Open Letter From National Urban League

 When the founding fathers met in Philadelphia during the Constitutional Convention, their work remained unfinished for almost 200 years until the passage of modern civil rights legislation.   Even on the nation's census, the framers of the constitution only counted people of African descent as 3/5ths of a person.  On April 1, 2010, you will have the power once again to finish their work.  Let's make sure that our community really counts this time.

 
On April 1st, the nation counts itself.  You should have received a Census Form at your home or apartment that asks you several very simple questions.  And while they are easy to answer and confidential, they determine how much money for schools and programs your community receives from the federal and state governments.   You must act now and be counted for your community.  It only takes a few minutes, it is free, but it is a powerful tool in the hands of our community.  
 
After all, you have already paid taxes, and you deserve the best and the most that government and the public sector have to offer.  If you fail to fill out your census form and return it to the Census Bureau, then you have let your family and your community down.  We have no one but ourselves to blame if we do not take responsibility for our communities right now.  Today, it is no longer about how races are counted.  Instead, it is about how communities like ours will compete for critical resources because they have a real count of their population.  
 
I have attached several video links that show how safe, easy, and confidential the census process truly is.  Fill out your form, stand up, and be counted because WE ARE EMPOWERED!
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOFXCf-UzLc&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=uscensusbureau#p/u/5/k2mDg_i126c
 
 
Marc H. Morial
President and CEO
The National Urban League