By The Editors

The 2010 Census is your chance to ensure a fair share for your community. Unfortunately, too many areas with large African American populations throughout the country presently have 2010 Census participation rates that are well below the national average of 63%.

For example, the current participation rate in Orleans Parish, Louisiana is only 39%. Kings County, New York isn’t much better, with a participation rate of only 42%. And the participation rate in Prichard City, Alabama, which is only 47%, reflects the low participation rate in many counties in the Mississippi Delta, which currently stands at less than 53%. The African American populations in these areas will feel the direct impact of omission from the final Census count unless we act quickly to encourage full participation with the 2010 Census.

It’s not too late to return your Census form.

The Census Bureau will continue to accept Census forms at least through April 15, 2010. After April 15 you will still have a chance to return your Census form by mail but a Census Taker will visit your home during the follow-up period, which begins May 1.

Participation in the Census is critical to our communities, as it impacts political power, the fair distribution of resources, and helps to protect our civil rights.

If you haven’t done so, please make sure you mail back your form today and tell everyone you know to mail their forms back.

We can count on change when we’re counted in!

Learn more about the 2010 Census by visiting www.countonchange2010.org.