New York City Mayor, Bill de Blasio told Caribbean nationals to enjoy the weekend of activities, but when carnival is over, citizens must devote themselves to the census in order to be properly counted.
The politician made the urgent call during the WACDA West Indian American Day Caribbean Association reception, at Gracie Mansion, on Aug. 27, where hundreds listened, as Mayor de Blasio rallied the crowd, and called on nationals to raise their right hand and pledge that they will be counted.
“It would be wrong to have a celebration and after the numbers are counted, we talk about millions being on Eastern Parkway, and about this vibrant community, but when time comes for the United States government to recognize this community, it would be wrong if this community is not acknowledged,” said the mayor.
Recognizing Congresswoman, Yvette Clarke on the platform, the politician said if this community is not counted, if New York is not counted, the community would lose a congress member, it would lose representation, and it would lose diversity in the US Congress.
“If this city is not counted we will not only lose millions, we will lose billions of dollars for schools, for housing, and for the things we need,” said de Blasio.
“Everyone here is involved in the community, activists, artists, political figures, who are the backbone of this community.”
“Look around you and give yourselves a round of applause,” he said, and received a response of loud clapping.
“After the celebrations are over, we only have a few months to get the community ready. I need to know that you will put your heart and soul to make sure the census actually reflects us. Are you ready to do that he asked, are you ready to participate, are you ready to lead.”
“Put up your right hand and repeat after me. I will make the census happen, I will make sure it is fair, I will make sure everyone is counted,” he said, as elected officials, many of Caribbean heritage, on the stage applauded the mayor.
Some presented were; Dr. Una Clarke, Public Advocate, Jumaane Williams, Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte, Assemblywoman Diana Richardson, Councilmember Farah Louis, Councilmember, Laurie A. Cumbo.
According to www.2020c
Census Day on April 1, 2020, will be observed with events across the country. This is a key date for the 2020 count: When completing the census, citizens will note where people are living on April 1.
Decennial census data are used to determine representation in Congress, as well as how funds are spent for roads, schools, hospitals, and more.
The census bureau said it is to help ensure that everyone in the community is counted in the next decennial census.
As such, the bureau is recruiting thousands of people across the country to assist with the 2020 Census count. A variety of temporary jobs, including census takers, recruiting assistants, office staff, and supervisory staff are needed
To be eligible, persons must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, and be a United States citizen. For more information, visit 2020c
