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

47.8 million

The black population, either alone or in combination with one or more races, in the United States in 2018.

87.9%

The percentage of African-Americans age 25 and older with a high school diploma or higher in 2018.

29.9%

The percentage of the employed black population age 16 and older working in management, business, science and arts occupations in 2018.

121,466

The number of black-owned employer businesses in the United States in 2016.

2.2 million

The number of black military veterans in the United States nationwide in 2018.

• The projected black population.
• Texas had the largest black population in 2018, among states.
• Cook County, Ill. (Chicago) had the largest black population in 2018, among counties.

• Voting rates in the 2018 presidential election.
• 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 2018 American Community Survey. Statistics include:

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

• National African-American (Black) History Month: February 2019
• National African-American History Month: February 2018
• National Black (African-American) History Month: February 2017

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

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