Congressional Black Caucus to Address What the 2010 U.S. Census Means for Caribbean and African Communities

CaribPR Wire, WASHINGTON, D.C., Thurs. Sept. 24, 2009: The Congressional Back Caucus Annual Legislative Conference will host a forum called, “”Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Census 2010, What’s In It for Us.”" The forum will address issues and questions that those from Caribbean and African nations have faced while residing in the United States. Topics will include issues such as economic exclusion, and lack of social development opportunities. The panel also will address how the Census is directly related to community assistance; how nonprofits are funded based on Census numbers; and also how Census numbers affect education, health care and even child-care regulations. Overall, this panel will discuss areas of interest for moving a common Black agenda in census and immigration.

Since many first-generation immigrants often are leery of governmental assistance, the forum hopes to decrease overall concern and distrust of the government, while also increasing Census participation among Caribbean and African families.

Dr. Claire Nelson, Founder and President of the Institute of Caribbean Studies, is serving as a National Profile Partner to increase participation among Caribbean communities. As a Census partner, Nelson communicates how an accurate Census protects the interests of Caribbean-American organizations, public institutions and social service programs that are directly relevant to the survival and growth of these communities.

ICS is an organization that promotes initiatives that strengthen the Caribbean-American community.

U.S. Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke of New York’s 11th Congressional District, will chair the forum. Clarke recently introduced a historic bill that would require that Caribbean nationals have their own origins category on the U.S. Census form. Clarke is the daughter of Caribbean immigrants.

WHO: Yvette Clarke, U.S. Congresswoman Dr. Claire Nelson, Founder, Institute of Caribbean Studies Dr. John Flateau, Medgar Evers College Kwasi Afrifa, African Federation, Inc. Marlein Bastien, Haitian community activist from MiamiMelanie Campbell, CEO of National Coalition for Black Civic Participation

WHEN: Friday, September 25, 2009 11 a.m.