The importance of the 2020 Census (with Cardi B)

I know. It’s been quite some time since I even attempted to keep this blog alive. However, here I am.

The last couple of weeks have been insane due to the ongoing pandemic, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make a different in our community. And that’s by filling out your census (online). It’s the easiest way to stay safe and make a difference for the next ten years.

Earlier today, Cardi B posted her 2020 Census PSA that was produced in partnership with the NYC Mayor’s Office. Partnering with entertainers is a crucial part of getting a complete count. Young (and older) generations look at these artists as trusted voices.

Although the video is clearly intended for NYC, it still adds to the importance for black and brown people. Something that I have noticed is the ongoing conversation about undocumented immigrants and citizenship. But as Cardi B assured her community, the citizenship question WILL NOT be on the census.

So why is the 2020 Census important for us? According to 2020CENSUS.GOV, “The 2020 Census will determine congressional representation, inform hundreds of billions in federal funding every year, and provide data that will impact communities for the next decade.” Two very clear ways that census data will help your community include:

• Federal Funding – The results of the 2020 Census will inform decisions about allocating hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding to communities across the country—for hospitals, fire departments, school lunch programs, and other critical programs and services.
• Business Decisions – The 2020 Census will be valuable to businesses, as the results will provide a rich set of data on the communities they serve, including population trends and growth projections. Business owners rely on census results to make decisions, such as where to open new stores, restaurants, factories, or offices, where to expand operations, where to recruit employees, and which products and services to offer.

For more information in English and many other languages, visit 2020CENSUS.GOV.