Celebrate Black History Month
Population Snapshot
- Black and African Americans are the second largest minority population in the United States, following the Hispanic and Latino population.
- In 2021, nearly 20% of Black and African American households were food insecure.
- In the United States, 18.3% of Black and African American adults aged 18 and over are in fair or poor health.
- Food insecurity has been linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease
and obesity. Obesity is a key factor in the higher rates of diabetes seen in Black and African American communities.
Black History Month is observed each year from February 1 – March 1 to recognize the generations of Black and African Americans who struggled with adversity and to celebrate their many contributions to the United States.
This Black History Month, the HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH) is highlighting the roles food insecurity and nutrition have on common health disparities faced by Black and African American communities, such as increased risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and maternal and infant mortality.
Visit this webpage throughout the observance to learn more about:
- Socioeconomic factors, or social determinants of health (SDOH), like food insecurity and lack of access to health care that impact the health and well-being of Black and African American communities.
- OMH policies, programs, and practices focused on advancing health equity and improving health outcomes for Black and African American communities.
- Federal and non-federal partners that are accelerating progress and driving transformative change to improve nutrition and food access and close the disparities surrounding the Black and African American communities.
Get involved in Black History Month
Visit the OMH Knowledge Center online catalog for resources and publications about Black and African Americans.
Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , and Instagram , and sign up for additional news, events, and updates.
Download and share Black History Month graphics and messages
Learn more about the role food insecurity and nutrition play in the overall health of Black and African American Communities.
About Black History Month Month
In 1926, American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week in February to commemorate and celebrate the contributions to the United States made by Black and African Americans.
In 1976, the observance became a month-long celebration and was proclaimed by United States presidents as National Black History Month. Read President Joe Biden’s remarks on National Black History Month for this year.