This program brought you in part by the Erika Lewis Endowment Fund.

-Welcome to the 2025 annual Black History Challenge finale, brought to you by the Clark County Black Caucus in partnership with Clark County School District.

♪♪♪ After preliminary and semifinal rounds, Black Student Union teams from Southwest Career Technical Academy... [applause] and Faith Lutheran High School... [applause] will compete today for a $1,000 cash prize and the coveted championship trophy.

A special thank-you to the Las Vegas Raiders for their sponsorship of the Challenge this year, all the BSU teams that competed, and to everyone that continues to make this program possible each year.

My name is A.K., and I'll be your host.

Thanks for tuning in, testing your knowledge, and celebrating Black History Month with us.

After all, black history is American history.

Let the games begin.

But first, our viewers should be aware that each correct answer in each of five categories will earn 5 points.

There will be a final bonus round where teams will earn 10 points for each correct answer.

If a team buzzes in prior to me finishing the question, they will not be able to answer the question and allows the other team to answer.

In the unlikelihood that there is a tie at the end of the competition, we will have a tie breaker question to determine the winner.

Now let's begin with team introductions.

The team from Southwest CTA!

[cheers and applause] All right.

Let's introduce ourselves.

Tell me how old you are and what you want to do when you get out of high school, starting with you.

-Hello.

My name is Rena.

I'm in 12th grade, and I want to become a mechanical engineer.

-Good stuff.

-Hi.

I'm Clancy, Jr.

I'm in the 12th grade, and when I come out of high school, I want to become a nurse.

-Hi.

I'm Hellen, and I'm in the 10th grade.

And when I graduate high school, I want to study political science.

-My name is Philipos.

I am 17 years old, and when I graduate high school, I want to study computer science and political science.

-And the coaches from Southwest CTA are Tracy Taylor and Jessica Kelly.

[applause] Now let's move over to the team from Faith Lutheran, starting right here.

-Hi.

My name is Robert, and after high school, I want to pursue a career in psychology.

-I'm Andrea.

I'm in 12th grade, and next year I will be majoring in biology and playing volleyball at Muhlenberg College.

-Hello.

My name is Lena.

I'm in 12th grade, and when I graduate, I want to study environmental research.

-Hi.

My name is Sriya.

I'm in 11th grade, and when I graduate, I want to study either forensic chemistry or politics.

-Nice.

And the coach for Faith Lutheran is Jason Crowder.

[applause] And now it's time for Round 1.

The categories are economics and Las Vegas Raiders.

Okay.

If you're ready or not, here my questions come.

Sir William Arthur Lewis is the black economist known for developing the dual sector model and received the coveted Nobel Prize in Economics.

In what year did he receive this award?

Southwest CTA.

-1979.

-That is correct.

Next question.

Maggie Lena Walker was the first black woman to establish this type of business in 1903 in Richmond, Virginia.

What type of business did she open?

Southwest CTA.

-She opened the St. Luke's Penny Savings Bank.

-She did.

The Caucus of Black Economists in 1969 promoted economic growth among native and immigrant African Americans.

What is the current name of the organization?

Faith Lutheran.

-The NEA.

-Could you tell us exactly what those letters stand for?

-The National Economic Association.

-Judges, do you accept?

Moving on to the Raiders.

In 1963, the Oakland Raiders' head coach pulled the Raiders out of a preseason game in Mobile, Alabama, because of segregation and moved it to Oakland, California.

What is the name of this head coach/manager?

Faith Lutheran.

-Al Davis.

-That is correct.

Sandra Douglass Morgan is the first black woman executive in the NFL.

What is her position, and what team does she work for?

Faith Lutheran.

-President of the Las Vegas Raiders.

-That, she is.

Carl Weathers played in the Rocky movies as Apollo Creed and formally played what position with the Raiders?

Faith Lutheran.

-Quarterback.

-That's incorrect.

Southwest CTA.

-Fullback.

-Incorrect.

The correct answer is linebacker.

I would say that I'm surprised that you all are doing such an amazing job, but I'm not.

However, I would like to get to know you a little bit more.

Can I get in your business a little bit?

Is that all right?

Okay.

Philipos, over at Southwest CTA, what did you want to do when you get out of school?

-Well, I said I wanted to double major in political science and computer science.

I want to do that for undergrad and then eventually go to law school.

-You're some type of genius, huh?

That's fair.

I understand.

Can you make it to where Captain Crunch doesn't scrape the top of our mouths anymore?

That's not your field?

-I mean, anything is possible.

-Anything is possible.

So what are you planning on doing with those degrees?

-Well, I do want to work as an engineer for a couple years and also a lawyer, but my end goal is eventually to go into politics.

-That's beautiful.

I love it when you all have such broad dreams and you don't feel like you only have to do one thing.

Like Dr. Clancy.

-Yes.

-Tell the people why I'm calling you Dr. Clancy.

-My plan for the future is to become a doctor.

But by doing that, currently I am a CNA.

I got my license when I was 16.

I'm 17 right now.

After high school, I want to go into nursing.

That will be my undergrad.

And then afterwards, my goal, God willing, to become a doctor.

-Oh, it's happening, Dr. Clancy.

It's happening for sure.

You got the drive to do it.

We're gonna slide back over here and get into Lena and your business just a little bit.

Miss Lena, tell us what you plan on doing when you get out of high school and what that looks like in detail.

-Out of high school, I want to go into environmental research, and I specifically want to work to combine indigenous practices with modern technology.

So improving well-being, but also makes it cheaper for countries where they aren't able to afford these technologies.

-Lena, that is absolutely amazing.

So mixing indigenous practices with modern medicine, keeping the culture alive.

I absolutely love that.

Thank you.

Okay, we're almost running out of time.

It's so many important cool people.

Let's see how quickly we can get into Sriya.

-Well, I'm probably going to double major in forensic chemistry and political science, and then I would like to go to law school after that.

-I don't deserve to sit with you all.

I just want to be clear, this is way outside of my bracket.

Rena, tell us about your big plans.

-Well, I hope to get my bachelor's in mechanical engineering, and I hope to work in space exploration, so working in like reusable aircrafts and rocket ships, like human transportation to space.

-Rena, if you get to space or you get to the place where you're going, please don't leave me.

Rena, please take me with you.

-For sure.

-Save space for me on your rocket ship.

I'll bring snacks.

Okay.

On the other side of things, Hellen and Robert, we're going to get back into you as well as you, Andrea, but we have to get back into our questions.

I saved the best for last.

Are you all ready?

Oh, you don't sound like it.

I said, are you all ready?

-Yes.

-That sounds like you're ready.

Let's jump back into economics.

Tyler Perry purchased Fort McPherson in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2015 for $30 million.

What was the major development on this property?

Southwest CTA.

-He planned for it to be a movie studio and entertainment restaurant and retail district.

-That is correct.

Good answer.

Next.

Newly freed slaves were promised 40 acres of land per family by US order.

Approximately how many free slaves settled on their promised 40 acres of land until it was taken back in June of 1865?

You did not let me finish the question, so that means Southwest CTA has the chance to answer.

-40,000.

-And that is correct.

And that is going to conclude Round 1, officially.

[cheers and applause] At the end of Round 1, it's Southwest Career Tech with 20 and Faith Lutheran 15.

In this next round, I'll be testing students' knowledge in the categories of the African presence in early America and Wild Wild West.

This round is timed at 6 minutes and starts when I ask the first question.

But before I ask the first question, we have some new additions to the game.

So let's welcome over on the Faith Lutheran side.

-Hi.

My name is Isabelle.

-All right, Isabelle.

How old are you, and what do you want to do when you get out of school?

-I'm 17, and when I get out of school, I want to study criminal justice to become a lawyer one day.

-Believe it, yes.

And next?

-My name's Kyla, and I want to study pathology.

-Nice.

Help me figure it out, Kyla.

What's going on with me?

And over on the Southwest CTA side.

-Hello.

My name is Daniela.

I'm 17, and hopefully when I get out of high school, I can continue to go to college and study anthropology.

-Yes.

And?

-Hello.

My name is Bethlehem, and I plan on majoring in mechanical engineering.

-Oh, my goodness.

I need to know you all.

I might need to borrow some money in the future.

Okay.

Let's get into this first question, which is going to require us to look right over to this screen.

Colossal stone heads, 8 to 9 feet, with distinctive Negroid features have been found among Olmecs and in other parts of Mexico and Central America and have been dated as early as...

Faith Lutheran.

-800 to 700 BCE.

-That is correct.

After numerous findings of evidence of an African presence in the New World, this prestigious society held a symposium in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 1968, at which they concluded, "Surely, there cannot now be any question that there were visible visitors to the New World from the Old in historic or even prehistoric times before 1492."

What is-- [buzzer] --the name of this society?

Faith Lutheran, because Southwest CTA chimed in too soon.

-Society for American Archaeology.

-That is correct.

The modern countries of Haiti and the Dominican Republic made up this island in early America.

What was this island called?

Southwest CTA.

-Espanola.

-That is correct.

Next question.

In 1781, this enslaved African American, aka Mumbet, petitioned the State of Massachusetts and won her freedom based on the Massachusetts Bill of Rights.

What was her legal name?

Faith Lutheran.

-Elizabeth Freeman.

-That is correct.

You got to stop being so quick on that trigger.

The last question for this part: On July 9, 1868, what Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, granting citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the US, which included former slaves and recently freed?

Southwest CTA.

-The 14th Amendment.

-That is correct.

Moving into the Wild Wild West.

In 1992, US Army General Colin Powell dedicated the Buffalo Soldier monument.

Where is it located?

Faith Lutheran.

-Leavenworth, Kansas.

-That is correct.

The Second War of Independence is often called by another name.

What is the name?

Faith Lutheran.

-Forgotten War.

-I'm sorry?

-The Forgotten War.

-That is incorrect.

Southwest CTA, would you like to steal it?

-The War of 1812.

-That is correct.

Next question.

James Beckworth was an African American mountain man and fur trader who was credited with blazing key trails through what difficult area in the West?

Faith Lutheran.

-Beckworth Pass.

-Incorrect.

Southwest CTA.

-Sierra Nevada.

-Incorrect.

The answer is the Rocky Mountains.

In what year were all Buffalo Soldier units integrated into other Army regiments?

What President created the Executive Order?

Faith Lutheran.

-1951 and President Truman.

-That is correct.

Final question: Roughly, how many Buffalo Soldiers earned the coveted roles as protectors of Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks?

Faith Lutheran.

-500.

-500.

You pulled up on my bumper, but I'll go ahead and let that one go.

All right.

Those are our questions.

That means I have some time to get in your business and get to know you a little bit better.

So, Bethlehem, let me ask you this: Would you rather solve world peace or world hunger?

-Well, I would say solve world peace, because I feel like a lot of the problems, like with world hunger, you could solve with world peace.

I mean, there could be more trade agreements regarding food and just any of the materials necessary for a country.

-This is our future.

I absolutely love it.

Okay, Robert.

When it comes to psychology, would you rather have a patient as a dog or a gorilla?

That's a serious question.

-No, yeah.

Personally, I'd rather have a patient as a dog, because there's more pet dogs than pet gorillas.

And I think it's cool to understand how pets' minds work.

-That's true.

I wish pets had bubbles that came out of their head where we could see what they were thinking.

I do want to know what a gorilla thinks, so if you don't mind adding that to your list of things to do, I'd appreciate that.

Thank you so much.

All right.

I'm going to choose to come over to Daniela.

Why me?

Because you got such a bright, beautiful smile.

Okay, Daniela, would you rather be the first female President, or would you rather be the first person to say that we need to change the Supreme Court's laws of lifetime tenure?

-I'm going to be selfish for a second.

I'm going to say first female President.

-Okay.

Because you could actually make those other things happen that I mentioned from that place.

-Of course.

-Daniella, I'm rooting for you.

If I ever see your name on the ballot, you better know I'm checking your name.

-Thank you.

-Okay.

And that is the end of Round 2.

[applause] I am so very proud of you all.

You all did absolutely amazing.

I don't want you to be nervous as I go into announcing what the scores are.

[cheers and applause] At the end of Round 2, it's Southwest Career Tech 35 and Faith Lutheran 45.

In this next round, I'll be testing students' knowledge in the categories of Hollywood Walk of Fame and the bonus round.

This round is timed at 6 minutes and starts when I ask the first question.

But before I ask that first question, we've got new friends.

Southwest CTA, who has joined us?

(in unison) Hi.

[laughter] -Twinin'.

First twin to the left, let's start here.

-Hi.

My name is Rebeka.

I'm in 12th grade.

-What are you gonna do when you get out of school?

-I hope to major in psychology.

-Nice.

And over here to the right?

-Hi.

My name is Rediate.

I am in 12th grade, and I plan to major in mechanical engineering.

-What are y'all doing with the mechanics and the engineering?

[laughter] We'll get into that a little bit later.

Okay.

And then we've got someone who's rejoined us.

Welcome back.

-Thank you.

-Say your name.

-I'm Andrea.

-Welcome back.

We're happy to have you back.

The game needs you.

Let's get back into the game, starting with Question 1, Hollywood Walk of Fame.

This actress was the first African American to be nominated for an Academy Award in a leading role in the all-black cast musical film Carmen Jones.

What-- [buzzer] --was her name?

Southwest CTA.

-Dorothy Dandridge.

-That is correct.

Next question.

This actor won an award for his role as a bad cop in the movie Training Day.

What is his name?

You hot on my heels, but let's go with it, Southwest CTA.

-Denzel Washington.

-That is correct.

In 1916, this black-owned company was established to film black stories for black audiences.

What was the name of the company?

Southwest CTA.

-BET.

-Incorrect.

If you're not gonna steal, Faith Lutheran, we're gonna move on.

If you're gonna steal, you got a buzz.

Robert staring at you like he don't have the answer.

Robert, you can put your two cents in.

And the answer is the Lincoln Motion Picture Company.

I bet a lot of you knew that too.

Tsk-tsk.

Next question.

A career spanning over 60 years, including regular engagements in Las Vegas, this African American actor and entertainer was one of the first to receive a star on the Walk of Fame in 1960.

Faith Lutheran.

-Sammy Davis, Jr. -Way to redeem yourself.

Next question.

Who directed the box office hit film Black Panther?

Faith Lutheran.

-Ryan Coogler.

-That is correct.

Why did you beep then, Robert?

-Huh?

-Okay.

Make sure the right people beep the answer to the questions, okay?

All right.

Now, you all, I have wonderful or kind of scary news for you.

We are about to enter the bonus round where each question gets you 10 points.

Are you all ready?

-Yes.

-First question in the bonus round: Julianne Malveaux is a black economist who earned a doctorate degree from MIT.

He is an author, social and political commentator, and former president of what HBCU College.

Southwest CTA.

-Bennett College.

-That is correct.

Next question.

Sandra Douglass Morgan serves as the first black woman president of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Nikki Fargss, also a black woman, serves as president of what other-- [buzzer] --Las Vegas professional sports team?

Faith Lutheran.

-Las Vegas Aces.

-That is correct.

This all-black town, Allensworth, California, was founded in what year?

Faith Lutheran.

-1908.

-That is correct.

This black man won praise and his freedom for his work as a master spy in the Revolutionary War.

What was his name?

Southwest CTA.

-Armistead Lafayette.

-Judges, do you accept that answer?

Can you repeat your answer real quick?

-I said Armistead Lafayette.

-The judges are looking for the full correct name.

Okay?

And if Faith Lutheran is not gonna steal with a buzz in-- Isabelle.

-Is it James Armistead Lafayette?

-That is correct.

Don't be too hard on yourself, Hellen.

You were close.

Next one.

Chris McLemore was a former Raiders running back, born in Las Vegas, and was a star at what local high school?

Faith Lutheran.

-Valley High School.

-That is correct.

Final question in the bonus round: Who is the highest grossing leading actor of all time, with a worldwide total of $14.6 billion?

Faith Lutheran.

-Samuel L. Jackson.

-Yeah.

Uncle Samuel Jackson, that's right.

Oh, man, you all are amazing.

But I do have two more special, special questions.

Since the Raiders are one of our sponsors for this event, I would love to ask you two more Raiders questions.

Are you down?

All right, let's get into it.

Who was the first black head coach in modern NFL history, and what team did he coach?

Faith Lutheran.

-Art Shell and the Raiders.

-That is correct.

The final question: Name one Raider player who has also won a medal in the Olympics.

Faith Lutheran.

-Sam Graddy.

-That's good.

I wish I could let you just go right on down the list, but that's what I got right there.

Okay, you all, that concludes our bonus round.

Now it's time to find out who won.

[cheers and applause] The score is Southwest CTA 55, and Faith Lutheran with 125.

Congratulations again to this year's winning team, Faith Lutheran!

[applause] The BSU Network and Black History Challenge committee for another successful event, and heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, the Las Vegas Raiders and Clark County Black Caucus in partnership with Clark County School District.

If you're interested in joining your school BSU club, please contact your school office or, for more information, contact 702-596-2559.

Sincere appreciation to Vegas PBS for all that you do to support the Challenge.

And to all of you at home, we hope to see you back with us in 2026.

You can also view this broadcast on the Vegas PBS YouTube channel or at blackstudentunionnetwork.org website.

Southwest CTA, you did such a great job.

You should be so proud of yourselves.

We're proud of you, and that's why you're standing there with a check for $250 for your BSU.

[applause] But there can only be one champion to take home that beautiful traveling trophy, and this year that is Faith Lutheran, who's also holding a check for $1,000.

Congratulations to you all.

[applause] And we're going to have a few words from Mr. Mike Taylor, representing the Las Vegas Raiders.

-Thank you.

First off, on behalf of Las Vegas Raiders for both teams, your pride and poise and your commitment to excellence were both on display today, so congratulations to both teams.

But there's one team that I can say just win, baby.

So Faith Lutheran, congratulations.

[applause] Thank you again to all our sponsors and to all of the students who participated and a huge thank-you to Vegas PBS.

And we will see you all here next year for The Black History Challenge.

♪♪♪