Knowledge Hoop

The year 2020 will go down in history books, and future generations will be reading about the year the earth stood still.  While our lives have definitely slowed down due to COVID-19, the harsh reality is this is a critical year.  In addition to a historic election cycle, this is also the year we complete the Census to determine how we will deploy our Democracy for the next decade. 

The US Constitution requires a population count every 10 years; it is called the Census.  The purpose of the Census is to help ensure our government represents the people.  Many of you may debate me on this, but this is the objective.  Census data is used to allocate seats and draw District lines for the US House of Representatives, State Legislatures, and local boards.  If you’ve ever complained about the resources in your community, it’s important to understand the significance of the Census.  In fact, federal funds are distributed each year based on this data.  From infrastructure (highways), medical assistance, school lunch programs, Head Start, and much more, the Census drives how those funds are allocated across the country.

I know there are many distractions, and some are essential and worthwhile, but we have a call to action.  We must ensure that our families are appropriately represented in Census data.  Historically, blacks have been undercounted.  According to a White Paper published by the Center on Poverty and Inequality at Georgetown Law, in the 2010 Census, blacks were undercounted by more than 800,000 with approximately 7% of black children being excluded; this is roughly twice the rate for non-Hispanic white children.

There are unfortunate realities that increase the risk of blacks being undercounted, but we must do our part by proactively completing the Census this year.  We must educate ourselves and exercise our voice.  So many have fought and gave up their lives for us to have a voice in this country, our country.  Let’s stay engaged during this pivotal time to ensure that positive change occurs for our communities. 

Due to the pandemic, key Census dates have been revised.  The self-response phase has been extended until October 31, 2020.  It’s now easier than ever to respond.  You can complete your Census information online, by phone, or by mailing in your self-response form.  Don’t overlook this simple act.  Your silence will have lasting impacts.  For more information on Census 2020, please visit 2020Census.gov or view the short video captured below.

We know that Black Lives Matter!  One way to ensure that others know this too is by exercising our right to be counted.