In celebration of Black History Month and the rich contributions of Black individuals to society, this quiz comprises 35 questions covering a diverse range of topics, from civil rights and iconic leaders to culture, innovation, and more.
It’s an opportunity to test your knowledge and learn more about the remarkable people and landmarks that have shaped Black history.
Challenge yourself and discover the answers to questions that everyone should know but may not.
Be sure to keep score and let us know how you did at the end!
Q1. What event is often considered the catalyst for the modern Civil Rights Movement
A) Montgomery Bus Boycott
B) Selma to Montgomery March
C) Brown v. Board of Education
D) Emancipation Proclamation
Hint: This event began with Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat.
A1. What event is often considered the catalyst for the modern Civil Rights Movement
Answer: A) Montgomery Bus Boycott
Q2. What landmark legislation, signed into law in 1964, prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin?
A) Civil Rights Act of 1964
B) Voting Rights Act of 1965
C) Brown v. Board of Education
D) Emancipation Proclamation
Hint: It aimed to end segregation and discrimination in public places.
A2. What landmark legislation, signed into law in 1964, prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin?
Answer: A) Civil Rights Act of 1964
Q3. Which peaceful protest march, led by Martin Luther King Jr., aimed to secure voting rights for African Americans in the American South?
A) March on Washington
B) Greensboro Sit-In
C) Selma to Montgomery March
D) Birmingham Campaign
Hint: It took place in 1965 and was marked by violence against marchers.
A3. Which peaceful protest march, led by Martin Luther King Jr., aimed to secure voting rights for African Americans in the American South?
Answer: C) Selma to Montgomery March
Q4. The Supreme Court case that ruled segregation in public schools unconstitutional and overturned the “separate but equal” doctrine was:
A) Plessy v. Ferguson
B) Dred Scott v. Sandford
C) Brown v. Board of Education
D) Loving v. Virginia
Hint: It took place in 1954 and was a landmark decision.
A4. The Supreme Court case that ruled segregation in public schools unconstitutional and overturned the “separate but equal” doctrine was:
Answer: C) Brown v. Board of Education
Q5. Which Civil Rights leader advocated for a more militant approach and was a spokesman for the Nation of Islam?
A) Martin Luther King Jr.
B) Medgar Evers
C) Malcolm X
D) Rosa Parks
Hint: He was known for his stance on self-defense and black empowerment.
A5. Which Civil Rights leader advocated for a more militant approach and was a spokesman for the Nation of Islam?
Answer: C) Malcolm X
Q6. What famous Underground Railroad conductor is often referred to as the “Moses of her people”?
A) Nat Turner
B) Sojourner Truth
C) Harriet Tubman
D) Frederick Douglass
Hint: She made numerous trips to the South to help slaves escape to freedom.
A6. What famous Underground Railroad conductor is often referred to as the “Moses of her people”?
Answer: C) Harriet Tubman
Q7. The 1857 Supreme Court case that ruled enslaved people were property and not citizens was:
A) Brown v. Board of Education
B) Dred Scott v. Sandford
C) Plessy v. Ferguson
D) Marbury v. Madison
Hint: This decision intensified the tensions between North and South.
A7. The 1857 Supreme Court case that ruled enslaved people were property and not citizens was:
Answer: B) Dred Scott v. Sandford
Q8. What was the name of the ship seized by enslaved Africans in 1839, leading to a famous legal case and their eventual return to Africa?
A) The Mayflower
B) The Santa Maria
C) The Amistad
D) The Nina
Hint: This event sparked international attention and legal proceedings.
A8. What was the name of the ship seized by enslaved Africans in 1839, leading to a famous legal case and their eventual return to Africa?
Answer: C) The Amistad
Q9. Which famous former enslaved African became a prominent abolitionist, speaker, and advocate for women’s rights?
A) Nat Turner
B) Sojourner Truth
C) Harriet Tubman
D) Frederick Douglass
Hint: She delivered the famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech.
A9. Which famous former enslaved African became a prominent abolitionist, speaker, and advocate for women’s rights?
Answer: B) Sojourner Truth
Q10. The “Emancipation Proclamation,” issued by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, declared the freedom of enslaved people in which states?
A) All states in the Union
B) Confederate states only
C) Border states only
D) All states, both Union and Confederate
Hint: It specifically applied to areas in rebellion against the Union.
A10. The “Emancipation Proclamation,” issued by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, declared the freedom of enslaved people in which states?
Answer: B) Confederate states only
Q11. The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for:
A) Debt
B) Murder
C) Treason
D) Crime
Hint: It includes an exception related to the criminal justice system.
A11. The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for:
Answer: D) Crime
Q12. Who is often referred to as the “Queen of Soul” and is known for her powerful vocal performances?
A) Whitney Houston
B) Diana Ross
C) Aretha Franklin
D) Etta James
Hint: She sang iconic songs like “Respect” and “Natural Woman.”
A12. Who is often referred to as the “Queen of Soul” and is known for her powerful vocal performances?
Answer: C) Aretha Franklin
Q13. What iconic musician, known for his virtuoso guitar skills, is often called the “Father of Rock and Roll”?
A) Jimi Hendrix
B) Chuck Berry
C) B.B. King
D) Little Richard
Hint: He recorded hits like “Johnny B. Goode” and “Roll Over Beethoven.”
A13. What iconic musician, known for his virtuoso guitar skills, is often called the “Father of Rock and Roll”?
Answer: B) Chuck Berry
Q14. Which iconic jazz trumpeter is renowned for his improvisational skills and contributions to the development of jazz?
A) Duke Ellington
B) Miles Davis
C) Louis Armstrong
D) John Coltrane
Hint: He recorded the influential album “Kind of Blue.”
A14. Which iconic jazz trumpeter is renowned for his improvisational skills and contributions to the development of jazz?
Answer: B) Miles Davis
Q15. Who is considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time and played with the band “The Experience”?
A) B.B. King
B) Jimi Hendrix
C) Eric Clapton
D) Carlos Santana
Hint: He famously performed at Woodstock in 1969.
A15. Who is considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time and played with the band “The Experience”?
Answer: B) Jimi Hendrix
Q16. Who was the inventor and engineer responsible for developing the Super Soaker water gun and the Nerf foam football?
A) Lonnie Johnson
B) George Crum
C) Granville Woods
D) Otis Boykin
Hint: He initially worked on the super soaker as a heat pump project.
A16. Who was the inventor and engineer responsible for developing the Super Soaker water gun and the Nerf foam football?
Answer: A) Lonnie Johnson
Q17. What African American chemist and entrepreneur revolutionized the beauty and hair care industry by creating specialized hair products and the first successful hair straightening process?
A) Madam C.J. Walker
B) Shirley Jackson
C) Patricia Bath
D) Mae Jemison
Hint: She established a successful line of beauty products for Black women.
A17. What African American chemist and entrepreneur revolutionized the beauty and hair care industry by creating specialized hair products and the first successful hair straightening process?
Answer: A) Madam C.J. Walker
Q18. Who was the NASA engineer and mathematician whose calculations were crucial to the success of the early U.S. space missions, including John Glenn’s orbit of Earth
A) Katherine Johnson
B) Mae Jemison
C) Dorothy Vaughan
D) Christine Darden
Hint: She was portrayed in the film “Hidden Figures.”
A18. Who was the NASA engineer and mathematician whose calculations were crucial to the success of the early U.S. space missions, including John Glenn’s orbit of Earth
Answer: A) Katherine Johnson
Q19. Who is often considered one of the greatest athletes of all time and won four gold medals in track and field at the 1936 Berlin Olympics?
A) Jesse Owens
B) Usain Bolt
C) Carl Lewis
D) Jackie Robinson
Hint: His performance in Berlin challenged Hitler’s beliefs about Aryan supremacy.
A19. Who is often considered one of the greatest athletes of all time and won four gold medals in track and field at the 1936 Berlin Olympics?
Answer: A) Jesse Owens
Q20. Which legendary boxer is known for his catchphrase “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” and was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement?
A) Sugar Ray Robinson
B) Joe Louis
C) Muhammad Ali
D) Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Hint: He was initially known as Cassius Clay.
A20. Which legendary boxer is known for his catchphrase “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” and was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement?
Answer: C) Muhammad Ali
Q21. Who was the first African American to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947?
A) Jackie Robinson
B) Willie Mays
C) Hank Aaron
D) Satchel Paige
Hint: He wore jersey number 42, which has been retired across all MLB teams.
A21. Who was the first African American to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947?
Answer: A) Jackie Robinson
Q22. Which African American sprinter and long jumper broke world records and won four gold medals in track and field at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics?
A) Carl Lewis
B) Usain Bolt
C) Ben Johnson
D) Justin Gatlin
Hint: He was known for his consistency and longevity in the sport.
A22. Which African American sprinter and long jumper broke world records and won four gold medals in track and field at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics?
Answer: A) Carl Lewis
Q23. Who is often regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in history and led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships in the 1990s?
A) LeBron James
B) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
C) Magic Johnson
D) Michael Jordan
Hint: He is known for his competitive spirit and “Air Jordan” brand.
A23. Who is often regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in history and led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships in the 1990s?
Answer: D) Michael Jordan
Q24. Which civil rights leader and Baptist minister is famous for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance and leadership in the Montgomery Bus Boycott?
A) Martin Luther King Jr.
B) Malcolm X
C) Medgar Evers
D) Booker T. Washington
Hint: He delivered the “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington.
A24. Which civil rights leader and Baptist minister is famous for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance and leadership in the Montgomery Bus Boycott?
Answer: A) Martin Luther King Jr.
Q25. Who was the first African American Supreme Court Justice, appointed in 1967 by President Lyndon B. Johnson?
A) Thurgood Marshall
B) Clarence Thomas
C) Constance Baker Motley
D) Barbara Jordan
Hint: He was a prominent lawyer and argued the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education.
A25. Who was the first African American Supreme Court Justice, appointed in 1967 by President Lyndon B. Johnson?
Answer: A) Thurgood Marshall
Q26. Who is the co-founder of the record label Roc-A-Fella Records and the clothing brand Rocawear, known for his successful music career and business ventures?
A) Diddy (Sean Combs)
B) Dr. Dre (Andre Young)
C) Jay-Z (Shawn Carter)
D) Pharrell Williams
Hint: He is often referred to as “Hova” or “Jigga.”
A26. Who is the co-founder of the record label Roc-A-Fella Records and the clothing brand Rocawear, known for his successful music career and business ventures?
Answer: C) Jay-Z (Shawn Carter)
Q27. Who is the founder and CEO of the lifestyle brand FUBU (For Us, By Us), which gained popularity in the 1990s for its urban fashion?
A) Sean John Combs (Diddy)
B) Russell Simmons
C) Damon Dash
D) Daymond John
Hint: He is known for his role as a “shark” on the TV show “Shark Tank.”
A27. Who is the founder and CEO of the lifestyle brand FUBU (For Us, By Us), which gained popularity in the 1990s for its urban fashion?
Answer: D) Daymond John
Q28. Which African American businessman co-founded BET (Black Entertainment Television), becoming one of the first black billionaires in the United States?
A) Robert L. Johnson
B) Magic Johnson
C) Oprah Winfrey
D) Tyler Perry Hint: His initials are “RLJ.”
A28. Which African American businessman co-founded BET (Black Entertainment Television), becoming one of the first black billionaires in the United States?
Answer: A) Robert L. Johnson
Q29. Which African American businesswoman and fashion designer is the founder of the luxury fashion brand Fenty, in partnership with LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton
A) Rihanna
B) Beyoncé
C) Cardi B
D) Solange Knowles
Hint: She is a Barbadian singer and actress.
A29. Which African American businesswoman and fashion designer is the founder of the luxury fashion brand Fenty, in partnership with LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton
Answer: A) Rihanna
Q30. What African American actor won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the film “Training Day”?
A) Chadwick Boseman
B) Denzel Washington
C) Will Smith
D) Idris Elba
Hint: He delivered powerful performances both on and off-screen.
A30. What African American actor won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the film “Training Day” and later portrayed Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
Answer: B) Denzel Washington
Q31. Which historic site in Washington, D.C., is known for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963?
A) National Museum of African American History and Culture
B) Lincoln Memorial
C) Washington Monument
D) Smithsonian Institution
Hint: It is where the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech was delivered.
A31. Which historic site in Washington, D.C., is known for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963?
Answer: B) Lincoln Memorial
Q32. What historic site in Memphis, Tennessee, is the location where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968?
A) Lorraine Motel
B) Graceland
C) Sun Studio
D) Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Hint: It is now home to the National Civil Rights Museum.
A32. What historic site in Memphis, Tennessee, is the location where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968?
Answer: A) Lorraine Motel
Q33. Which island off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina, served as a major entry point for enslaved Africans and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
A) Ellis Island
B) Robben Island
C) Sullivan’s Island
D) Alcatraz Island
Hint: It is often referred to as the “Ellis Island for African Americans.”
A33. Which island off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina, served as a major entry point for enslaved Africans and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Answer: C) Sullivan’s Island
Q34. In Birmingham, Alabama, which church was the site of the tragic bombing in 1963 that killed four young girls during a Sunday school class?
A) 16th Street Baptist Church
B) Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church
C) Bethel Baptist Church
D) Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church
Hint: The bombing was a significant event in the civil rights movement.
A34. In Birmingham, Alabama, which church was the site of the tragic bombing in 1963 that killed four young girls during a Sunday school class?
Answer: A) 16th Street Baptist Church
Q35. Which college campus in Atlanta, Georgia, is historically known as the alma mater of many prominent African American leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?
A) Morehouse College
B) Spelman College
C) Clark Atlanta University
D) Howard University
Hint: It is often referred to as the “House of Martin Luther King Jr.”
A35. Which college campus in Atlanta, Georgia, is historically known as the alma mater of many prominent African American leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?
Answer: A) Morehouse College
Regina
February 2, 2024 at 8:42 am
I enjoyed this quiz. I only missed 3 questions. Now I know these answers.
Regina
Roni
February 4, 2024 at 11:28 am
This was great! I missed the questions about the clothing lines, but now I know.
Donna Rucker
February 2, 2024 at 11:58 am
I answered 34 correctly.
Chris Vallier
February 2, 2024 at 2:32 pm
25 Right… I need to read more. This was great. Thanks for doing this.
Elsie Draper
February 2, 2024 at 3:14 pm
Good coverage, being Navajo. I don’t know much about Black nationality. Thank you for the information.
Victor E Lewis
February 2, 2024 at 6:19 pm
I got wrong:Q10,Q33,Q34.
I skipped Q30 because it’s confusing; Denzel won for Oscar for Training Day, Chadwick was Black Panther.
What’s up with that question?
Melinda
February 13, 2024 at 10:21 pm
Had the same concern. Denzel did training Day .Chadwick did Panther
Louis Shaw
February 2, 2024 at 8:26 pm
I got 32 of 35 correct! The one with Denzel W, in Training Day and he portraying the Black Panther in the Marvel Universe, I must have missed him in that role.
Allen
February 3, 2024 at 2:45 pm
Nice quiz! I missed 3 questions.
Brenda Ann Newton
February 3, 2024 at 7:49 pm
I missed 4 questions, exceptional test of Black History. Brenda
Barbara A Wesley
February 4, 2024 at 1:21 pm
I am a older African American who lived through the civil rights movement so I was able to answer 31 out of 35 question right.
Bert
February 4, 2024 at 6:17 pm
I missed 2, Q16 and Q33. Thank you for reminding me of these great pioneers and their accomplishments.
Bert
February 3, 2024
Geneva Harris
February 4, 2024 at 10:04 pm
I really enjoyed this, and I missed a few. I am going to use this at a family gathering. Thank you.
Sarah
February 4, 2024 at 11:13 pm
30 and Thank you
Yvonne Perk
February 5, 2024 at 9:25 pm
I missed 3, Ty.
Thank you for the Knowledge!
V????
SHARON JACKSON
February 6, 2024 at 2:26 pm
I missed 3.
Jimmy
February 7, 2024 at 9:49 am
I only miss 3 not bad.
Glinda
February 8, 2024 at 1:25 pm
Good educational tool for everyone. I only missed 3 questions.
Allen Lawrence
February 8, 2024 at 4:28 pm
A great quiz. I only got 2 wrong.
Joyce D Coles
February 8, 2024 at 7:30 pm
missed 4, great quiz
Tamika S Burns
February 8, 2024 at 11:02 pm
I made a 82.85 I missed 6 but learned some knowledge thx
GloriaAnn
February 12, 2024 at 9:25 am
Gained some new black history missed 8
Al E. Byrd
February 12, 2024 at 2:41 pm
I missed 2 questions: Didn’t know about the Super Soaker and FUBU.
Not considered TOP Black History information if you asked me. 🙂
Asale
February 12, 2024 at 4:28 pm
If you wanted more children and adults to be helped with this quiz you should have slowed down. I don’t think it was meant to be helpful.
Toi
February 12, 2024 at 4:29 pm
I received a score of 30/35. Great quiz! I also learned some stuff! Thanks for posting.
Gracie
February 12, 2024 at 5:09 pm
I got them all right, simply because I love Black History.
Horace
February 13, 2024 at 8:35 am
I got 33 out of 35. this is a good little quiz.
Katrina Hawkins
February 13, 2024 at 12:50 pm
Really great quiz. I answered 33 correctly.
KEVIN S. STOVALL
February 13, 2024 at 1:37 pm
I missed three.
Cheryl Lincoln
February 13, 2024 at 1:44 pm
I got 33 out of 35 correct, I really thought I would get them all. I missed #’s 10 and 11.
Ms. Johnnie M. Lemon
February 14, 2024 at 12:57 pm
I missed 12 out of the 35
Donna L Jackson
February 14, 2024 at 1:47 pm
26 Correct out of the 35 questions.
Gail R. Bullard
February 16, 2024 at 3:59 pm
I enjoyed taking the quiz. I only got 25 right, but it was a learning experience. Thanks!
Vincent Van Cleave
February 17, 2024 at 5:21 pm
I only got 25 Correct. Not bad for Caucasian. But in the Military, I have had GREAT Leaders and Mentors that are Black. One always says, “think about what we accomplished not what we came from, that’s not what we are.” SFC Phil Irby, Past Kansas State VFW Commander.
FRANKIE m RAY
February 22, 2024 at 3:04 pm
missed5