Each February, UNMC typically holds an event to recognize black history month. Unfortunately, this year’s speaker had to cancel. In lieu of the event, we will feature a quiz about famous scientists.
But, first: Did you know one of the most famous U.S. civil rights leaders was born at UNMC?
Malcolm X (born Malcolm Little) was born May 19, 1925 in University Hospital.
Because of their activism, his parents experienced overt racism and death threats. As a result, his family moved from north Omaha to Michigan in search of a better life. These childhood experiences shaped his views and fueled his passion for civil rights.
Most recognized for radical thoughts, in his later years, Malcolm X spoke about the importance of brotherhood and humanity.
Quiz on famous black scientists
The first person to provide correct answers will win a prize. Send your response to today@unmc.edu.
As the first African-American woman doctor to receive a patent for a medical device, Patricia Bath, is known for:
- a) A patent which created a probe to treat cataracts
- b) Being the founder of the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness
- c) Pioneering “community ophthalmology” for underserved populations
- d) All of the above
Born a slave, which man became and agricultural chemist; training people about crop rotation and designing a mobile classroom to educate farmers:
- a) Henry Blair
- b) George Washington Carver
- c) Thomas Elkins
- d) Norbert Rillieux
A pioneering biologist, Ernest Just specialized in cell division and fertilization. In addition to his interest in cytology (the study of cells), he is internationally known as a renowned:
- a) Botanist
- b) Chemist
- c) Physicist
- d) Zoologist
More interesting reading: Just was the subject of the 1983 biography Black Apollo of Science: The Life of Ernest Everett Just by Kenneth R. Manning. The book received the 1983 Pfizer Award and was a finalist for the 1984 Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography. He was also a Botanist.