The following is from material provided by the U.S. Census Bureau

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.

Did You Know?

47.8 million

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

87.9%

The percentage of African-Americans age 25  and older with a high school diploma or higher in 2018.
Source: Current  Population Survey (Source includes more on education,  including advanced degrees and school enrollment.)

29.9%

The percentage of the employed black  population age 16 and older working in management, business, science and arts  occupations in 2018.
Source: 2018 American  Community Survey (Source includes more on occupations, commuting and  industries.)

121,466

The number of black-owned employer  businesses in the United States in 2016.
Source: 2016 Annual  Survey of Entrepreneurs
 

2.2 million

The number of black military veterans in  the United States nationwide in 2018.
Source: 2018 American  Community Survey
 

More on Population Size

• 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 counti

Voting Rates

• Voting rates in the 2018 presidential election.
• Voting rates in the 2016 presidential election.
• Voting rates in the 2014 congressional election.

Income, Poverty and Health Insurance 

• Income.
• Poverty status.
• Health insurance coverage.

More Stats

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.