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

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily Black History Month feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

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TUESDAY, 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 85 years ago by historian Carter G. Woodson, the observance is now a full month of activities across the country.  African-Americans number nearly 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 had the largest number of blacks of any state, Mississippi had the largest share of this group in its total population — 38 percent.  Black Americans are the largest minority group in 23 states.  This special edition of Profile America is a public service of the U.S. Census Bureau.  

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Facts for Features, CB11-FF.01

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 for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button).  For further information, contact Rick Reed:  301-763-2812; fax: 301-763-3762; or e-mail: rreed-at-census.gov.

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau