African–Americans or Blacks represent approximately 13.2 percent of the United States population.1 The U.S. Census Bureau defines the terms "African–American or Black" as any person who "has origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa."
Although the African–American or Black population has a long history in the United States, this population remains diverse due to the various locations of historic origin. Approximately 10 percent of the African– American or Black population in the United States is foreign-born, immigrants of African descent, who migrated from countries such as the Caribbean and Latin America.2
What are the disparities?
As a group, the African-American or Black population experiences significant disparities with chronic conditions, access to care, preventive screenings, and mental health.
1U.S. Census Bureau: State and County QuickFacts. 2013 Census Year.
2USCB ASEC Supplement 2012