The 15th Annual Black History 4ever Quiz Bowl is Saturday, Feb. 24, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m at the Ramada Plaza. The event has grown steadily, receiving local accolades, recognition from the North Carolina governor in 2008, and coverage on the Rachel Maddow Show in 2012.

“This is the 15th annual Black History 4ever Quiz Bowl, and it is for ages 10-18,” said Joe Mc- Gee, director of BlackHistory4ever.com. “Each individual stands alone; there is no group. This year we are moving to the Ramada Plaza because we have opened it up so students in North Carolina and South Carolina can participate in the quiz bowl.”

There will be a Health and Business Fair and an African-American Veteran Recognition Ceremony.

“There are health issues that relate to the black community such as prostate cancer and diabetes, so there will be experts there to address those issues,” said McGee. “We will also have people there representing teen suicide and bullying (prevention).” McGee added that there will be representation for anything that gives an opportunity for someone to be enlightened on health issues for children to seniors.

The African-American Veteran Recognition Ceremony originated years ago when different veteran groups would come out to support the quiz bowl.

“What we discovered from their conversation is that we have Veterans Day every year, but the recognition for African-American veterans is very small,” said McGee. “So, at the end of the quiz bowl, we will recognize African-American veterans exclusively in the month of February.”

There are three age groups in the quiz bowl: 10-12, 13-15 and 16-18-year-olds. There is a top prize of $1,000 cash for each winner per category. Every student who participates will receive a prize.

“What is unique about this year is that Feb. 1, we started the Black History 4ever challenge,” said McGee. “This is a 25-question (online) challenge that you are given 3 minutes to take, and the goal is to get all 25 questions correct within 3 minutes.” McGee added that if you don’t get all the answers correct, you can try the challenge again.

“We are asking everyone, including educators and principals, to take the challenge and see how well you rank and test your knowledge,” said McGee. “Post it on your Facebook page and other media sites, and challenge someone to take the challenge too.”

Visit www.blackhistory4ever.com to take the challenge. The questions cover black history, politics, business, economics, civics and general information.

The Black History 4ever Quiz Bowl on Feb. 24 is free and open to the public. The Ramada Plaza is formerly known as the Holiday Inn Bordeaux and is located at 1707-A Owen Dr.

For more information, call 910-978-2829. To register for the event, visit www.blackhistory4ever.com.