In 2012, Black History Month celebrations took place in nearly every city and state in the United States. The public school system in most states is directed to feature at least some programs addressing African American history and culture. Additionally, numerous artistic and cultural presentations are planned in conjunction with Black History Month. Many industries, from culinary to film, plan events and programs specifically for the African American experience. The Pan-African American Film Festival was the largest event held in the United States to celebrate Black History Month in 2012, featuring two weeks of performances by African-American artists and filmmakers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Bureau of the Census release a special set of statistics regarding the state of the African American population each year to coincide with the start of Black History Month. The official themes of Black History Month in the twenty-first century include “Celebrating Community: A Tribute to Black Fraternal, Social, and Civic Institutions” (2006) and “African Americans and the Civil War” (2011). The theme for Black History Month 2012 was “Black Women in American Culture and History.” Black History Month is observed in schools, churches and more