Celebrating Black History Month: Honoring the Past and Shaping the Future
This February, Hard Beat Communications joins the nation in celebrating Black History Month - a time to honor the profound contributions of people of African descent to our society, economy, and culture.
The Origins of a Legacy
The roots of this celebration trace back to 1926, when American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week. He chose the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and the great abolitionist Frederick Douglass (February 14). In 1976, during the U.S. bicentennial, the observance was expanded to a month. Since then, every U.S. president has officially proclaimed February as National Black History Month.
A Vibrant and Growing Community
Today, the Black or African American population is a dynamic force in the United States:
Population: There are approximately 52 million people of African descent in the U.S., making up 15% of the total population.
Youthfulness: With a median age of roughly 33 years, this is a community that is helping to drive the future of our nation.
Geographic Centers: The District of Columbia (46%) and Mississippi (39%) represent some of the highest percentages of Black residents in the country.
Excellence in Education and Industry
We are seeing a steady and inspiring rise in educational attainment. Some 79% of the Black population aged 25 and older had completed high school or college; by 2024, that number has climbed to 91%.
This education fuels a diverse workforce:
36% work in management, business, science, and arts occupations (including physicians, architects, and educators).
21% serve our communities in service occupations, such as police officers and healthcare support.
21% drive the economy in sales and office occupations.
17% are vital to production, transportation, and material moving.
Entrepreneurship and Economic Impact
Entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of the Black experience. There are currently 200,885 Black-owned businesses in the U.S. The Health Care and Social Assistance sector leads the way, accounting for over 26% of all Black-owned firms. At Hard Beat Communications, we recognize the vital role these businesses play in creating jobs and fostering community wealth.
Famous Faces and Their Roots
We celebrate the giants upon whose shoulders we stand, remembering the places that shaped them:
Malcolm X (Omaha, NE): A prominent human rights activist and minister.
Maya Angelou (St. Louis, MO): An iconic poet, playwright, and activist.
Arthur Ashe (Richmond, VA): A trailblazing tennis champion and the only Black man to win singles titles at Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, and the Australian Open.
Oprah Winfrey (Kosciusko, MS): The first African American woman to own her own TV studio and a global media leader.
This month, we don't just look back at history; we look forward to the continued progress and brilliance of the Black community. Reach them today via Black Media. Happy Black History Month from all of us at Hard Beat Communications!