Black people, also known as African Americans, have a rich history and culture in the United States. Despite their contributions to society, they have faced discrimination, marginalization, and systemic racism throughout history.
Despite these obstacles, Black people have continued to thrive in various aspects of society, making significant strides in areas such as education, business, politics, and sports.
Education
Black people have made significant progress in education over the years. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the percentage of Black high school graduates has steadily increased over the past decade, reaching 78% in the 2018-2019 academic year.
In 2020, 28% of Black adults had at least a bachelor’s degree, which is a significant increase from 2000 when only 17% had a bachelor’s degree, according to the Pew Research Center.
Black women are the most educated group in the United States, with 26% of them holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Business and Economics
Black-owned businesses have been on the rise, with more than 2.6 million Black-owned businesses in the United States, generating over $150 billion in revenue, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
In 2020, Robert F. Smith became the richest Black person in the United States, with a net worth of $5.2 billion, according to Forbes.
Despite progress, the racial wealth gap persists. According to the Federal Reserve, in 2019, the median net worth of white households was $188,200, while the median net worth of Black households was only $24,100.
Politics
Kamala Harris made history in 2021 by becoming the first woman, the first Black person, and the first person of Asian descent to become Vice President of the United States.
In 2021, 58 Black women held congressional seats, which is the highest number in history, according to the Center for American Women and Politics.
In 2020, 91% of eligible Black voters turned out to vote in the presidential election, which is a significant increase from the 2016 election when only 59% of eligible Black voters turned out to vote, according to the Pew Research Center.
Sports
Black athletes have made significant contributions to various sports, including basketball, football, baseball, and track and field. In the National Basketball Association (NBA), 74.2% of players are Black, according to The Undefeated.
In 2021, Naomi Osaka became the highest-paid female athlete in the world, with earnings of $55.2 million, according to Forbes.
Black athletes have broken numerous records, including Usain Bolt, who holds the world record in the 100-meter dash and the 200-meter dash.
Did You Know About These Black People Stats?
These attention-grabbing and authoritative statistics show that Black people have made significant contributions to various aspects of society. Despite facing systemic racism and discrimination, they have continued to thrive and make strides in education, business, politics, and sports.
As a society, it is essential to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of Black people and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable future.