Association of Ergs & Councils Logo
Show Navigation Menu Sign In

Fast Facts

Bookmark and Share

Fast Facts provide key information and statistics that Diversity Councils and ERGs can use in presentations, reports and various communications. Below is a small sampling, to see more, become a member.

 

The Statistics of Black History

To commemorate and celebrate the contributions to our nation made by people of African descent, American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week. The first celebration occurred on Feb. 12, 1926.

For many years, the second week of February was set aside for this celebration to coincide with the birthdays of abolitionist/editor Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, as part of the nation's bicentennial, the week was expanded to a month. Since then, U.S. presidents have proclaimed February as National African-American History Month.

The following facts are made possible by the invaluable responses to the U.S. Census Bureau's surveys.

Note: The reference to the black population in this publication is to single-race black people ("black alone") unless otherwise noted.

Did You Know?

46.8 million
The black population, either alone or in combination with one or more races, in the United States.
Source: 2016 Population Estimates

2.1 million
The number ofblack military veterans in the United States nationwide.
Source: 2016 American Community Survey

29.0 %
The percentage of the black population 16 and older working in management, business, science and arts occupations in 2016.
Source: 2016 American Community Survey

87.1 %
Percentage of African-Americans completing high school.
Source: 2016 Current Population Survey

113,643
The number ofblack-owned employer firm businesses in the United States in 2015.
Source: 2015 Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs

In celebration of Black History Month here are 30 additional facts you might not have been aware of...

  • The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, a civil rights organization, was founded in 1909
  • Black History Month began as "Negro History Week,"
  • ...continue

Making America Rich Again

In a December 2016 report titled "Making America Rich Again: The Latino Effect on Economic Growth" conducted by National Economics Research Associates (NERA), Managing Director Dr. Jeffrey A. Eisenach presents a comprehensive analysis of the contributions that Latino Americans have made to the US economy, based on data from a wide variety of government and private sources. Here are just a few highlights from the study. Hispanics currently wield over 1.3 trillion US dollars in buying power, and the number of affluent households is growing at a faster rate than the overall population. They are creating new businesses faster...


LGBT Federal and State Policy Landscape

  • There is no federal law barring employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
  • State laws vary widely:
    • In 28 states, you can get fired just for being lesbian, bisexual, or gay.
    • In 30 states, you can be fired for being transgender.
    • ...
  • The majority of Americans (67%) support...

Become a MemberGet More Information