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39 National Black History Month Trivia Questions and Answers

By John Rafael·Updated May 2025·5 min read

National Black History Month Trivia takes you on an exciting journey through the rich history and remarkable contributions of African Americans to society.

National Black History Month Trivia

  1. 1When is National Black History Month observed in the United States?

  2. 2Who first proposed the idea of Black History Month?

  3. 3Why was February chosen for Black History Month?

  4. 4What was the original name of Black History Month?

  5. 5When did Black History Month become an official celebration?

  6. 6What organization first sponsored Negro History Week?

  7. 7Who is considered the 'Father of Black History'?

  8. 8Which famous African American abolitionist's birthday is celebrated during Black History Month?

  9. 9Which U.S. president officially recognized Black History Month?

  10. 10What is the theme of Black History Month 2024?

  11. 11What famous African American scientist developed more than 300 products from peanuts?

  12. 12Which historical event is marked during the first week of Black History Month?

  13. 13What major achievement did Rosa Parks contribute to the Civil Rights Movement?

  14. 14Who was the first African American woman to win a Nobel Prize?

  15. 15Which African American leader was known for advocating for the 'Back to Africa' movement?

  16. 16What is the goal of Black History Month?

  17. 17Which famous African American civil rights leader delivered the 'I Have a Dream' speech?

  18. 18Which African American woman was known for her work as a nurse, educator, and civil rights leader?

  19. 19Which African American athlete won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics?

  20. 20Which African American inventor is credited with developing the traffic light?

  21. 21Which African American singer became known as the 'Queen of Soul'?

  22. 22Who was the first African American woman to serve in the U.S. Senate?

  23. 23Which African American poet is famous for her work, 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings'?

  24. 24Which African American actor became the first to win the Academy Award for Best Actor?

  25. 25Which African American civil rights leader founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)?

  26. 26Which African American politician was elected to Congress in 1966 and later served as the first African American U.S. Ambassador?

  27. 27Which African American author is known for writing the 'Harry Potter' series?

  28. 28What famous African American was an early pioneer in the aviation industry?

  29. 29Which African American dancer and choreographer was the first to perform at the White House?

  30. 30Which influential African American activist wrote the book, 'The Souls of Black Folk'?

  31. 31Which African American musician is known as the 'King of Pop'?

  32. 32Which African American author and journalist became the first African American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize?

  33. 33Which African American social reformer was an early advocate for women's rights and abolition?

  34. 34Which African American artist is known for his influential work in the Harlem Renaissance?

  35. 35Which African American film director became the first to win an Academy Award for Best Director?

  36. 36Which African American activist was a key figure in the Black Panther Party?

  37. 37Which African American woman became the first African American astronaut in space?

  38. 38What is the purpose of the ASALH, the organization Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded?

  39. 39Which African American actor made history by becoming the first to win an Academy Award for Best Actor?

Answer Key

  1. 1. Every year in February.
  2. 2. Dr. Carter G. Woodson.
  3. 3. To coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
  4. 4. Negro History Week.
  5. 5. In 1976, during the United States Bicentennial.
  6. 6. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).
  7. 7. Dr. Carter G. Woodson.
  8. 8. Frederick Douglass, born February 14.
  9. 9. Gerald Ford in 1976.
  10. 10. Celebrating the contributions of African Americans to American culture and history.
  11. 11. George Washington Carver.
  12. 12. The birthday of Abraham Lincoln on February 12.
  13. 13. Her refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
  14. 14. Toni Morrison, in 1993 for Literature.
  15. 15. Marcus Garvey.
  16. 16. To recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans.
  17. 17. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
  18. 18. Mary Eliza Mahoney.
  19. 19. Jesse Owens.
  20. 20. Garrett Morgan.
  21. 21. Aretha Franklin.
  22. 22. Carol Moseley Braun.
  23. 23. Maya Angelou.
  24. 24. Sidney Poitier.
  25. 25. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
  26. 26. Andrew Young.
  27. 27. J.K. Rowling (Note: J.K. Rowling is British, but the book series features a prominent African-American character in the form of Dean Thomas. However, her authorship was celebrated by African-American readers worldwide.)
  28. 28. Bessie Coleman.
  29. 29. Alvin Ailey.
  30. 30. W.E.B. Du Bois.
  31. 31. Michael Jackson.
  32. 32. Gwendolyn Brooks.
  33. 33. Sojourner Truth.
  34. 34. Aaron Douglas.
  35. 35. John Singleton.
  36. 36. Huey P. Newton.
  37. 37. Mae Jemison.
  38. 38. To promote the study and celebration of African American history.
  39. 39. Sidney Poitier.

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