Name That City! — February 18, 2021

From World War I through the 1960s, more than 6 million black Americans migrated north in search of better jobs and to escape violence perpetrated by domestic terrorists like the KKK. Today’s trivia looks at some of the cities that played an important part in the migration.

Here’s a review of the questions:

1. This city was a pivotal destination during The Great Migration for factory and auto industry jobs. Today it is home to the largest single African-American exhibit at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. What city is it?
2. Between 1910 and 1930, the Black population of this city more than doubled, growing from 25,623 to 54,983, mostly due to the demand for jobs in steel mills. What city is it?
3. This city attracted a lot of Black musicians during The Great Migration, leading to the development of the city’s own music style of bebop.

And here are the answers!

1. Detroit, MI—Thousands of African Americans settled in Detroit, as part of the total of 1.5 million Black people who left the South in the first half of the 20th century looking for opportunities in the Northeast and Midwest.
2. Pittsburgh, PA—In 1916, Carnegie Steel — the largest steelmaker in the US— employed about 4,000 African Americans. Others were drawn to the city to start businesses, run newspapers, and play jazz.
3. Kansas City, MO—KC was, and continues to be, the place for musical improvisation and jazz. Musicians who came to be associated with KC include Count Basie, Bennie Moten, Andy Kirk, Charlie Parker, Mary Lou Williams, and Jay McShann.

Thanks for playing!