U.S. Census Bureau Black History Month Feature for Feb. 28

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily Black History Month feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090226/CENSUSLOGO)

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28: EDWARD DAVIS

Profile America for the 28th day of Black History Month.  Today marks the birthday of Edward Davis, the nation's first African-American new car dealer.  Davis became the top salesman at a Detroit dealership, even though he wasn't allowed on the showroom floor.  Unable to land a franchise of his own with one of the big three automakers, Davis turned to Studebaker.  With its backing, he opened a dealership in Detroit in 1940, which he operated for many years.  For his perseverance and honesty, Davis was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame, the first black so honored.  Now, there are more than 6,300 automotive and parts dealers owned by African-Americans, generating $7.3 billion in revenue annually.  This special edition of Profile America is a public service of the U.S. Census Bureau, conducting the 2010 Census beginning April 1st.  

Sources: 2002 Economic Census, Survey of Business Owners

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look under the "Newsroom" button).  

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau