Friday / Weekend Open Line


February is Black History Month, a time to honor the many contributions to our nation’s history made by people of African descent. Started as a special week in 1926 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., 13.1 percent of the total population. By 2050, this population is projected to reach nearly 57 million. 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. Throughout the entire south, African-Americans comprise 20 percent of the population. You can find more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at <www.census.gov>.