To commemorate and celebrate the contributions to our nation made by people of African descent, American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week nearly a century ago. The event was first celebrated during the second week of February 1926, selected because it coincides with the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and abolitionist/writer Frederick Douglass (February 14). That week would continue to be set aside for the event until 1976 when, as part of the nation’s bicentennial, it was expanded to a month. Since then, U.S. presidents have proclaimed February as National Black History Month.
The following facts are made possible by the invaluable responses to the U.S. Census Bureau’s surveys. We appreciate the public’s cooperation as we continuously measure America’s people, places and economy.
Did You Know?
49,586,352
The Black or African American alone or in combination population in the United States in 2021.
Source:
2021 Population Estimates Program
90.3%
The percentage of African Americans ages 25 and older with a high school diploma or higher in 2021.
Source:
33.7%
The percentage of the employed Black population age 16 and older working in management, business, science and arts occupations in 2021.
Source:
2021 American Community Survey, 1-year estimates
(Source includes more on occupations, commuting and industries.)
140,918
The number ofBlack-owned employer businesses in the United States in 2020.
Source:
2021 Annual Business Survey, data year 2020
2.0 million
The number of Black civilian military veterans in the United States nationwide in 2021.
Source: