Jacksonville District divisions are about to go head to head in the 2013 Black History Brain Brawl. The defending champions, Regulatory Division, walk in and set a large trophy on the table in front of them.
Chatter begins and friendly taunts fly between divisions. Spectators arrive to cheer on their teammates. Loud clapping or boos follow each question answered. Jeopardy-style competition with questions ranging from 200 to 2,000 points each. The categories include: Freedom and Equality, March on Washington, Emancipation Proclamation, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Participants were given materials to study prior to the Brain Brawl. Questions ranged from specific event dates to fill-in-the blanks for quotations from civil rights leaders. The competition got fierce in the second round, but Contracting took the lead and the trophy from Regulatory. The team included Robert Meekie, Carlos Clarke, Remi Eggers, Shannon Hyatt and Nancy Krause.
“Black history is still relevant because civil rights movements occurred in the ‘60s; this is not an ancient issue,” said Remi Eggers, contract specialist.
Among the more surprising facts were that Abraham Lincoln is enshrined in the Wrestling Hall of Fame and that he created the Secret Service hours before he was assassinated. Even the spectators were able to learn bits and pieces of history from the sidelines.
“It’s not about winning or losing, it’s about learning things,” said Eggers.
Members of the Contracting Division would like to see more competitions for other historic events and observance months.
“I participated because it’s a great way to interact with coworkers and it’s a lot of fun,” said Nancy Krause, contract specialist.