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Spingarn Medal Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Spingarn Medal: Honoring African American Achievement

Cheat Sheet:
The Spingarn Medal: Honoring African American Achievement Study Guide

Founding and Purpose of the Spingarn Medal

The Spingarn Medal, conferred annually by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), serves to acknowledge exceptional accomplishments by African Americans.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Spingarn Medal is indeed awarded annually by the NAACP to recognize outstanding achievements by African Americans.

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Joel Elias Spingarn established the Spingarn Medal in 1915, with the inaugural award presented in 1914.

Answer: False

Explanation: Joel Elias Spingarn established the Spingarn Medal in 1914, and the first award was conferred in 1915.

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The Spingarn Medal itself is valued at $100, and its continued awarding is funded by an endowment from Joel Elias Spingarn's will.

Answer: True

Explanation: The gold medal has a nominal value of $100, and Joel Elias Spingarn's will established an endowment to ensure its perpetual presentation by the NAACP.

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The NAACP selects Spingarn Medal recipients based exclusively on nominations submitted by its board of directors.

Answer: False

Explanation: The NAACP considers open nominations from the public for the Spingarn Medal, which are then presented at the annual convention.

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Should the NAACP cease operations, the management of the Spingarn Medal would be transferred to either Howard University or Fisk University.

Answer: True

Explanation: A contingency plan stipulates that if the NAACP were to cease operations, the administration of the Spingarn Medal would be entrusted to either Howard University or Fisk University.

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Who established the Spingarn Medal, and in what year was it first awarded?

Answer: Joel Elias Spingarn in 1915

Explanation: Joel Elias Spingarn established the Spingarn Medal, and it was first awarded in 1915.

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What is the primary purpose of the Spingarn Medal?

Answer: To recognize outstanding achievements by an African American.

Explanation: The principal objective of the Spingarn Medal is to acknowledge and honor outstanding achievements by an African American.

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How is the continued awarding of the Spingarn Medal funded?

Answer: Through an endowment provided by Joel Elias Spingarn's will.

Explanation: The perpetual awarding of the Spingarn Medal is financially secured by an endowment established in Joel Elias Spingarn's will.

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According to the source, what is the process the NAACP uses to select Spingarn Medal recipients?

Answer: The award is presented at the annual convention after considering open nominations from the public.

Explanation: The NAACP selects Spingarn Medal recipients by considering open nominations from the public and presenting the award at its annual convention.

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Pioneering Achievements: Early Laureates (1915-1949)

Biologist Ernest E. Just was the first recipient of the Spingarn Medal in 1915 for his work as Head of Physiology at Howard University Medical School.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ernest E. Just, a distinguished biologist, received the inaugural Spingarn Medal in 1915 for his significant contributions as Head of Physiology at Howard University Medical School.

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Charles Young received the Spingarn Medal in 1916 for his services in organizing the Liberian Constabulary and for his work on roads in the Republic of Liberia.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1916, Charles Young was honored with the Spingarn Medal for his contributions to infrastructure development and organizational efforts in Liberia.

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Harry T. Burleigh was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1917 for his significant contributions to the field of journalism.

Answer: False

Explanation: Harry T. Burleigh received the Spingarn Medal in 1917 for his contributions to creative music, not journalism.

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William Stanley Braithwaite was honored in 1918 for his distinguished achievements in literature.

Answer: True

Explanation: William Stanley Braithwaite's literary contributions were recognized with the Spingarn Medal in 1918.

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Archibald H. Grimké received the Spingarn Medal in 1919 for seventy years of distinguished service to his race and country, including roles as U.S. Consul and President of the American Negro Academy.

Answer: True

Explanation: Archibald H. Grimké was honored in 1919 for his extensive service, encompassing roles such as U.S. Consul and President of the American Negro Academy.

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W. E. B. Du Bois was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1920 for his work as an author, editor of The Crisis, and founder of the Pan-African Congress.

Answer: True

Explanation: W. E. B. Du Bois's multifaceted contributions as an author, editor of The Crisis, and founder of the Pan-African Congress earned him the Spingarn Medal in 1920.

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Charles S. Gilpin's Spingarn Medal in 1921 recognized his performance in the play 'Othello.'

Answer: False

Explanation: Charles S. Gilpin received the Spingarn Medal in 1921 for his performance in 'The Emperor Jones,' not 'Othello.'

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Mary B. Talbert was honored in 1922 for her leadership as President of the National Association of Colored Women and her service to women of color.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mary B. Talbert's leadership within the National Association of Colored Women and her dedicated service to women of color were recognized with the Spingarn Medal in 1922.

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George Washington Carver received the Spingarn Medal in 1923 for his research in Agricultural Chemistry at Tuskegee Institute.

Answer: True

Explanation: George Washington Carver's significant research in Agricultural Chemistry at Tuskegee Institute earned him the Spingarn Medal in 1923.

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Roland Hayes, a singer, was recognized in 1924 for his artistry in interpreting Negro folk songs and his work as a soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Answer: False

Explanation: Roland Hayes was honored in 1924 for his artistry in interpreting Negro folk songs and his work as a soloist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, not the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

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James Weldon Johnson received the Spingarn Medal in 1925 for his past service as U.S. Consul and his work as editor and secretary of the NAACP.

Answer: True

Explanation: James Weldon Johnson's distinguished service as a U.S. Consul and his pivotal roles as editor and secretary for the NAACP led to his Spingarn Medal award in 1925.

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Carter G. Woodson, a historian, was honored in 1926 for founding the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History and editing 'Negro Orators and Their Orations.'

Answer: True

Explanation: Carter G. Woodson's foundational work in establishing the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History and his editorial contributions were recognized with the Spingarn Medal in 1926.

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Anthony Overton's Spingarn Medal in 1927 recognized his role as President of the Victory Life Insurance Company, noted as the first Black company certified by Illinois.

Answer: False

Explanation: Anthony Overton received the Spingarn Medal in 1927 for his presidency of the Victory Life Insurance Company, which was noted as the first Black company certified by New York, not Illinois.

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Charles W. Chesnutt was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1928 for his pioneer work depicting the life and struggles of Americans of African descent.

Answer: True

Explanation: Charles W. Chesnutt's pioneering literary efforts in portraying the experiences of African Americans earned him the Spingarn Medal in 1928.

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Mordecai Wyatt Johnson received the Spingarn Medal in 1929 for his leadership as the first Black president of Fisk University.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mordecai Wyatt Johnson received the Spingarn Medal in 1929 for his leadership as the first Black president of Howard University, not Fisk University.

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Henry Hunt, Principal of Fort Valley High and Industrial School, was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1930 for his twenty-five years of service in educating Black students.

Answer: True

Explanation: Henry Hunt's quarter-century of dedicated service in educating Black students as Principal of Fort Valley High and Industrial School was recognized with the Spingarn Medal in 1930.

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Richard Berry Harrison received the Spingarn Medal in 1931 for his portrayal of Moses in Marc Connelly's play 'The Green Pastures.'

Answer: False

Explanation: Richard Berry Harrison received the Spingarn Medal in 1931 for his portrayal of the Lord in Marc Connelly's play 'The Green Pastures.'

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Robert Russa Moton was recognized in 1932 for his leadership and service in the field of education as Principal of Tuskegee Institute.

Answer: True

Explanation: Robert Russa Moton's distinguished leadership and service in education, particularly as Principal of Tuskegee Institute, earned him the Spingarn Medal in 1932.

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Max Yergan, an American YMCA Secretary, received the Spingarn Medal in 1933 for his work in Africa, highlighting his intelligence and tact.

Answer: True

Explanation: Max Yergan, serving as an American YMCA Secretary, was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1933 for his exemplary work in Africa, noted for its intelligence and tact.

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William Taylor Burwell Williams was honored in 1934 for his long service as a field agent for the Slater and Jeanes Funds and the General Education Board.

Answer: True

Explanation: William Taylor Burwell Williams was recognized in 1934 for his extensive service as a field agent for significant educational funding bodies, including the Slater and Jeanes Funds and the General Education Board.

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Mary McLeod Bethune received the Spingarn Medal in 1935 for founding Bethune Cookman College and her service to education.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mary McLeod Bethune's foundational role in establishing Bethune-Cookman College and her broader contributions to education were acknowledged with the Spingarn Medal in 1935.

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John Hope received the Spingarn Medal in 1936 for his distinguished leadership of his race, awarded posthumously.

Answer: True

Explanation: John Hope, President of Atlanta University, was posthumously awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1936 in recognition of his distinguished leadership.

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Walter Francis White was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1937 for his personal investigation of over forty lynchings.

Answer: True

Explanation: Walter Francis White's courageous personal investigations into over forty lynchings earned him the Spingarn Medal in 1937.

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Marian Anderson received the Spingarn Medal in 1939 for her role as a civil rights activist.

Answer: False

Explanation: Marian Anderson, a renowned singer, received the Spingarn Medal in 1939 for her special achievement in music, not primarily for activism.

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Louis T. Wright, a surgeon, was honored in 1940 for his contributions to healing and his courageous stance against discrimination.

Answer: True

Explanation: Dr. Louis T. Wright, a surgeon, was recognized in 1940 for his contributions to medicine and his resolute opposition to discrimination.

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Richard Wright's Spingarn Medal in 1941 recognized his novels 'Native Son' and 'Black Boy.'

Answer: False

Explanation: Richard Wright received the Spingarn Medal in 1941 for his literary works, specifically 'Uncle Tom's Children' and 'Native Son.'

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A. Philip Randolph received the Spingarn Medal in 1942 for his role in establishing the Fair Employment Practice Committee (FEPC).

Answer: True

Explanation: A. Philip Randolph was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1942 for his instrumental role in advocating for and securing the establishment of the Fair Employment Practice Committee (FEPC).

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William H. Hastie was recognized in 1943 for his career as a jurist and his championship of equal justice.

Answer: True

Explanation: William H. Hastie's distinguished career as a jurist and his unwavering advocacy for equal justice were recognized with the Spingarn Medal in 1943.

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Charles Drew was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1944 for his pioneering work in blood plasma, leading to the establishment of a blood plasma bank.

Answer: True

Explanation: Charles Drew's groundbreaking research in blood plasma, which facilitated the creation of blood plasma banks, earned him the Spingarn Medal in 1944.

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Paul Robeson received the Spingarn Medal in 1945 for his achievements as a singer and actor.

Answer: True

Explanation: Paul Robeson's distinguished achievements in both singing and acting were recognized with the Spingarn Medal in 1945.

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Thurgood Marshall was honored in 1946 for his work as Special Counsel for the NAACP and his legal arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Answer: True

Explanation: Thurgood Marshall's exemplary service as Special Counsel for the NAACP and his significant legal arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court earned him the Spingarn Medal in 1946.

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Dr. Percy Julian received the Spingarn Medal in 1947 for his discoveries as a research chemist that saved numerous lives.

Answer: True

Explanation: Dr. Percy Julian's impactful discoveries as a research chemist, which resulted in saving numerous lives, were recognized with the Spingarn Medal in 1947.

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Channing H. Tobias was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1948 for his role as a defender of fundamental American liberties.

Answer: True

Explanation: Channing H. Tobias received the Spingarn Medal in 1948 in recognition of his consistent and dedicated role as a defender of fundamental American liberties.

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Ralph J. Bunche received the Spingarn Medal in 1949 for his service to the United Nations as mediator in the Korean conflict.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ralph J. Bunche received the Spingarn Medal in 1949 for his singular service to the United Nations as a mediator in the Palestine conflict, not the Korean conflict.

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Charles Hamilton Houston was honored in 1950 as Chairman of the NAACP Legal Committee and a defender of democracy.

Answer: True

Explanation: Charles Hamilton Houston was recognized in 1950 for his role as Chairman of the NAACP Legal Committee and for his steadfast defense of democratic principles.

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In what year was Charles Young awarded the Spingarn Medal for his work in Liberia?

Answer: 1916

Explanation: Charles Young received the Spingarn Medal in 1916 for his contributions related to his work in Liberia.

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For which field was Harry T. Burleigh awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1917?

Answer: Creative Music

Explanation: Harry T. Burleigh was recognized in 1917 with the Spingarn Medal for his significant contributions to the field of creative music.

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W. E. B. Du Bois received the Spingarn Medal in 1920 primarily for his work related to:

Answer: His role as editor of The Crisis and founding the Pan-African Congress.

Explanation: W. E. B. Du Bois's 1920 Spingarn Medal was primarily awarded for his influential work as the editor of The Crisis magazine and for founding the Pan-African Congress.

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Which of the following individuals was recognized in 1922 for her leadership in the National Association of Colored Women?

Answer: Mary B. Talbert

Explanation: Mary B. Talbert was honored in 1922 for her significant leadership role as President of the National Association of Colored Women.

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George Washington Carver's Spingarn Medal in 1923 was for his contributions in which area?

Answer: Agricultural Chemistry research.

Explanation: George Washington Carver received the Spingarn Medal in 1923 for his groundbreaking contributions to Agricultural Chemistry research.

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Roland Hayes, the 1924 Spingarn Medal recipient, was recognized for his work as:

Answer: A singer interpreting Negro folk songs.

Explanation: Roland Hayes, the 1924 Spingarn Medal recipient, was honored for his artistry as a singer, particularly in his interpretation of Negro folk songs.

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Anthony Overton received the Spingarn Medal in 1927 for his business leadership, specifically as president of which type of company?

Answer: Insurance Company

Explanation: Anthony Overton was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1927 for his business leadership as president of the Victory Life Insurance Company.

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Mordecai Wyatt Johnson was honored in 1929 for his distinguished leadership as the first Black president of which university?

Answer: Howard University

Explanation: Mordecai Wyatt Johnson received the Spingarn Medal in 1929 for his leadership as the inaugural African American president of Howard University.

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Richard Berry Harrison's 1931 Spingarn Medal was for his portrayal of which character in 'The Green Pastures'?

Answer: The Lord

Explanation: Richard Berry Harrison's 1931 Spingarn Medal recognized his performance as the Lord in Marc Connelly's play 'The Green Pastures.'

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Max Yergan received the Spingarn Medal in 1933 for his work in Africa as an:

Answer: YMCA Secretary

Explanation: Max Yergan, an American YMCA Secretary, was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1933 for his impactful work in Africa.

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Which of the following individuals received the Spingarn Medal posthumously in 1936?

Answer: John Hope

Explanation: John Hope, President of Atlanta University, was honored posthumously with the Spingarn Medal in 1936.

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Walter Francis White was recognized in 1937 for his personal investigation of what specific issue?

Answer: Lynchings.

Explanation: Walter Francis White was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1937 for his personal investigations into over forty lynchings.

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A. Philip Randolph's 1942 Spingarn Medal recognized his role in establishing which committee?

Answer: The Fair Employment Practice Committee (FEPC)

Explanation: A. Philip Randolph received the Spingarn Medal in 1942 for his crucial role in the establishment of the Fair Employment Practice Committee (FEPC).

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Charles Drew's 1944 Spingarn Medal was awarded for his significant work in which scientific field?

Answer: Blood plasma

Explanation: Charles Drew's pioneering work in the field of blood plasma research and its applications earned him the Spingarn Medal in 1944.

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Thurgood Marshall received the Spingarn Medal in 1946 for his distinguished service as a lawyer before which court?

Answer: The Supreme Court of the United States

Explanation: Thurgood Marshall was honored in 1946 for his distinguished legal service, particularly his arguments before the Supreme Court of the United States.

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Dr. Percy Julian was recognized in 1947 for his discoveries as a research chemist that had what impact?

Answer: Saved numerous lives.

Explanation: Dr. Percy Julian's discoveries as a research chemist were recognized in 1947 for their profound impact in saving numerous lives.

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Which of the following individuals was the *first* recipient of the Spingarn Medal?

Answer: Ernest E. Just

Explanation: The biologist Ernest E. Just was the inaugural recipient of the Spingarn Medal.

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Mid-Century Milestones: Civil Rights and Professions (1950-1979)

Mabel K. Staupers received the Spingarn Medal in 1951 for her leadership in the American Red Cross.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mabel K. Staupers received the Spingarn Medal in 1951 for her leadership in the nursing profession, particularly with the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses, not the American Red Cross.

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Harry T. Moore was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1952 as a martyr in the crusade for freedom, recognized for his NAACP leadership in Florida.

Answer: True

Explanation: Harry T. Moore was posthumously honored with the Spingarn Medal in 1952, recognized as a martyr for freedom due to his dedicated NAACP leadership in Florida.

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Paul R. Williams, an architect, received the Spingarn Medal in 1953 for designing attractive modern dwellings.

Answer: True

Explanation: Distinguished architect Paul R. Williams was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1953 for his pioneering designs of attractive and livable modern residences.

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Theodore K. Lawless was honored in 1954 for pioneering achievements in cardiology.

Answer: False

Explanation: Theodore K. Lawless was honored in 1954 for pioneering achievements in dermatology, not cardiology.

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Carl J. Murphy received the Spingarn Medal in 1955 for his work as a dedicated editor, publisher, and civic leader.

Answer: True

Explanation: Carl J. Murphy was recognized in 1955 for his dedicated work as an editor and publisher, alongside his role as a farsighted civic leader.

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Jackie Robinson was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1956 for his superb sportsmanship and his singular role in athletics.

Answer: True

Explanation: Jackie Robinson received the Spingarn Medal in 1956, acknowledging his exceptional sportsmanship and his groundbreaking role in athletics.

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Martin Luther King, Jr. received the Spingarn Medal in 1957 for his leadership in the Montgomery bus protest movement.

Answer: True

Explanation: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s pivotal leadership during the Montgomery bus protest movement was recognized with the Spingarn Medal in 1957.

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Daisy Bates and the Little Rock Nine jointly received the Spingarn Medal in 1958 for upholding American democratic ideals.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1958, Daisy Bates and the Little Rock Nine were jointly awarded the Spingarn Medal for their courageous stand in upholding American democratic ideals during the school desegregation crisis.

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Duke Ellington was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1959 for his contributions as a jazz musician.

Answer: False

Explanation: Duke Ellington received the Spingarn Medal in 1959 for his outstanding and unique musical achievements as a composer and orchestra leader, not solely as a jazz musician.

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Langston Hughes received the Spingarn Medal in 1960 for his significant contributions to poetry and literature.

Answer: True

Explanation: Langston Hughes, a seminal figure in American literature, was honored with the Spingarn Medal in 1960 for his profound contributions to poetry and literature.

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Kenneth B. Clark received the Spingarn Medal in 1961 for his research in sociology.

Answer: False

Explanation: Kenneth B. Clark received the Spingarn Medal in 1961 for his research and dedicated service in the field of psychology.

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Edward Brooke III made history in 1967, earning the Spingarn Medal for being the first African American elected to the U.S. Senate since the Reconstruction Era.

Answer: True

Explanation: Edward Brooke III achieved a significant milestone in 1967, becoming the first African American popularly elected to the U.S. Senate since Reconstruction, an accomplishment recognized by the Spingarn Medal.

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Andrew Young and Rosa Parks were joint recipients of the Spingarn Medal in 1979, recognized for diplomacy and civil rights activism respectively.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1979, Andrew Young (for diplomacy) and Rosa Parks (for civil rights activism) were jointly honored with the Spingarn Medal, acknowledging their distinct yet complementary contributions.

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Hank Aaron received the Spingarn Medal in 1976 for his singular achievement in basketball.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hank Aaron was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1976 for his singular achievement in baseball, not basketball.

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In 1958, the Spingarn Medal was jointly awarded to Daisy Bates and which group for their role in school desegregation?

Answer: The Little Rock Nine

Explanation: In 1958, Daisy Bates and the Little Rock Nine were jointly honored with the Spingarn Medal for their pivotal roles in the struggle for school desegregation.

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Martin Luther King, Jr. received the Spingarn Medal in 1957 for his leadership in which significant civil rights event?

Answer: The Montgomery bus protest movement

Explanation: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s leadership during the Montgomery bus protest movement was the primary reason for his Spingarn Medal award in 1957.

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Duke Ellington, a composer and orchestra leader, was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1959 for what?

Answer: His outstanding and unique musical achievements.

Explanation: Duke Ellington received the Spingarn Medal in 1959 in recognition of his outstanding and unique musical achievements as a composer and orchestra leader.

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Kenneth B. Clark received the Spingarn Medal in 1961 for his research in which field?

Answer: Psychology

Explanation: Kenneth B. Clark was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1961 for his significant research and contributions in the field of psychology.

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Edward Brooke III made history in 1967, earning the Spingarn Medal for being the first African American elected to what position since Reconstruction?

Answer: United States Senator

Explanation: Edward Brooke III achieved a historic milestone in 1967 by becoming the first African American popularly elected to the United States Senate since the Reconstruction Era, an accomplishment recognized by the Spingarn Medal.

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Which of the following pairs were joint recipients of the Spingarn Medal in 1979, recognized for diplomacy and civil rights activism respectively?

Answer: Andrew Young and Rosa Parks

Explanation: In 1979, Andrew Young was honored for his diplomatic contributions as U.S. Ambassador to the UN, and Rosa Parks was recognized for her civil rights activism, making them joint recipients of the Spingarn Medal.

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Hank Aaron received the Spingarn Medal in 1976 for his singular achievement in which sport?

Answer: Baseball

Explanation: Hank Aaron was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1976 for his remarkable achievements in the sport of baseball.

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Sustained Impact: Diverse Fields and Later Recognition (1980-1999)

Alex Haley, co-recipient of the 1977 Spingarn Medal, was recognized for his work as an author, biographer, and lecturer, most notably for:

Answer: 'Roots'

Explanation: Alex Haley, a recipient of the Spingarn Medal in 1977, was most notably recognized for his seminal work, 'Roots.'

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In 1985, the Spingarn Medal was awarded jointly to Tom Bradley and which other individual?

Answer: Bill Cosby

Explanation: In 1985, the Spingarn Medal was jointly awarded to Tom Bradley and Bill Cosby.

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Lena Horne received the Spingarn Medal in 1983, being recognized as a symbol of excellence and for her contributions as an artist and politician.

Answer: False

Explanation: Lena Horne received the Spingarn Medal in 1983 for her contributions as an artist and humanitarian, not as a politician.

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Colin L. Powell was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1991 for his distinguished leadership in the military and defense sector.

Answer: True

Explanation: General Colin L. Powell received the Spingarn Medal in 1991 for his distinguished leadership within the military and defense sectors.

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Maya Angelou received the Spingarn Medal in 1994 for her multifaceted contributions as a poet, author, actress, playwright, producer, educator, and historian.

Answer: True

Explanation: Maya Angelou's extensive contributions across numerous artistic, academic, and cultural fields were recognized with the Spingarn Medal in 1994.

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John Hope Franklin, the 1995 Spingarn Medal recipient, was recognized for his quest for truth and the enlightenment of Western Civilization.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historian John Hope Franklin received the Spingarn Medal in 1995 for his dedicated pursuit of truth and the advancement of understanding within Western Civilization.

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In 1985, the Spingarn Medal was awarded jointly to Tom Bradley and which other individual?

Answer: Bill Cosby

Explanation: In 1985, the Spingarn Medal was jointly awarded to Tom Bradley and Bill Cosby.

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Lena Horne received the Spingarn Medal in 1983, being recognized as a symbol of excellence and for her contributions as an artist and:

Answer: Humanitarian

Explanation: Lena Horne was honored in 1983 with the Spingarn Medal for her artistic contributions and her role as a humanitarian and symbol of excellence.

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Colin L. Powell was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1991 for his distinguished leadership in which sector?

Answer: Military and Defense

Explanation: Colin L. Powell received the Spingarn Medal in 1991 for his distinguished leadership within the military and defense sector.

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Maya Angelou received the Spingarn Medal in 1994 for her multifaceted contributions as a poet, author, actress, playwright, producer, educator, and:

Answer: Historian

Explanation: Maya Angelou's extensive contributions, including those as a historian, were recognized with the Spingarn Medal in 1994.

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John Hope Franklin, the 1995 Spingarn Medal recipient, was recognized for his quest for truth and the enlightenment of:

Answer: Western Civilization

Explanation: John Hope Franklin received the 1995 Spingarn Medal for his dedication to the pursuit of truth and the enlightenment of Western Civilization.

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Alex Haley, co-recipient of the 1977 Spingarn Medal, was recognized for his work as an author, biographer, and lecturer, most notably for:

Answer: 'Roots'

Explanation: Alex Haley, a recipient of the Spingarn Medal in 1977, was most notably recognized for his seminal work, 'Roots.'

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Which of the following years was the Spingarn Medal *not* awarded, according to the source?

Answer: 1984

Explanation: The Spingarn Medal was not awarded in 1984, among other specified years.

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Contemporary Excellence: 21st Century Laureates (2000-Present)

Benjamin S. Carson Sr. received the Spingarn Medal in 2006 for becoming the youngest Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery in the United States.

Answer: The youngest Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery in the United States.

Explanation: Dr. Benjamin S. Carson Sr. received the Spingarn Medal in 2006, acknowledging his achievement as the youngest Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery in the United States at that time.

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Ruby Dee received the Spingarn Medal in 2008 for her contributions as an actress, poet, playwright, and musician.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ruby Dee received the Spingarn Medal in 2008 for her contributions as an actress, poet, playwright, and civil rights activist, not primarily as a musician.

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Harry Belafonte was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 2012 for his roles as a singer, songwriter, actor, and social activist.

Answer: True

Explanation: Harry Belafonte's multifaceted career as a singer, songwriter, actor, and dedicated social activist was recognized with the Spingarn Medal in 2012.

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Quincy Jones received the Spingarn Medal in 2014 for his contributions as a composer and producer, including multiple Pulitzer Prizes.

Answer: False

Explanation: Quincy Jones received the Spingarn Medal in 2014 for his contributions as a composer and producer, including multiple Grammy Awards, not Pulitzer Prizes.

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Sidney Poitier, the 2015 Spingarn Medal recipient, was recognized for his impact as an actor and social activist, and also for winning an Oscar.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sidney Poitier's impactful career as an actor and social activist, complemented by his Oscar win, earned him the Spingarn Medal in 2015.

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Dr. Cato T. Laurencin was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 2021 for accomplishments in regenerative engineering.

Answer: True

Explanation: Dr. Cato T. Laurencin received the Spingarn Medal in 2021 for his seminal accomplishments in the field of regenerative engineering.

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Hazel Dukes received the Spingarn Medal in 2023 for her service as the 8th National President of the National Urban League.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hazel Dukes received the Spingarn Medal in 2023 for her service as the 8th National President of the NAACP, not the National Urban League.

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Henry Louis Gates Jr. received the Spingarn Medal in 2024 for his contributions as an esteemed historian and literary scholar.

Answer: His significant scholarship and understanding of African American history and culture.

Explanation: Henry Louis Gates Jr. was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 2024 for his profound contributions as an esteemed historian and literary scholar, particularly his work illuminating African American history and culture.

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Ruby Dee received the Spingarn Medal in 2008 for her contributions as an actress, poet, playwright, and:

Answer: Civil rights activist

Explanation: Ruby Dee was honored in 2008 with the Spingarn Medal for her work as an actress, poet, playwright, and dedicated civil rights activist.

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Harry Belafonte was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 2012 for his roles as a singer, songwriter, actor, and:

Answer: Social activist

Explanation: Harry Belafonte received the Spingarn Medal in 2012 for his extensive contributions as a singer, songwriter, actor, and prominent social activist.

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Quincy Jones received the Spingarn Medal in 2014 for his contributions as a composer and producer, including multiple:

Answer: Grammy Awards

Explanation: Quincy Jones was honored with the Spingarn Medal in 2014 for his work as a composer and producer, which included multiple Grammy Awards.

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Sidney Poitier, the 2015 Spingarn Medal recipient, was recognized for his impact as an actor and social activist, and also for winning which prestigious award?

Answer: Oscar

Explanation: Sidney Poitier, honored with the Spingarn Medal in 2015, was recognized for his impact as an actor and social activist, as well as for winning an Oscar.

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Which of the following individuals was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 2021 for accomplishments in regenerative engineering?

Answer: Dr. Cato T. Laurencin

Explanation: Dr. Cato T. Laurencin received the Spingarn Medal in 2021 for his significant accomplishments in the field of regenerative engineering.

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Hazel Dukes received the Spingarn Medal in 2023 for her distinguished service as the 8th National President of which organization?

Answer: NAACP

Explanation: Hazel Dukes was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 2023 for her distinguished service as the 8th National President of the NAACP.

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General Information on the Spingarn Medal

Which of the following years was the Spingarn Medal *not* awarded, according to the source?

Answer: 1984

Explanation: The Spingarn Medal was not awarded in 1984, among other specified years.

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