LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Roots 101 African-American History Museum in Louisville held the second annual battle for the Lantern Black History Month challenge. Students from W.E.B. DuBois Academy and Grace James Academy of Excellence squared off in a quiz bowl about Louisville’s Black history, which included topics like education, sports, activism, Black-owned businesses and more.

What You Need To Know

  • The second annual battle for the Lantern Black History Month challenge was held in Louisville

  • Students from W.E.B. DuBois Academy and Grace James Academy of Excellence squared off about Louisville’s Black history, including topics like education, sports, activism, Black-owned businesses and more

  • Roots 101 African-American History Museum founder Lamont Collins shared parts of Louisville’s Black history with students and the audience between rounds

DuBois Academy eighth-grader Cameron Carrier says he prepared for weeks and was excited to go against their sister school.

“[We] partnered up with each other and quizzed each other. We did individual study. I made online flashcards. We just helped each other study. Like today, we studied for three hours in school,” said Carrier.

Carrier says it is also a great way to celebrate and uplift Black History Month.

“And it’s a chance for all of us to learn about our history. It’s a chance for us to just learn about what people have been through and all of their achievements,” said Carrier.

Jefferson County Public Schools Specialist of Diversity, Equity and Poverty Greg Vann says the two schools represent Black excellence. The quiz bowl is an opportunity to learn some of the Louisville Black history that they wouldn’t usually learn in school.

“Great opportunity for them to come together to compete against each other around a topic that they’re both passionate about, that parents are passionate about and that their communities are passionate about,” said Vann.

Ninth graders Thomiyah Stallard and Leilani Stewart from Grace James Academy of Excellence said it makes them realize how African Americans have contributed to society and the Louisville community.

“I think it creates a sense of belonging in our culture and to learn more about it. Because I know a whole lot of people like, yes, they are Black, but do they really know a lot about their culture and who they are as a Black person or as African-American person?” shared Stallard.

“I feel like if you don’t know history and how we like where we went, how we got to where we are, then there’s not that much significance. It helps us understand the significance and really own that. You’re a Grace James and you’re at DuBois. You’re actually here at Afro-centric school,” explained Stewart.

Grace James won for the second time. Carrier says even though they lost, he is proud of both teams and their hard work.

“I’m not mad that we lost because we all did great. We all studied as hard as we could,” said Carrier.

Carrier says he can’t wait to compete in this yearly school tradition to uplift the African American community in Black History Month.

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