To commemorate and celebrate the contributions to our nation made by people of African descent, American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week. 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 to a month. Since then, U.S. presidents have proclaimed February as National African-American 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.

Note: The reference to the black population in this publication is to single-race black people (“black alone”) unless otherwise noted.

Percentage of African-Americans completing high school.

Source: (Source includes more on education, including advanced degrees and school enrollment.)

The number of black-owned employer firm businesses in the United States in 2015.

Source:

• The projected black population.
• New York had the largest black population in 2016, among states.
• Cook County, Ill. (Chicago), had the largest black population in 2016, among counties.

• Voting rates in the 2016 presidential election
• Voting rates in the 2014 congressional election

• Income
• Poverty status
• Health insurance coverage

See a detailed profile on the black population from the 2016 American Community Survey. Statistics include:

• Families and children
• Marital status
• Grandparents living with grandchildren
• Jobs
• Labor force participation
• Occupation
• Commuting
• Housing

• National African-American History Month: February 2017
• National Black (African-American) History Month: February 2016

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

• High School Completion Rate Is Highest in U.S. History

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Black Education on the Rise