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Opelika School hosts black history quiz

By Donathan Prater Staff writer
Published: February 20, 2010

Their names may not be common knowledge to many but their achievements were significant.

There’s Sarah Goode, who was born a slave, gained her freedom after the Civil War and went on to become the first African-American woman to receive a patent from the U.S. Trademark Office.

And then there was African-American mathematician and astronomer Benjamin Banneker who constructed a clock of wood that kept time for several years.

There’s also the story of Elizabeth “Bessie” Coleman, the first African-American to earn an international pilot’s license.

Opelika Middle School students were quizzed on these and other achievements at the Black History Knowledge Bowl Friday in the school’s auditorium.

Students were divided into teams that competed through five rounds with six questions per round. A champion was crowned in each grade level.

Friday’s event marks the second year that OMS has conducted the Black History Knowledge Bowl, according to OMS Computer Applications Teacher Clarinda J. Perry, who started the Black History Knowledge Bowl at another school before coming to OMS.

Students participating in the Knowledge Bowl were given a packet of 100 questions to study as preparation.

Each winning team was presented with a trophy, but Perry said what students learned is the real prize.

“I feel that the only way we can grow and move forward as a nation is to know and learn about the various ethnic histories and backgrounds that comprise this country,” Perry said. “By teaching our students about African-Americans (past and present) who are key inventors, scientists, educators, doctors, political figures, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists, we teach them that there are no limitations to what they can become.“

OMS Principal Farrell Seymore agrees.

“The more students understand and appreciate African-American history, the better they will be able to appreciate American history,” Seymore said.

OMS Black History Knowledge Bowl Winners:
8th Grade

Crusaders: India Dow, Cha’Kilah Hatfield, Quentavious Foreman, Amber Clark, Trenton Foston

7th Grade
Senators: Angelic Agee, Jessica Meadows, Harrison Morris, James Ruffin, Gage Young

6th Grade
All-Stars: Emily Scroggins, Dextin Baker, Bryant Norrell, Adam Tickal, Lofton Wheeles