President Barack Obama proclaimed February to be Black History Month on Jan. 29, 2016, writing that as the nation observes it, “We recognize these champions of justice and the sacrifices they made to bring us to this point, we honor the contributions of African-Americans since our country’s beginning, and we recommit to reaching for a day when no person is judged by anything but the content of their character.”
Here are a few lesser know factoids by the number.
1. Black History Month started in 1926. The observance was proposed by Carter Godwin Woodson, an author and historian, as Negro History Week. It expanded in the 1970s.
2. Now considered “the nation’s oldest, largest and most widely recognized grassroots-based civil-rights organization,” the NAACP was founded in 1909.
3. The U.S. is one of three countries to celebrate Black History Month. Canada also observes it in February, while the U.K. pays tribute in October.
4. According the the Census Bureau, more than 45 million African-Americans live in the U.S., about 15 percent of the nation’s population. By 2060, the black population is forecast to make up almost 18 percent of the U.S. population. In 2013, New York had the most African-American residents, with 3.7 million.
5. There are more than 2 million black veterans.
6. Taking the lead from the International Business Times, we’re reminded that Jackie Robinson’s debut as the first black Major League Baseball player is much celebrated.
7. President Obama also announced plans to visit the Illinois State Capitol on Feb. 10, 2016, to mark nine years since his announcement as a candidate for president. Back then, the U.S. senator announced his intentions on the steps of the Old State Capitol.
Regarding the President’s visit, Gov. Bruce Rauner noted, “I look forward to welcoming President Obama to the State Capitol and hearing him speak about finding common ground between Republicans and Democrats. Despite our political differences, the President and I share a passion for improving education, especially for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, a belief in the benefits of term limits and redistricting reform for restoring good government, and a strong desire to see more economic opportunity for all Illinoisans. I know we can achieve great things for Illinois by having mutual respect for one another and focusing on bipartisan compromise to achieve what’s best for the long-term future of our great state.”
