Local Leaders Promoting Census to African-American Community

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- In less than 2 weeks, you can expect to see the U.S. Census questionnaire in your mailbox, but getting the responses back won't be so easy. The census is facing challenges in some groups in the metro.

Last year, a record number of African-Americans voted to elect America's first African-American president. Local leaders hope with education and awareness, the turnout for the census will be just as successful.

Historically, the African American community has been undercounted. That's why local leaders are working to educate their community about the census even though there has been resistance in the past.

"Government sentiments for one thing and a lack of education, not knowing what the census does for the community and for the state itself," said Sidna Madden, the U.S. Census Bureau Manager for Oklahoma City.

Reverend John Reed said the population for Oklahoma in the Census should have been slightly higher and that's why this is so important to get everyone involved.

"I think every citizen needs to be counted and of course as far as having those things that could make life more livable, that means we need to be counted," said Rev. Reed.

The local Census office is also working with Langston University to promote the census.

More on News9.com: 
- Community Leaders Reach Out to Hispanics for Census Participation
- U.S. Census Bureau Works to Break Down Barriers, Reach All Communities