Isaac wins Black History Quiz Bowl in Dobbins Heights

DOBBINS HEIGHTS — Zoe Isaac has a firm grasp on African American culture, winning the inaugural Black History Quiz Bowl.

Isaac, a junior at Richmond Senior High School, was one of four teenagers who were quizzed on their knowledge during the Sunday afternoon event at the Dobbins Heights Community Center, with Mayor Pro Tem Tyre Holloway asking the questions.

Each participant was asked questions individually and if one couldn’t answer, the other contestants were allowed to steal — which is how Isaac racked up several of her points.

The questions were about various aspects of Black History in the United States, ranging from sports to music to civil rights and Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Prior to the competition, there was a “Who am I” segment, where someone would give biographical information on a figure from Black History and the audience guessed who they were. Councilwoman Angeline David portrayed the late poet, writer and Winston-Salem State University professor Maya Angelou, and Holloway belted a few bars as legendary R&B singer Marvin Gaye.

In addition to the nationally known historic figures, there was also a highlight on several from Richmond County, including:

• Henry Frye, of Ellerbe, who was the first Black chief justice of the N.C. State Supreme Court and first Black state legislator of the 20th century;
• Frederick Branch, of Hamlet, the first Black officer in the U.S. Marine Corps; 
• John Kenneth Lee, of Hamlet, who helped desegregate the UNC School of Law and founded one of the nation’s first Black federally chartered savings and loan institutions; and
• Harold House, an actor and model originally from the “North Yard.”

There was also a cameo appearance by Xavier Quick. Although he moved to High Point, Quick spent his early years in Hamlet. He played for Winston-Salem State University, and later was a player model for EA Sports’ “Madden 2024” and has been a stunt double in football-related commercials.

Holloway said he hopes to continue the quiz bowl in the future.