California Black Media

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By Chris Levister –

They’ve been studying questions for months. History makers Thurgood Marshall, Harriett Tubman, Dr. Mae C. Jemison, Benjamin Banneker and Colonel Allen Allenworth, or at least their equivalents in the realm of Black history, last week they got to put all their practicing in action at the 27th Annual Black History Bee held at Norman Feldheym Library in San Bernardino.

Eight year olds Jara Goodwin and Alasia Parra didn’t hesitate.

Asked to name the doctor who became one of America’s first successful African-American throat surgeons, Alasia consulted with Jara and calmly answered – “Dr. James Derham in 1783”.

When questioner Tanya Fisher told the 3rd graders from E. Neal Roberts Elementary School they were right, a big grin spread across their faces.

“We’ve been studying a lot,” said Jara. “But I never think there is enough studying.”

Dozens of elementary and middle school students from San Bernardino City Unified Schools hooted and hollered as about 50 of their classmates answered questions ranging from easy to excruciating.

Topics ranged from Brown vs. Board of Education to Buffalo Soldiers and Ralph Bunche to Dr. Patricia Bath, the first African American woman doctor to receive a patent for a medical invention.

“Who was the first person to set foot on the North Pole? Fisher asked fourth graders Melissa Scott and Ray Sanchez. Sanchez scratched his head, stared at his team mate, then came a period of silence. “30 seconds - times up” – the judges declared. The pair smiled and returned to their seats.

“So sorry you could not answer that, but you’re still big winners in our book,” said Fisher. The audience applauded in agreement.

“I was hoping I could get that right said Sanchez. Geography is my favorite subject. I’m kind of disappointed, but preparing for this helped me learn a lot of important stuff about Black history,” he said.

“Who was the first African-American female pilot in the U.S. Armed Forces?” Fisher asked contestants from the blue team.

“Marella A. Hayes.” Correct Fisher said with excitement. “Who is called the “Father of Negro History?” she asked a 3rd grader from the white team. “Dr. Carter G. Woodson” answered Jesse Miller appearing surprised by his answer.

“I’ve always been good at memorizing,” he said when asked the key to his success in the contest. Tension mounted toward the end of the three day competition as contestants from schools across the city rattled off one correct answer after another.

“I want to win but I also want to change people’s attitudes about Black history. We are more than ballplayers and rappers. Black history is not something we are taught in school,” said 4th grader Jason, a member of the blue team, “In some cases if it weren’t for events like this other people would know nothing about our history.”

“When you are introduced to people like Simmie Knox, the first African American artist commissioned to paint an official presidential portrait (He painted President Bill Clinton), you can’t help but get excited,” said Jay Phillips a parent and coach.

“It opens kids, their parents and teachers up to a new avenue and they learn about things that don’t show up in the history book. It’s unfortunate but true.”

The contest sponsored by the Delta Rho Chapter of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. coincides with Black History Month.

Chapter president, Katherine Wilson says the event was created with all ethnicities in mind.

“Black History Bee was devised as a way to motivate students to become more interested in Black History. The competition is not only for African-Americans we want all kids to learn about the achievements, contributions and sacrifices made by African Americans. It is so heartfelt for me to see children, parents and teachers of all ethnicities getting excited about excellence and learning history.”

“If you think back 27 years when we started the Bee in San Bernardino, Black achievement was under wraps,” explained founding member Joyce Payne.

“We’ve come a long way from those days. You can hear and feel the excitement and pride. It’s in the air. As a result of our efforts we’ve been able to stimulate kids from all walks of life by promoting tolerance and excellence in education.”

The Bee sponsored locally by the San Bernardino City Unified Schools is the creation of the late Ruth Duckett Gibbs, (Imani), of Brooklyn. The Bee itself is similar to a spelling bee, however rather than spelling words students are required to answer questions pertaining to Black History. The questions are asked of teams of two students (blue, white and pink) from the same school. All questions are formulated from study packets that are sent to schools prior to the event.

Participants received ribbons and winners were presented with trophies during a presentation at their individual school.