RBS Staff Newsletter Black History Month Black History Month is an annual observance originating in the United States in 1926 as Negro History Week. It has received official recognition from governments in the United States and Canada, and more recently has been observed in Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. It began as a way of remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. It is celebrated in February in the United States] and Canada, while in Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom it is observed in October. Notable Americans of African decent including, Paul Robeson, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., President Barack H. Obama, Fannie Lou Hamer, Satchel Paige and many others. Let’s test our knowledge of notable African-Americans: Which African American engineer invented the Super Soaker toy? A. Peter Evans B. Michelle St. Patrick C. Lonnie George Johnson Which African American botanist did experiments on uses for the lesser used crops? A. George Washington Carver B. Peter Brandies C. Davina Smith Which African American athlete broke the color barrier in American baseball? A. Henry “Hank” Aaron B. Jackie Robinson C. Lou Campanella Who was the first Black student to graduate from Rutgers University? A. Samuel Smith B. James Dickson Carr C. Carrington Johnson Who was one of Rutgers University’s most famous graduates? A. Paul Robeson B. Django Freeman C. Peter Stevens Answers can be found on Page 18.
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