February is Black History Month, a time to recall and honor the many positive contributions to our nation made by people of African descent. Started as a special week 86 years ago by historian Carter G. Woodson, the observance is now a full month of activities across the country. African-Americans number 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 has the largest number of Blacks of any state, Mississippi has the largest share of this group in its total population — 38 percent. African-Americans are the largest minority group in 23 of the 50 states. Vance County Black population is 49.9%, the largest of any race in the county. 44.2% are White , 6.7% are Hispanic. As of 2007, 25.9% of businesses in Vance County are owned by Blacks. In North Carolina, blacks account for 21.5% of the total population and 10.5% ownership of businesses. 13% of visitors to Home in Henderson are Black, according to our stats. (78% White, 6% Hispanic, 2% Asian)
Erskine Bowles may enter the NC Governors race afterall, an announcement is expected to be made this week. Erskine is mentioned in reader Richard Brand’s recent opinion article you can read here. (read more)
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta laid out the administration’s most explicit portrayal of the U.S. drawdown in Afghanistan, saying Wednesday that U.S. and other international forces in Afghanistan expect to end their combat role in 2013 and continue a training and advisory role with Afghan forces through 2014. (read more)
Is Bob Etheridge serious? Say it isn’t so Bob!