Did you know? – UNMC Black History quiz

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

1 comment

  1. Sue Drammeh says:

    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.

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