BlackTalkMediaPro Catching up on the News posted by my fellow Black Planeteers! - Oct 24 add/view comments (0) |
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As you may or may not know, the 2010 Census is right around the corner and we want to take this time to encourage you to take part in it by filling out and returning the 10-question form to the Census Bureau. We are specifically reaching out to residents of color and those who live in minority communities that have been historically undercounted.
Call 301-763-INFO (4636) or 800-923-8282 or visit the official website of the Census Bureau.
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Part of the reason why our communities of color have been undercounted is political in nature. There are certain people and certain groups that have worked against a full accounting of the residents who live in largely minority districts in efforts to disfranchise those residents.
Why? Because among the things the Census data collected is used for is to apportion seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. It is also used to define legislature districts, school district assignment areas and other important functional areas of government. The more seats a legislative district has means that it has a bigger voice in the legislative matters that affect our every day lives. The fewer representatives you have in Congress means that you have less political power. Another reason and probably the most important reason communities of color are undercounted is lack of participation in the Census population count that only happens every ten years. By not participating in the Census means that your community will not get its fair share of the $300 billion or so in federal funds that is sent to local, state and tribal governments each year.
How many times have you heard someone say that "our" schools lack resources or "our" communities lack much needed services? Usually someone outside of the community is blamed but by not making sure, we do our part by filling out and turning in our Census questionnaires, we are robbing ourselves of these much-needed resources.
Census data collected every ten years affects how funding is allocated to communities for neighborhood improvements, public health needs, education resources, public transportation needs and so much more.
Now that you know that Census data has direct impact on providing services and resources for you, your family and your community, ask yourself if you can afford not to participate in the 2010 Census. President Obama, the nation's first African American president has said that he needs your help to bring about change.
We hope that you will change your mind and attitude about Census participation and be the change you hope for and help bring much need resources to our communities of color. If you have any questions about how this data will be used, do not listen to those who would have you not participate but call the Census Bureau directly and get answers to your questions.
