Black History Month

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  1. 3. 18 years after refusing to perform in front of a segregated crowd in his home state, the very same state adopted one of his songs as the state song.
  2. 6. 1st black player in the major leagues. Helped the Dodgers win six pennants (and a world series) while facing intense discrimination.
  3. 9. Man whose great work in the civil rights movement did not deserve to be recognized with that hideous 'Embrace' statue with four disembodied arms hugging.
  4. 10. As a lawyer, he successfully argued Brown v. The Board of Education, which racial segregation in America public schools unconstitutional. Later became a Supreme Court justice.
  5. 11. "Ain't No Way" that you don't know this woman who was dubbed the Queen of Soul. Y'all should consider yourselves a "Chain of Fools" if you don't show her the proper "Respect."
  6. 12. Kentucky's own champion boxer. Debate rages on as to what was prettier: his footwork or his face.
  7. 13. Future face of the $20 bill? Either way, credited with the emancipation of many slaves, earning her the nickname "Moses."
  8. 15. According to legend, this steel driving man took two hammers and won a steel driving competition against a steam drill. Though shortly after he died of exhaustion, so 'won' may not be the best word.
  9. 16. This track star won four gold medals for the US on Hitler's home turf. USA USA USA
Down
  1. 1. Man who taught himself to read and then used that skill to share his experience as a slave. Also possessed a killer beard.
  2. 2. This important figure in civil rights and black nationalist changed his name after converting to Islam in prison. Watch the Spike Lee Joint about him.
  3. 4. His Soul Train show helped bring black music to a national audience in the 1970s. Great afro, great voice, great music.
  4. 5. This southpaw was possibly the greatest guitarist of all time. Listening to him was an "Experience."
  5. 7. Author of Roots, the story of Kunta Kinte and his descendants leading to the author himself. His hugely popular novel, and subsequent mini-series, led people to be curious about their own ancestry.
  6. 8. Woman who famously and bravely defied segregationist rules on public transport. Also the namesake of a dope OutKast song (give it a listen).
  7. 12. She was a world famous poet who wrote about her life and experiences living under Jim Crow laws in her memoir "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings."
  8. 14. Possibly the greatest boxer of all time (okay, sure he's fictional), this man was an unparalleled showman, lightning-fast hitter, and a hard-nosed coach.