The legacy and strength of the National Urban League will help increase the understanding and participation in the Census among African Americans: Morial also appointed as chair of the U.S. Census Bureau's 2010 Census Advisory Committee

(BLACK PR WIRE) (October 28,2009) Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, has been chosen by the U.S. Census as a National Profile Partner. In his role, he will work with the Census and create outreach strategies to increase overall participation in the Census among African-American communities. The Urban League is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization devoted to economically and socially empowering African Americans.

Part of Morial’s platform as a National Profile Partner will be to clearly demonstrate to urban communities the direct connection between the Census, government representation and financial support. As the leader of the National Urban League, Morial also will utilize the legacy and the network of the venerable organization to highlight and explain the importance of Census participation..

“The Census, which will be conducted on April 1, 2010, is about more than a counting of the number of people living in the United States” says Morial. “A complete and accurate census count will ensure that your state and community get their fair share of Congressional seats, community services and the distribution of more than $400 billion in funds to local, state and tribal governments. Clearly, the 2010 census is an essential tool of economic and political empowerment that we cannot afford to ignore, especially in these tough economic times.”

Communication efforts to urban communities will include flyers, speeches, electronic mediums, events, and earned media.

In addition to his duties as a U.S. Census National Profile Partner, Morial also was appointed chair of the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2010 Census Advisory Committee by Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke. Morial will work with 20 other organizations and several data users to provide feedback and advice on how to design and implement the 2010 Census. The committee membership also includes ex officio members representing the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

“Marc has extraordinary experience in working with national organizations and advocating on behalf of diverse communities,” said Commerce Secretary Locke. “His expertise will help to ensure a complete and accurate count during the 2010 Census.”

According to the U.S. Census, as of July 1, 2007, the estimated population of African-American residents in the United States (including those of more than one race) was 40.7 million. At that time, African Americans were 13.5 percent of the total U.S. population. The projected African-American population of the United States (including those of more than one race) for July 1, 2050, is expected to be 65.7 million, or 15 percent of the nation’s total population.

.
“I understand that some people are skeptical of answering questions from the government and have growing concerns about privacy” says Morial. “But I am making this appeal for full participation in the 2010 census because the stakes for our communities are so high. On April 1, ten minutes to answer 10 questions could mean tens of millions of dollars and greater empowerment for you and your community. That's an opportunity you don't want to miss.”


National Urban League
Established in 1910, the National Urban League is the nation's oldest and largest community- based movement devoted to empowering African Americans to enter the economic and social mainstream. Today, the National Urban League, headquartered in New York City, spearheads the non-partisan efforts of its local affiliates. There are more than 100 local affiliates of the National Urban League located in 36 states and the District of Columbia providing direct services to more than two million people nationwide through programs, advocacy and research.

The mission of the Urban League is to enable African Americans to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights. For more information visit www.nul.org.


U.S. Census
The 2010 Census is a count of everyone living in the United States and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Census data are used to distribute congressional seats to states and to allocate more than $300 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year. The 2010 Census questionnaire will be one of the shortest in history, consisting of 10 questions and taking about 10 minutes to complete.