Black (African-American) History Month: February 2010
13 facts about the month and population from the Census Bureau
1. To commemorate and celebrate the contributions to our nation made by people of African descent, American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week.
2. The first celebration occurred on Feb. 12, 1926. For many years, the second week of February was set aside for this celebration to coincide with the birthdays of abolitionist/editor Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, as part of the nation’s bicentennial, the week was expanded into Black History Month. Each year, U.S. presidents proclaim February as National African-American History Month.
3. Population 41.1 million As of July 1, 2008, the estimated population of black residents in the United States, including those of more than one race. They made up 13.5 percent of the total U.S. population. This figure represents an increase of more than a half-million residents from one year earlier.
Source: Population estimates
<http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/population/013733.html>
4. 65.7 million The projected black population of the United States (including those of more than one race) for July 1, 2050. On that date, according to the projection, blacks would constitute 15 percent of the nation’s total population. Source: Population projections
<http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/population/012496.html>
5. 18 Number of states with an estimated black population on July 1, 2008, of at least 1 million. New York, with 3.5 million, led the way. The other 17 states on the list were Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Source: Population estimates
<http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/population/013734.html>
6. 24 Number of states or equivalents in which blacks were the largest minority group in 2008. These included Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. (Note: Minorities are part of a group other than single-race non-Hispanic white.) Source: Population estimates
<http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/population/013734.html>
7. 1.4 million The number of blacks in Cook County, Ill., as of July 1, 2008, which led the nation’s counties in the number of people of this racial category. Orleans Parish, La., had the largest numerical increase in the black population between July 1, 2007, and July 1, 2008 (16,400).
Source: Population estimates
<http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/population/013734.html>
8. 30% The proportion of the black population younger than 18 as of July 1, 2008. At the other end of the spectrum, 8 percent of the black population was 65 and older. Source: Population estimates
<http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/population/013733.html>
Note: Unless otherwise noted, the estimates in this section refer to the population that was either single-race black or black in combination with one or more other races.
9. 2.3 million Number of single-race black military veterans in the United States in 2008. More military veterans are black than any other minority group.
Source: 2008 American Community Survey <http://factfinder.census.gov>
10 83% Among blacks 25 and older, the proportion who had at least a high school diploma in 2008.
Source: Educational Attainment in the United States: 2008
<http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/education/013618.html>
11. 20% Percentage of blacks 25 and older who had a bachelor’s degree or higher in 2008.
Source: Educational Attainment in the United States: 2008
<http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/education/013618.html>
12. 1.4 million Among blacks 25 and older, the number who had an advanced degree in 2008 (e.g., master’s, doctorate, medical or law). In 1998, 857,000 blacks had this level of education. Source: Educational Attainment in the United States: 2008
<http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/education/013618.html>
13. 2.5 million Number of black college students in fall 2008. This was roughly double the corresponding number from 15 years earlier.
Source: School Enrollment – Social and Economic Characteristics of Students: October 2008
<http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/education/014354.html>
Wow some interesting facts. Thanks for sharing these. 🙂
Nice facts. Thanks for sharing them with us. I enjoyed them.