“I am a black woman who came from the cotton fields of the South. From there, I was promoted to washtub. From there, I was promoted to the cook kitchen. And from there, I promoted myself into the business of manufacturing hair goods and preparations. I have built my own factory on my own ground.” –Madam C.J. Walker  

 Laundry is the only thing that should be separated by color yet our history is full of separation of the races.  History has a way of repeating itself with the good, the bad and the ugly. February is Black History Month and it is a celebration of the contributions of black people throughout American history which is why the 13th Annual BlackHistory4ever Quiz Bowl will take place on Saturday, Feb.  20 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in Cross Creek Mall’s food court area.  The event will also feature a Health & Business Fair and the Ride 2 Freedom Convoy.    

“The quiz bowl is for students ages 10-18 and they have an opportunity to answer questions about black history facts,” said Joe McGee, creator of the BlackHistory4ever Quiz Bowl. “Some years ago we added a change and realized there are other subjects that were just as important as black history such as business, economics, politics and black college life.” McGee added that the quiz bowl has a 60 percent makeup of black history and 40 percent is comprised of business, economics, politics and the Divine 9.  

“Take the Challenge” is one adult challenging a student to participate in the quiz bowl. “A kid can go online this year and take the practice test and the study guide is available,” said McGee. “They can get points for the questions that they can cash in for prizes.”  

McGee added that the study guide consists of 100-150 facts. On Feb.  6, hundreds of youth in the eastern seaboard states will take the online placement test.  The students with the highest test scores will be invited to represent their city in the quiz bowl on Feb. 20.  

 After the quiz bowl the Ride 2 Freedom Convoy will take place. Everyone will come together—car clubs, bike clubs, vans, cars and more to ride from Cross Creek Mall to the Airborne & Special Operations Museum.  

“The theme is what are you riding for,” said McGee. “In the spirit of Black History Month we call on every organization that advocates for something from breast cancer to domestic violence to come and ride with us.” 

“We are looking forward to the quiz bowl being a big event this year,” said McGee. “Please come out and support it.” 

 Students ages 10-18 are eligible to participate in this free event. The deadline to register for the quiz bowl is Feb.  12 and only 104 students can participate. For more information or to sign up, visit www.BlackHistory4ever.com or call 978-2829.