Black History Month

February 1, 2009

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Profile America for the first day of Black History Month. This is a time to recall and honor the many positive contributions to our nation made by people of African descent. Started as a special week 83 years ago by historian Carter G. Woodson, the observance is now a full month of activities across the country. African-Americans are approaching 41 million in the U.S., about 13½ percent of the total population. They are the largest minority group in 24 states. Among the states, the largest number of blacks — 3.5 million — live in New York, followed by Florida and Texas. Mississippi is the state with the highest proportion of African-Americans — 38 percent. This special edition of Profile America for Black History Month is a public service of the U.S. Census Bureau.

Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2009, p. 110
Census Bureau, Facts for Features, CB09-FF.01
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/013007.html