As we reflect on the rich history of our nation, it is important to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of Black Americans. One way to honor their legacy is by engaging in Black History Month trivia. Not only is it educational, but it can also spark important conversations about race and injustice in America. Here are 10 Black History Month trivia questions and answers to get you started.
- Who was the first African American Supreme Court Justice?
The first African American Supreme Court Justice was Thurgood Marshall, who served on the bench from 1967 to 1991. As a civil rights lawyer, Marshall argued many cases before the Supreme Court, including Brown v. Board of Education, which ended segregation in public schools.
- Who was the first African American to win a Pulitzer Prize?
Gwendolyn Brooks was the first African American to win a Pulitzer Prize, which she received in 1950 for her poetry collection “Annie Allen.” Brooks went on to become the poet laureate of Illinois and was awarded numerous other accolades during her lifetime.
- Who was the first African American to win an Academy Award for Best Actor?
Sidney Poitier was the first African American to win an Academy Award for Best Actor, which he received in 1963 for his performance in “Lilies of the Field.” Poitier went on to have a long and successful career in Hollywood, breaking down barriers for Black actors and actresses in the industry.
- Who was the first African American to win an Olympic gold medal?
Jesse Owens was the first African American to win an Olympic gold medal, which he did in 1936 for his performances in the long jump, 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, and 4x100-meter relay. Owens’ achievements were particularly significant because they took place in Nazi Germany during a time of extreme racial discrimination and persecution.
- Who was the first African American to serve in the U.S. Cabinet?
Robert C. Weaver was the first African American to serve in the U.S. Cabinet, which he did as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Lyndon B. Johnson in the 1960s. Weaver was a civil rights activist and scholar who worked to combat housing discrimination and inequality.
- Who was the first African American woman to win a Nobel Prize?
Toni Morrison was the first African American woman to win a Nobel Prize, which she received in 1993 for her novel “Beloved.” Morrison was a trailblazing author who explored themes of racism, identity, and community in her work.
- What was the name of the first Black-owned television network in the United States?
The first Black-owned television network in the United States was BET, which stands for Black Entertainment Television. The network was founded by Robert L. Johnson in 1980 and has since become a major force in the entertainment industry.
- Who was the first African American woman to be elected to the U.S. Congress?
Shirley Chisholm was the first African American woman to be elected to the U.S. Congress, which she did in 1968. Chisholm was a feminist and civil rights activist who fought for marginalized communities throughout her career.
- Who was the first African American woman to serve as the Attorney General of the United States?
Loretta Lynch was the first African American woman to serve as the Attorney General of the United States, which she did from 2015 to 2017. Lynch was a prosecutor and civil rights advocate who worked to combat police brutality and protect the rights of marginalized communities.
- Who was the first African American president of the United States?
Barack Obama was the first African American president of the United States, which he served as from 2009 to 2017. Obama was a community organizer, civil rights attorney, and senator before being elected to the highest office in the land.
By learning about the achievements and struggles of Black Americans throughout history, we can gain a greater understanding of our shared humanity. Black History Month trivia is one small way to start that journey of discovery and connection.
