Beyond the Count: Why is the U.S. Census a Big Deal?

Photo by Christopher Nicholas

Happy U.S. Census Year! That’s Right Folks, it is a Census Year!

And this year is more important than ever. Over $675 billion in federal funds, grants, and support to help communities is on the line. Historically, African-American households have always been under-counted in the decennial census and as a result, it has led to disadvantages for African-American families and communities. However, we have the opportunity to make this year’s census different, as there is so much on the line.

What is the U.S Census?

The census is widely known to determine the demographic makeup of the country every ten years. But, according to the U.S Census Bureau the constitutional basis to conduct the census is to reapportion the U.S. House of Representatives. Apportionment is the process of dividing the 435 memberships, or seats, in the U.S. House of Representatives among the 50 states. The census is also used to distribute federal funds for social service programs, public works and other vital programs. The amount of funding per congressional district depends on the U.S Census Bureau’s official population count.

Innovation

The impact of this year’s U.S. Census is particularly important due to the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. The global pandemic is forcing the U.S Census Bureau to be innovative and use non-conventional methods to obtain an accurate population count. In previous Census counts, the Bureau would mail leaflets and hire seasonal workers to canvass entire neighborhoods to conduct door-to-door counts. Now, the Census Bureau has added an online response feature to reach millions of Americans that will not get a mail-in form or a door-to-door count, due to the COVID-19 epidemic. 

The impact of an online response is that 90 percent of Americans, (over 312 million) use the Internet in comparison to 2010, where only 72 percent of the population (222 million) used the Internet. In a digital age, where information and access is powerful, the opportunity to make an impact is easier. This is because segments of the population that never had the ability to make their voice count, now have an opportunity to do so with the emphasis on online responses. Internet usage is at an all-time high for African-Americans (85 percent). We have a real chance of making an impact in our communities as a result of the expanding access of the U.S. Census to provide funding for education, infrastructure, public transportation, housing assistance, historically black colleges and universities (HBCU), Medicare, health care, minority-owned businesses. Mobilizing our power online and turning to impact funding for our communities.

Impact

Infrastructure in the United States is graded a D+ by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Infrastructure in the African-American community is at an F grade due to racial segregation, under-investment and under-development of infrastructure. Hurricane Katrina in 2006 was a perfect example of how climate change exacerbates problems in neighborhoods with already poor infrastructure. Sub-standard affordable housing units in low-income communities were at greater risk from severe storms, and more prone to flooding than those in wealthier neighborhoods. Adequate infrastructure and preparation could have resulted in saving more lives. That is why it is important to fill out the U.S. Census to pressure public officials to care about your community and what it needs.

Challenge

There are a few challenges. In 2013, a Pew Research Center survey showed that 34 percent of those who did not use the internet felt it was not relevant to their ives, while 32 percent of non-users said it was too difficult to use, (some believed they were too old to learn), and 19 percent noted cost was a factor, as some people could not afford internet service or owning a computer. In addition, social distancing creates additional challenges for those who rely on libraries, community centers and other public facilities. These community resource centers, which normally provide internet access, are now closed because of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

To overcome these challenges, I recommend that we rely on those who are most familiar with the internet - particularly the youth - to help others fill out the census. Also, it is important to note that the census survey can be taken on a mobile device.  

How Can I Take the Census?

The U.S. Census Bureau’s website has a great step-by-step tutorial on how to complete the 2020 Census online. Please review the YouTube video below:  

Please review the U.S. Census Bureau website for more information.

The census is your constitutional right, please fill out the 2020 U.S Census Survey here to better your communities.