Reference: Facts and Stats About the Black Population in the United States (Black History Month 2016)

From the U.S. Census:

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.
Note: The reference to the black population in this publication is to single-race blacks (“black alone”) except in the first section on “Population.” In that section the reference is to black alone or in combination with other races; a reference to respondents who said they were one race (black) or more than one race (black plus other races).

Each entry includes a link to the data source.
Here are a Few Examples of What You’ll Find in the Complete Document:
45.7 million
The number of blacks, either alone or in combination with one or more other races, on July 1, 2014, up 1.3 percent from July 1, 2013.
Source: 2014 Population Estimates
2.6 million
The number of black-owned firms nationally in 2012, up from 1.9 million or 34.5 percent from 2007.
Source: 2012 Survey of Business Owners-Black or African American Owned Firms: 2012
2.2 million
Number of black military veterans in the United States in 2014.
Source: 2014 American Community Survey
1.8 million
Among blacks 25 and over, the number who had an advanced degree in 2014.
Source: 2014 American Community Survey
The complete document is available here. A PDF version is also available.

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