Unlike one hundred years ago, we know what’s coming and what we can do to stop such actions. We know that from the increase in hate crimes and racism, much of it fueled by the actions of our former President, that racism on the part of conservative and right-wing whites is fear of the “browning” of America.
An advocacy group that fights for fair political representation of African Americans in California says it is pleased with the results of the state’s recent redistricting process.
The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that the 2020 Census shows the resident population of the United States on April 1, 2020, was 331,449,281.
After a decade of planning and a head count that took place against the backdrop of an unprecedented pandemic, natural disasters and partisan legal battles, the U.S. Census Bureau is releasing the first numbers from the 2020 census before the end of the month.
When the 2020 Census count is finally tallied, states across the nation will receive their proportionate share of government funding for essential social programs and services for the next decade. For three ex-felons, the grassroots work of going door-to-door checking for completed Census forms, provided immediate financial relief and an opportunity to help their community.
Early data is showing cities in California with some of the hardest-to-count census tracts are among places with above-average U.S. Census response rates so far. Many of them are areas where African Americans live.
Persuading African Americans to complete the 2020 Census, especially in the midst of COVID-19, is no easy task, but several faith-based organizations are taking on the challenge. According to the Rev. Edward “Eddie” Anderson, pastor of McCarty Memorial Christian Church in Los Angeles, “Scripture reminds us that Jesus was born in Bethlehem because of the census. The census is important, my friends, because it says that I matter, my community matters and my Black life counts!” The Rev. Dr. Michael J.T. Fisher, pastor of Greater Zion Church Family in Compton and president of the Pastors of Compton; and the Rev.
According to the Census Bureau post-enumeration survey, 800,000 African Americans went uncounted. What does this mean? It means once again, the voice of African Americans was denied. Many programs that impact African Americans are based in whole or part on data derived from the Census. History proves the disenfranchisement of Black people socially, politically and financially. Another ten years cannot pass before we realize how vital the United States Census is to the United States democracy.
Ensuring every California household participates in the Census is critically important. Mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the Census determines how billions of dollars of federal funding are distributed to each state every year for education resources, affordable housing programs, nutrition and health care services, and more. Estimates show that for every person uncounted, California could lose $1,000 a year for 10 years. That’s as much as $10,000 per person in funds lost over the next decade.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is changing our lives. We face a health crisis, an emerging economic crisis and more than ever, a crisis to our democracy. As we adapt to new norms to protect ourselves and our loved ones, we must adapt how we conduct our elections,” she wrote. Her wide range of recommendations included expanded online voter registration, multi-lingual voter education campaign, prepaid postage on ballots and applying Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to polling locations.
The U.S. Census only takes ten minutes of your time, it can lead to ten years of resources in the community. The funding we receive supports medical services, childcare centers, parks, head-start programs, and affordable housing. During this time of crisis, it is crucial to get an accurate count in order to get the proper federal support that the L.A. County needs. The information is confidential and will be used privately by the government for statistics. The cities’ infrastructure is very dependent on the numbers calculated by the census. School lunches, highway plans, and first responder occupations rely heavily on the results from the L.A. Census count. You can participate online at: 2020census.gov
The U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the nation’s population every 10 years. Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state holds in Congress and how much in federal funding is allocated to state and local communities for the next 10 years. Local government officials use the census to ensure public safety and plan new schools and hospitals. Businesses use census data to decide where to build factories, offices and stores, which creates jobs. Real estate developers and city planners use the census to plan new homes and improve neighborhoods. Residents use the census to support community initiatives involving legislation, quality-of-life and consumer advocacy.
Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Chair of the House Financial Services Committee, issued an urgent message to the community about the 2020 U.S. Census on April 1st, which is recognized across the country as Census Day. “Whether you are a student, parent, veteran, senior, or working professional, this message is for you! Your household will receive an invitation to fill out a short questionnaire from the U.S. Census Bureau in the mail. It is imperative that you complete this form and respond to the Census Bureau online, by phone, or by mail. “The 2020 Census will be used to determine the
The U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years. Responding to the 2020 Census is easy, safe and important, and is key to shaping the future of communities. Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives and informs legislative district boundaries. They also inform how hundreds of billions of dollars in public funds are allocated by state, local and federal lawmakers to communities for public services and infrastructure like hospitals, emergency services, schools and bridges each year over the next 10 years.
The results of the census directly determine the amount of funding communities will receive for the next ten years for essential services