Kelly Hall and South Side YMCAs prepare for friendly competition at annual Black History Quiz Bowl

In celebration of Black History Month, the Kelly Hall YMCA and South Side YMCA are preparing for their annual Black History Quiz Bowl tradition, with this year’s event happening next Thursday, February 25. Based on the local TV quiz show Know Your Heritage, youth from both centers assemble into teams, study, and compete to test their knowledge of Black history.

Held in an effort to foster a community approach to learning Black history, this annual event also instills self-esteem and teamwork skills in its young competitors.

“Being part of the Black History Quiz Bowl over the years has been very uplifting,” said Comenecia O’Neal, Program Director at the Kelly Hall YMCA. “Seeing the youth in our center learn about Black history and heritage beyond what most schools teach has been an honor, and being undefeated winners is a plus!”

“I’m excited to break that streak this year,” Kenne’quia Howell, Executive Director at the South Side YMCA, said, feeding into the friendly rivalry between the two centers. “But in all seriousness, we believe that the youth will build a better future, and in order to do so, it is the role of the Y to ensure that we’re helping them develop those necessary skills. That includes providing the knowledge of the rich history that is often left out of everyday education. We are proud to host the Black History Quiz Bowl and love seeing our centers’ youth so excited to learn.”

This year’s Black History Quiz Bowl event takes place on Thursday, February 25 from 5-6pm at the South Side YMCA.