Our Community Needs a Complete Count

Summary

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The National Urban League, in its "State of Black America" report states that, "economics remains the area with the greatest degree of inequity, followed by social justice, health, education and civic engagement."

I know some who think "Black" is a negative and demeaning term, others who do not identify with the African in "African American," and still others who believe "Negro" is the other "N" word. It is this later group flint has raised their discontented voice in opposition to the use of the word on the Census form.

Consider the fact that just 10 years ago, more than 55,000 people wrote in the word "Negro" on the Census form, even though it was already printed alongside of the selection with African American and Black. In fact, 20 years ago, I recall several people whose door I knocked on, identify with the term. Now, can you understand the quandary the Census Bureau found itself in? The agency kept the word on the form so as a way to be inclusive and to avoid offending the elders in our community by eliminating the racial, category that they self-identify themselves as belonging to.

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Extract

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Our Community Needs a Complete Count

Yes, there is some controversy around question nine on the 2010 Census form. But whether you consider yourself to be Black, African American, Negro or something else, you should think of the U.S. Census as a way to eco...

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