African-American History Month: Stats from the Census

The US Census Bureau has compiled an extensive list of statistics relating to African American History Month.  Their feature says:

"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 into Black History Month. Each year, U.S. presidents proclaim February as National African-American History Month."

A few of the highlighted statistics are:

2.3 million
Number of black military veterans in the United States in 2011.
Source: 2011 American Community Survey

3.1 million
Number of blacks enrolled in college in 2011, a 74.0 percent increase since 2001.
Source: 2011 American Community Survey

11.1 million
The number of blacks who voted in the 2010 congressional election, an increase from 10 percent of the total electorate in 2006 to 12 percent in 2010.
Source: Voting and Registration in the Election of 2010

$135.7 billion
Receipts for black-owned businesses in 2007, up 53.1 percent from 2002. The number of black-owned businesses totaled 1.9 million in 2007, up 60.5 percent.
Source: 2007 Survey of Business Owners