Student teams compete in annual challenge

Students had the chance to put their knowledge to the test “Jeopardy!”-style at the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center’s annual Black Knowledge Bowl yesterday evening.

The competition, which has taken place for more than 30 years, was planned as part of a series of Black History Month events.

The five competing teams, made up of undergraduate students, consisted of Higher Purpose, Four Colored Girls, The Frederick Dougies, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and the defending champions, the Black Student Union.

The competition had multiple rounds.

There was some confusion about buzzers and answer format with the first few questions.

However, these issues were addressed, and the teams quickly found
their grooves.

The contestants answered questions from a variety of categories pertaining to black history, culture, politics and sports. 

Sophomore Latesha Parker attended the Bowl as an audience member.

“I came to learn more about my background and show support,” Parker said.
She also said her friends who competed spent a lot of time preparing for the
competition.

“They’ve been working day in and day out for the last two weeks,” she said. “They had meetings every day.”

Graduate students acted as team coaches to help the students study and prepare for the Bowl. In addition, they helped coordinate and plan many aspects of the event.

The final round contained several questions that stumped both remaining teams. The competition came down to the Final Jeopardy question, as finalist teams Higher Purpose and Black Student Union each wagered all of their points.

Remaining contestants were asked to provide the name of the first African-American radical Republic organization.

In the end, Higher Purpose prevailed as the winning team and received a cash prize of $200.

The audience members in attendance clapped and cheered in support of all the teams.
In addition, the teams congratulated each other at the conclusion of the game.

Melody Barham, a graduate assistant at the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, helped plan the Bowl and acted as scorekeeper for the event.

She said the Bowl had a greater purpose than being just a competition.

“I think the Black Knowledge Bowl wants to provide an opportunity for students to learn about people and events that have had an impact on African American history,” she said.