Census data are used to apportion congressional seats to states, to distribute more than $400 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year, and to make decisions about what community services to provide. In other words, the amount of money allotted to your community will be determined by this data for hospitals, job training centers, schools, senior centers, bridges, tunnels and other public works projects, and emergency services. The data collected by the census also helps determine the number of seats your state has in the U.S. House of Representatives.
As of July 1, 2008, the estimated population of black residents in the United States was 41.1 million. We made up 13.5 percent of the total U.S. population. This figure represents an increase of more than a half-million residents from one year earlier. The U.S. Census Bureau further reports that the projected black population of the United States will reach 65.7 million by July 1, 2050. On that date, according to the projection, blacks would constitute 15 percent of the nation’s total population. This means that African-Americans must sign up to be counted to ensure that our community receives funding for services.
African-Americans need to fill out the 2010 Census questionnaire as if it were a lottery ticket. This year’s questionnaire will be one of the shortest ever — there are only 10 questions, requiring about 10 minutes of your time. Unlike the Powerball and Mega Millions, this isn’t based on chance. Be responsible and take advantage of the opportunity. In March of 2010, census forms will be delivered to every residence in the United States and Puerto Rico. Fill it out and mail it back in the postage-paid envelope without delay. —yvette caslin
Photo Credit: U.S. Census Bureau, Public Information Office
