When rapper Big Sean is in the room, the youth tend to listen. That is why Mayor Mike Duggan invited him to the Boys and Girls Club Dick and Sandy Dauch Campus to speak to the youth there. But instead of talking about new music or other projects, he was there to stress the importance of the 2020 Census. And while the kids at the club will not be filling out the census, adults in their families will, directly impacting their everyday lives for the next 10 years.
Detroit’s census numbers will determine how much federal funding the city will receive for programs like Medicare/Medicaid, food assistance, head start, funding for schools, road repairs, special education and much more. “It was important to attend today’s event because I think people may have a misconception about the census,” said Big Sean. “The reputation is that the government is keeping tabs on you and other things that really don’t make any sense.” “The census is about being counted and showing who you are. That’s how we get funding for the things we want in our communities. Detroit has to let the government and those in charge of the money know that we are here.”
Detroit lost hundreds of millions of dollars as a result of the 2010 census effort, which had no city budget to support it. That year, the city saw the largest drop in participation among all major American cities, going from a 70 percent participation rate in 2000 to 64 percent in 2010. For every person that is missed in the census, Detroit will lose an estimated $1,800 in federal funding every year for the next decade. “If Detroiters are not counted, but people in Phoenix are counted, they end up with more money,” Mayor Duggan said, explaining the census to the youth at the Boys and Girls Club. “The cities that go out and get counted well will get the most money for resources, the most representation in Lansing, and more funding. We only get one chance to do it right and if we do it wrong, this will affect you for the next decade.”
Historically, the Census has disproportionately undercounted people of color, immigrants, young children and people living in poverty or homelessness. Additionally, the 2020 Census will be the first census to rely heavily on online responses, leaving those without internet access at risk of being undercounted.
Those in the area of the Boys and Girls Club will be affected the most if they are not counted. The partnership with the Sean Anderson Foundation was to assure everyone knows the importance of being counted. “I applaud the mayor, Big Sean, and his mother Myra Anderson for taking the initiative to push for a comprehensive count, assuring all undercounted communities are reached,” said Shawn Wilson, President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan. “The census is about representation, it’s about making sure our people are seen, and it’s about getting our communities the resources we need. I’m glad to be a part of this push.” The city also announced a broad coalition with community groups to spread awareness on the 2020 Census called, “Be Counted Detroit: Census 2020 campaign.” To sign up to participate, go to www.detroitmi.gov/census.