At M&IW, we foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusivity, with an understanding that it’s safe to recognize and enjoy cultural and individual differences. A few years ago, we launched our “We Change the World by Changing Ourselves First” initiative. As part of that effort, we have embraced creative and fun ways to bring DEI to life throughout our organization.

“February is Black History Month, where we honor the incredible contributions the Black community has made throughout U.S. history—from civil rights leaders to artists, politicians to inventors—and we celebrate the Black history that’s being made today and every day,” said Terri E. Givens, CEO and Founder of Brighter Higher Ed.

At our most recent all-company virtual Town Hall, we recognized Black History Month and expanded our knowledge of Black history with some trivia. Everyone learned something new, from the inspiring to the sobering. But more importantly, we shared a collective experience. Through the chats, applause, and comments that poured in during the virtual event, we honored the achievements and accomplishments and also reflected on the struggles of the Black community.

DID YOU KNOW? BLACK HISTORY TRIVIA

Answers at end of post

1. Juneteenth, which became an official holiday in 2021, commemorates what?

A. The emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the US

B. The service of black troops in the US Army during the Civil War

C. The US Supreme Court Ruling that effectively ended “separate but equal” education

D. The signing into law of of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

2. At the time of her historic bus incident, what was Rosa Parks’ occupation?

A. Hospital orderly

B. Drugstore clerk

C. High school cafeteria worker

D. Department store seamstress

3. Which influential author became the first African American to win the Nobel Prize for Literature?

A. Maya Angelou

B. August Wilson

C. Lorraine Hansberry

D. Toni Morrison

4. In 1960, four African American college students staged a sit-in that helped integrate what store’s lunch counter?

A. Woolworth’s

B. W. T. Grant

C. G. C. Murphy

D. S. S. Kresge

5. Who was the first African American Major League Baseball player?

A. Satchel Paige

B. Jackie Robinson

C. Willie Mays

D. Ernie Banks

6. Who was the first African American to win an Academy Award?

A. Hattie McDaniel

B. Nina Simone

C. Dorothy Dandridge

D. Josephine Baker

7. At its height, what was the slave population in the US?

A. About 500,000

B. About 4 million

C. About 1 million

D. About 2 million

8. Who was the first Black Nobel Peace Prize winner?

A. Nelson Mandela

B. Martin Luther King Jr.

C. Ralph Bunche

D. Albert John Luthuli

9. Which Black scientist loved to study plants and developed over 300 ways to use peanuts, including peanut butter?

A. Percy Lavon Julian

B. Charles Henry Turner

C. Lonnie Johnson

D. George Washington Carver

10. Famous for her best-selling hair products, who was the first female self-made millionaire listed in the Guinness Book of World Records?

A. Marie Van Brittan Brown

B. Madam C. J. Walker

C. Patricia Bath

D. Sarah Boone

Continue Your Learning Journey on Black History

From supporting Black-owned businesses and reading books by Black authors to taking classes and visiting museums and heritage sites, there are many simple yet impactful ways to educate yourself and support the Black community year-round.

We’d also like to recognize and thank this month’s fabulous Town Hall Emcees, Naomi Tucker, CMP, Account Director, and Tyler Knox, Attendee Experience Coordinator.

Trivia Answers: (1) A; (2) D; (3) D; (4) A; (5) B; (6) A; (7) B; (8) C; (9) D; (10) B