Final answer:
The statement that African Americans make up about 47% of the U.S. population is false. They actually comprise roughly 12%-13% of the populace.
Step-by-step explanation:
The claim that the percentage of African Americans in the U.S. population is close to 47% is false. According to the referenced information, African Americans comprise approximately 12%-13% of the U.S. population. This proportion has been relatively stable over the past century, with minor fluctuations. It's important to note that while African Americans do have a higher percentage of individuals living in poverty compared to other demographics, they do not represent the majority of the U.S. demographic makeup.
The provided statistics show a much lower percentage than the 47% stated in the claim. The census data acknowledges the difficulties in accurately measuring the population's racial demographics and relies on individuals' self-identification.