Black History Month: Data & Statistics
Census Data for Black Americans
2020 Census Data For Black Americans
The Census occurs every 10 years, in years ending in zero, to count the population and housing units for the entire United States. Its primary purpose is to provide the population counts that determine how seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are apportioned.
Data about Black Americans is available for the U.S., 50 states, and the District of Columbia, counties, and subcounty statistical areas (such as zip codes and block groups) from 1990 to the present.
This fact sheet compiled for Black History Month includes some population statistics for each of these groups. The page also includes links to Population Profiles with more detailed information.
Timelines
- African American History 1500-2021The most comprehensive African American history Timeline on the Internet. Starting in the year 1526 and extending to 2022, this timeline with nearly 700 separate entries, recalls the major political, social, and economic developments in Black history in the United States.
- 400 Years of Resistance to Slavery & InjusticeThis is a unique historical timeline examining the struggles for equal rights and equal treatment among enslaved Africans and their descendants in the US from 1619-2019.
Infographics & Statistics
Percent of members of Congress who mentioned Black History Month (BHM) on Facebook or Twitter during the month of February. Note: Mentions of Black History Month include uses of the phrases "Black History" and "Black History Month" as well as the hashtag #BlackHistoryMonth
- Percent of Democrats who mentioned BHM:
- 2021: 91
- 2020: 82
- 2019: 82
- 2018: 71
- 2017: 67
- 2016: 71
- 2015: 48
- Percent of Republicans who mentioned BHM:
- 2021: 36
- 2020: 29
- 2019: 24
- 2018: 26
- 2017: 16
- 2016: 19
- 2015: 13
- Total percent of lawmakers who mentioned BHM:
- 2021: 64
- 2020: 57
- 2019: 54
- 2018: 47
- 2017: 39
- 2016: 41
- 2015: 29
The 117th Congress which ended on January 3, 2023, had 62 Black members, a record high. This constituted 11.5 % of the total membership. They represented constituents from 28 states, the Virgin Islands, and Washington, D.C
- Originally focused on reaching Black students in public schools.
- Started on February 7, 1926, as Negro History Week.
- Launched by Sr. Carter G. Woodson.
- Celebrated in the US, the UK, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, and the Republic of Ireland.
- Kent State University successfully promoted Black History Month in 1970.
- In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month.
