As the coronavirus is impacting our Black brothers and sisters at a disproportionate rate, responding to the census is one small, yet important action that each and every one of us can take in the recovery process by ensuring adequate public health and social services go to our communities for the next 10 years.
Historically, Black people in America are accused of being a “hard-to-count” population. After 230 years of systemic oppression, Black people continue to experience despair that causes major inequities for the entire community.
This year presents a unique opportunity for us to collectively advocate for equitable funding for our communities.
The “Shelter at Home” order enables us to contact high numbers of people in the Black community because most people are available due the COVID-19 Pandemic. It’s more important than ever that we engage the Black community to assure we have the resources we need not only to survive, but to thrive and live whole lives.
Making up over 9 percent of the total population of Los Angeles County, spanning every corner of 4,000 square miles and 88 cities, the Black communities of Los Angeles can and deserve to be counted accurately on the 2020 census.
As we grapple with how we move past the current coronavirus crisis, our communities will be changed in the aftermath of it all. It is up to us to empower one another in playing a role, no matter how small, in shaping what our communities will look like for the next 10 years.
Play your role now: complete your 2020 Census form today. Completing your form is simple. It’s fast. It’s safe. Complete your census online at my2020census.gov, by phone at (844) 330-2020 or by mail if you received a paper form. Your responses are protected by the law and cannot be shared with other government agencies and organizations. For example, your landlord cannot get access to your responses.
Count everyone living in your household and don’t forget young children. Help spread the word on why the census is so important. Tell your neighbors, your family, your relatives and your friends. Even as we remain sheltered in place and continue to live our lives in this new environment, we have an important opportunity to work together to create flourishing communities for every Black Angeleno.
