Census Bureau Profile America Facts for Features: National Black History Month: February 2026

February 27, 2026

The U.S. Census Bureau has released statistics in recognition of Black History Month, which originated as Black History Week in 1926 when historian Carter G. Woodson established it during February's second week to honor Abraham Lincoln's and Frederick Douglass's birthdays. The observance was expanded to a full month in 1976 during America's bicentennial, with President Gerald Ford encouraging Americans to acknowledge African American achievements across all fields.

Who is affected

African Americans/Black Americans (population of 51,629,710 identifying as Black alone or in combination)
Black or African American high school graduates age 25 and older (90.8% of this demographic)
Civilian employed Black workers age 16 and older in management, business, science and arts occupations (36.0%)
Black-owned employer businesses (200,885 businesses)
Black civilian veterans (2,035,520 individuals)

What action is being taken

The U.S. Census Bureau is collecting survey responses to measure America's people, places, and economy, and releasing statistical data about the Black/African American population.

Why it matters

This data release matters because it provides concrete statistical evidence of African American contributions and presence across multiple sectors of American society—education, professional occupations, business ownership, and military service—helping to fulfill President Ford's 1976 call to honor Black American accomplishments that have been historically neglected.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint