In a bid to encourage the African-American community to take part in Census 2010, State Rep. Geraldine Thompson has called a Town Hall meeting for March 6 at the Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center in Washington Shores.
The Census has long been viewed with suspicion by groups such as African Americans, Hispanics and immigrants, who fear the information could be used against them by the government.
Thompson’s aim is to spread the message that taking part in Census 2010 helps protect the interests of ALL Americans. Census figures are used to decide how nearly $400 billion in federal funding is spent, how many members of Congress each state has, how Florida will collect from Washington for hospitals, job training centers, schools, senior centers, public works projects and emergency services.
The March 6 event is being organized by the Delta Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the League of Women Voters of Orange County. Also taking part are Monica May of STAR 94.5 and members of the Orlando Magic.
Census forms, which will be arriving in mailboxes in March, should be returned to the government by April 1. From April to July, Census takers will tour neighborhoods urging members who did not return a form by mail to complete the forms.
WHEN: Saturday, March 6
TIME: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE: Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center
1723 Bruton Blvd.
Orlando FL 32805
For information about the Town Hall meeting contact: Brittany Thomas at 407-445-2460.
