ETHNICS IN POLITICS
The 2010 Census and Communities of Color
By Talia Whyte, Contributing EditorThe new year will be a landmark one, as the 2010 United States Census begins in April. The national count this time around will recognize the country's changing multicultural landscape. While interracial and multiracial categories were added in the 2000 Census, next year users can fill out their forms in six languages, and, in addition, same sex couples will be tabulated in the 2010 Census for the first time.
Throughout New England many advocates see that it is more important than ever for people of color to be counted. Specifically, the 2010 Census will help communities of color get in on the more than $400 billion in federal funds each year for projects such related to public infrastructure, hospitals, schools and job training centers. Recently, Urban League chapter in Providence launched an initiative to mobilize higher counts in the city.
Most importantly, the census will also affect the number of votes that states receive in the Electoral College in the 2012 presidential election. The new count might cause the lost of one seat in the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation.
"If we want to have better political representation, we have to take responsibility to make sure we are represented," said Janet Callazo, executive director of La Alianza Hispana, community-based organization which serves Hispanics in Massachusetts.
Michael Kozu is the community coordinator for Project RIGHT, a nonprofit which serves underrepresented communities in Boston. He said an accurate count will help provide much needed help for many families, especially during the current economic downturn.
"It is important for everyone to fill out their forms and make sure our communities get counted,” he said.
Links
US Census 2010 Website
