Paint it black

February is Black History Month, but the contributions of Americans of African heritage aren’t limited to the Crispus Attucks, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman and Barbara Jordan. Within the great mass of humanity that makes up the United States, individual African-Americans make their presence felt every day.

2.4 million Number of black military veterans in 2005. African-American veterans make up the largest minority group among U.S. military veterans.

$88.6 billion Revenues for 1.2 million black-owned businesses in 2002

$30,858 Annual median income of U.S. black households in 2005. In constant dollars, this is an increase of $25,642 since 1985.

9.1 million Number of black families in the United States. Of these, 47 percent are headed by married couples.

40 Percentage of African-American householders who own their home

27 Percentage of African-American adults who work in management or professional occupations

60 Percentage of blacks who voted in the 2004 election. That translates to 14 million voters, the largest single minority group.

Source: Prepared by the U.S. Census Bureau from their data.