U.S. Census Bureau Black History Month Feature for February 1

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily Black History Month feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1: BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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 86 years ago by historian Carter G. Woodson, the observance is now a full month of activities across the country.  African-Americans number just over 42 million in the U.S., 13.6 percent of the total population.  By 2050, this proportion is estimated to reach 15 percent.  Although New York has the largest number of blacks of any state, Mississippi has the largest share of this group in its total population -- 38 percent.  African-Americans are the largest minority group in 23 of the 50 states.  You can find these and more facts about the African-American population on the Web at www.census.gov. 

Sources:  U.S. Census Bureau, Facts for Features, CB12-FF.01
The Black Population: 2010

Profile America Special Edition:  Black History Month  2012  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 for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button). 

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau