hit, “Rapper’s Delight’ came out in 1979. Name the musical group that created this hit

Answer 8

Sugar Hill Gang

Question 9

Many Americans relished in the music of this Jamaican who embraced his Rastafarian beliefs. His reggae music influenced music and culture in inner cities, and many believe it helped lead to the birth of hip-hop or rap music. His songs “One Love” and “Three Little Birds” remain fixtures in American society. Name this musical legend

Answer 9

Bob Marley

Question 10

During the civil rights movement, this individual worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and marched in Selma. Eventually, he would have two bids for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988. He is still actively fighting for civil rights. Name this presidential candidate

Answer 10

Jesse Jackson

Question 11

In 1991, this famous African American playwright won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his play, The Piano Lesson. At 44 years old, he had won two Pulitzer Prizes. He had one for his play Fences in 1987. Who is this famous playwright

Answer 11

August Wilson

Question 12

This African American comedian and actress is one of only 16 entertainers to win an Emmy Award, Grammy Award, Academy Award, and a Tony Award. Starting on stage in 1983, she would become an award-winning comedian and star in movies such as The Color Purple, Ghost, and Sister Act. Name her:

Answer 12

Whoopi Goldberg

Question 13

The first African American woman in space, this astronaut was chosen from a field of about 2,000 individuals and traveled to space on the shuttle Endeavor in 1992. Name this astronaut

Answer 13

Mae Jemison

Question 14

In 1993, this individual won the Nobel Peace Prize in Literature. She was the first African American to hold this honor. Several of her works, including “Beloved,” “The Bluest Eye,” “Song of Solomon,” and “Paradise,” emphasize Black women’s experience in an unjust society and the search for cultural identity. Name this incredible writer

Answer 14

Toni Morrison

Question 15

Called by Minister Louis Farrakhan, the purpose of this march in 1995 was to teach solidarity and change mindsets about race relations in the United States. It was held in Washington DC. Name this event:

Answer 15

Million Man March

Question 16

This African American is considered the wealthiest female entertainer in the world. Her television show won more than 40 Emmy awards. Known as an incredible interviewer, she brought important topics into the living rooms across America. She has given generously to educational causes and owns her own television network. Name her

Answer 16

Oprah Winfrey

Question 17

In 1997 this African American golfer would become the youngest person ever to win the Masters in Augusta, Georgia. This man would become one of the most successful golfers in the world. He has won 15 major championships and has won 82 different professional golfing tournaments. Name him

Answer 17

Tiger Woods

Question 18

This Baltimore resident received her degree from Clark-Atlanta University in 1997 and then her Masters of Fine Arts in Painting from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Known for portraits that focus on African American history, particularly on issues of race and identity, her portraits reflect African-Americans and use gray-scale for skin tones. First Lady Michelle Obama chose her to paint her portrait for the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. Name this artist

Answer 18

Amy Sherald

Question 19

In 2001, President-elect George Bush nominated two African Americans to serve as the Secretary of State and National Security Advisor positions. This was the first time an African American had held either post. Who was nominated for these positions?

Answer 19

Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice

Question 20

In 1996, this African American man was elected to the Illinois State Senate, where he voted to ban racial profiling. He would go on to serve as a Senator in Illinois, and in February 2007, he announced he would run for President. In 2008 he would become the first African American President of the United States. Name this President:

Answer 20

Barack Obama

Question 21

In 2015, this African American scientist received recognition for this “extraordinary role in exciting the public about the wonders of science.” He has received several awards, written many books, and continues to serve as a champion for science and wonder on his podcast and TV shows. Since 1996, he has served as the Director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York City. Name this astrophysicist and author.

Answer 21

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Question 22

This African American, a graduate of Woodlawn High School in Baltimore County, is a known author and journalist who writes about cultural, social, and political issues. His articles have appeared in many of the top newspapers and magazines around the country. His second book, Between the World and Me, won the prestigious National Book Award for Nonfiction. In 2015, he was awarded a “Genius Grant” from the MacArthur Foundation. Name this Baltimore Native:

Answer 22

Ta-Nehisi Coates

Question 23

On September 24, 2016, this museum opened in Washington, D.C., and was devoted to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. It contains more than 40,000 artifacts. It is open to all who are interested in African American culture and helps all Americans see how their stories, histories, and cultures are shaped and informed by global influences. Name this museum

Answer 23

National Museum of African American History and Culture