Black History Facts Quiz
For this Black History Facts Quiz, we’re going to play a little game called, “Who am I?” The clues will provide background information on notable black history figures. Your task is to identify the person.
There are 27 “Who Am I” riddles in all with the correct answers shown at the bottom of each card — three questions per card. Please track how many you answer quickly to see what type of grade you’ll receive upon completion.
Ready? Let’s begin.
(And be sure to get your FREE printable below!)
Famous Black Authors
1.) My books include Go Tell It on the Mountain and Notes of a Native Son. One of my novels, If Beale Street Could Talk, was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film. Who am I?
2.) My first book I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969) tells of my life up to the age of 17 years. I’ve written seven autobiographies and am also noted for my poetry. Who am I?
3.) I won the Pulitzer Prize for Beloved, the National Book Critics Circle Award for Song of Solomon, and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993. Who am I?
ANSWERS: 1.) James Baldwin 2.) Maya Angelou 3.) Toni Morrison
Black History Figures
4.) Before sustainable farming was a thing, I promoted crop rotation like planting peanuts after cotton. I’m perhaps best known for my work in plant research and particularly with the peanut. Who am I?
5.) My name at birth was Araminta “Minty” Ross, but I changed it after escaping slavery. My codename was “Moses” as I led my family and many more to freedom via the Underground Railroad. The bounty on my head would be worth over $300,000 today. Who am I?
6.) Once enslaved, I gained fame as an abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. As a national leader of the Abolitionist movement in New York and Massachusetts, my oratory skills were universally praised. Who am I?
ANSWERS: 4.) George Washington Carver 5.) Harriet Tubman 6.) Frederick Douglass
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Famous African Americans in Sports
7.) My baseball jersey number – 42 – is retired by every Major League Baseball team. I broke the color line in MLB when I played for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. Who am I?
8.) At 6’10” tall, I anchored the Boston Celtics dynasty that won eleven NBA championships during my 13 years there. But winning championships was nothing new to me — you see I won two in college playing for the University of San Francisco and a gold medal at the 1956 Olympics. Who am I?
9.) People call me “The Greatest.” I was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and was named The Ring magazine’s Boxer of the Year a record six times. Babe Ruth and I are probably the most recognized sports figures of all time. Who am I?
ANSWERS: 7.) Jackie Robinson 8.) Bill Russell 9.) Muhammad Ali
Famous Black People in Music
10.) My fans call me “The King of Motown.” I grew up in Detroit just houses down from Aretha Franklin. You might know me from some of my hits like “The Tracks of My Tears” and “Ooo Baby Baby.” I also wrote “My Girl” and “Get Ready” for The Temptations. Who am I?
11.) My hits songs included “You Send Me,” “Wonderful World” and “Twistin’ the Night Away.” I’m widely known as “The King of Soul.” Who am I?
12.) Born in 1963, I grew up with music. My second cousin is Dionne Warwick and my godmother is Aretha Franklin. I’m the only singer to chart seven number-one Billboard Hot 100 hits in a row. The Guinness Book of World Records labeled me “The Most Awarded Female Artist of All Time.” Who am I?
ANSWERS: 10.) Smokey Robinson 11.) Sam Cooke 12.) Whitney Houston
Civil Rights Movement Leaders
13.) I was the most visible leader and spokesperson of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s before I was assassinated. Who am I?
14.) The single letter of my last name symbolizes a surname that I’d never know. I inspired Muhammad Ali to join the Nation of Islam. I opposed the mainstream Civil Rights movement as I desired separation more than integration. Who am I?
15.) I’m called “the mother of the freedom movement” for my courageous stand to not give up my bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama. Who am I?
ANSWERS: 13.) Martin Luther King, Jr. 14.) Malcolm X 15.) Rosa Parks
Black Movie Stars – Black History Facts Quiz
16.) I became the first African American woman to win an Academy Award for Best Actress for my work in Monster’s Ball. I also played alongside Eddie Murphy in Boomerang and portrayed Dorothy Dandridge in a TV movie. Who am I?
17.) I was the first black male to win an Academy Award for Best Actor for the movie Lilies of the Field. But, you might know me for my other work like To Sir With Love or Guess Who Is Coming to Dinner? Who am I?
18.) My shot at “glory” came in acting. I’ve portrayed Malcolm X, Rubin “Hurricane Carter” and Herman Boon in Remember the Titans. Who am I?
ANSWERS: 16.) Halle Berry 17.) Sidney Poitier 18.) Denzel Washington
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African-American Politicians
19.) I was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. I worked as a community organizer in Chicago. Then, I went from Illinois State Senator to U.S. Senator from Illinois. In my biggest role, I was the 44th President of the United States of America. Who am I?
20.) I served as Attorney General of California for six years, followed by four years as a Senator from the Golden State. In 2020, I ran for president as a Democrat. Today, I am Vice President of the United States. Who am I?
21.) Currently, I’m serving my 17th terms in the House of Representatives representing Georgia’s 5th District. I’m also noted for my involvement in the 1960s Civil Rights movement. I was one of the “Big Six’ leaders of groups who organized the 1963 March on Washington. Who am I?
ANSWERS: 19.) Barack Obama 20.) Kamala Harris 21.) John Lewis
Black Business Leaders Quiz
22.) I worked as the first black talent agent with William Morris Agency of New York. To attract clients, I send them some of my homemade cookies using a family recipe. It was these cookies that made me, well, famous. Who am I?
23.) I am the founder of FUBU, a clothing and lifestyle line of products. You might also know me for my work on “Shark Tank.” Who am I?
24.) I started and owned the highest-earning African-American business for decades. Yes, I’m the founder of the Motown record label. Who am I?
ANSWERS: 22.) Wallace “Famous Amos” 23.) Daymond John 24.) Berry Gordy
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Best-Selling Black Musicians – Black History Facts Quiz
25.) I signed with Motown when I was just 21 years old. Some of my more popular songs include “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” and “Mercy Mercy Me.” My rendition of the National Anthem at the 1983 NBA All-Star game is still talked about today. Who am I?
26.) Born and raised in Houston, my “destiny” with producing music came at a young age. My nickname is Queen Bey. My favorite number is 4. And get this, my birthday is September 4 and my husband is on December 4. I’ve sold over 100 million records. Who am I?
27.) My father was a Baptist Minister in Detroit, Michigan. I was the first female performer to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — finally some respect. You might know me for my nickname, “The Queen of Soul.” Who am I?
ANSWERS: 25.) Marvin Gaye 26.) Beyoncé 27.) Aretha Franklin
Well, how did you do?
Grades for Black History Facts Quiz
If You answered 23 – 27 Correct — “A”: Outstanding! You know your Black History.
Answered 18 – 22 Correct — “B”: Very good.
If you answered 11 – 17 Correct — “C”: Stay at it… you’re showing some promise.
Answered < 10 Correct — Needs Improvement: Time to hit the books and study more.
Black History Month — February
Black History Month – also known as African-American History Month – is an annual observance celebrated in the month of February. It originated in the U.S. It’s a time to recognize achievements and the central role that black Americans have played and continue to play in our country.
These “Who Am I?” quiz cards are a great resource for teachers and parents during this month. But, no need to confine your learning just to one month. Brush up on your knowledge year-round.
FREE Printable PDF
Take these fun Who Am I? riddles with you wherever you go (just print them out for the kiddos) with this FREE Printable PDF:
By Greg Johnson & Mike O’Halloran | Published 6/10/2020
Greg and Mike are the co-founders of ListCaboodle.
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