DOBBINS HEIGHTS — Dobbins Heights celebrated Black History Month by hosting its inaugural Black History Quiz Bowl, where four teenagers had the opportunity to showcase their knowledge, with Zoe Issac, a junior at Richmond Senior High School, crowned the winner.
The event took place at the Dobbins Heights Community Center, where Mayor Pro Tem Tyre Holloway asked participants questions about prominent Black history figures, including musical artists, athletes, civil rights leaders and Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Each contestant was asked questions individually and had the opportunity to steal questions if one could not answer.
Prior to the Quiz Bowl, there was a “Who Am I” segment where biographical information on prominent figures from Black history was shared and the audience guessed their identity. Councilwoman Angeline David portrayed the late Maya Angelou, a renowned American poet, memoirist and civil rights activist who was the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University from 1982 until her death in 2014. Holloway portrayed the “Prince of Motown,” Marvin Gaye, an R&B singer who was a vital voice during the civil rights movement.
Jean Quick Davis read “A World Without Black People” by Philip Emeagwali, a story in which a young boy learns the impact of Black innovators after his mother shows him how everyday items and modern conveniences would not exist without their inventions, showcasing the essential contributions of Black people to society.
Fun facts about African Americans connected to Richmond County were also shared, including John Kenneth Lee, a Hamlet native who helped desegregate the UNC School of Law; Henry Frye, of Ellerbe, who was the first Black chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court and the first Black state legislator of the 20th century; Frederick Clinton Branch, of Hamlet, who was the first Black officer in the United States Marine Corps; and Harold House, an actor and model who grew up in Hamlet’s North Yard section.
Xavier Quick, a player model and stunt performer for Madden NFL 24, was also present at the event. He grew up in Hamlet.
“This is our first quiz bowl, but we’ve done African American programs, art shows, features, movie nights,” said Holloway. “We celebrate African American history. This one is a little bit more special. This is the 100th anniversary of acknowledging African American history in the United States, so to commemorate, that’s why we’re doing the quiz bowl.
“The biggest takeaway is to understand that African American history is American history. The culture is so rich, that it emulates in every facet of our lives,” Holloway added.