Black History Month Quiz
Take our Black History Month quiz to test your knowledge about African Americans who have contributed to NC State.
Congratulations, you correctly answered each question in the Black History Month quiz. We will enter your name into a prize drawing and notify you if you win.
University Human Resources
Who was the first African American to become a faculty member at NC State?
- Wilma C. Peebles-Wilkins
- Vivian Henderson
- Lawrence Clark
ANSWER
In 1962, Vivian Henderson became NC State’s first African American faculty member when she took a visiting professor position in the Department of Economics.
Who was the first African American to earn an undergraduate degree at NC State?
- Hazel Clark
- Augustus Witherspoon
- Irwin Holmes
ANSWER
Irwin Holmes earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering in 1960, making him the first African American to receive an undergraduate degree at NC State. He also was NC State’s first Black varsity athlete.
What was the first building on campus to be named after an African American?
- Holmes Hall
- Witherspoon Student Center
- Harrelson Hall
ANSWER
In 1995, NC State renamed the Student Center Annex in honor of Augustus Witherspoon. He earned a doctorate in botany at NC State in 1971, making him the second African American student to receive a Ph.D. from the university.
Who was the first African American to earn a doctorate at NC State?
- Norma Garcia
- Stephen Latimer
- Arthur Clement
ANSWER
Stephen Latimer became the first African American to earn a doctorate in 1967 when he received a Ph.D. in animal science.
Who was the first African American to serve as student body president?
- Brian Nixon
- Eric Moore
- Kevin Howell
ANSWER
Kevin Howell was the first African American to serve as student body president. He was president from 1987 to 1988.
From 2018 to February 2024, Howell was vice chancellor for external affairs, partnerships and economic development at NC State.
