My Black Counts

My Black Counts

WHAT IS MY BLACK COUNTS

My Black Counts was an education and awareness initiative developed by the California Black Census and Redistricting Hub, also known as “The Black Hub.” It aimed to overcome Black doubts about the census, encourage participation, and highlight the significance of the census for Black voices and power in California. The COVID-19 pandemic further emphasized the crucial role of the census, while making accurate counting and representation even more challenging. Ultimately, the Hub contacted over 1.3 million residents through phoning, door knocking, and digital organizing and encouraged them to complete the census.

WHAT WE ACCOMPLISHED

The California Black Census and Redistricting Hub, convened by California Calls, consisted of a network of over 30 Black-led and Black-serving organizations throughout the State. The Hub’s primary goal through the My Black Counts campaign was to maximize participation in the 2020 census and redistricting process among traditionally undercounted Black communities. We employed various strategies such as training, strategic communications, data analysis, grassroots organizing, and community engagement. The Black Hub prepared its network of organizations to conduct targeted field outreach campaigns, aiming to educate, motivate, and activate the voices of hundreds of thousands of Black Californians during the census and redistricting process.

My Black Counts is the anthem that unites us all!  We honor and celebrate the unique individuality and humanity of all Black people. We include the voices of immigrants and those who are native-born; cisgender, non-binary, non-conforming, and transgender; children, millennials, boomers, and seniors; of all faiths and backgrounds.
- MBC (MY BLACK COUNTS)

THE CAMPAIGN

The campaign emphasized the importance of Black representation in building political power and dismantling systemic racism. Historically, Black communities have been undercounted, resulting in insufficient funding and political underrepresentation. To address this issue, prominent Black elected officials and community leaders, including Senator Kamala D. Harris, Congress Member Karen Bass, and Mayor Michael Tubbs, endorsed the My Black Counts campaign, advocating for a full and accurate count of Black lives and communities in the 2020 Census

The California Black Census and Redistricting Hub, known as "The Black Hub," was an initiative that aimed to elevate Black voices and promote equity, representation, and belonging in the redistricting process. To read more about the overall work of the Black Hub, click below and read the Final Report and Time Capsule.

THE INITIATIVE

The initiative celebrated the unique individuality and humanity of all Black people, including immigrants, native-born individuals, and those identifying as cisgender, non-binary, non-conforming, or transgender. It sought to unite Black voices across different generations, faiths, and backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of collective action to thrive.

The initiative acted as the official census outreach contractor for the State of California in reaching out to Black communities. We also recognized the contributions of various organizations and partners that supported the Black Hub's work. These organizations included foundations such as the Ahmanson Foundation, California Endowment, James Irvine Foundation, Liberty Hill Foundation, and United Way of Greater Los Angeles, among others. Additionally, there was a coalition of over 30 Black-led and Black-serving grassroots organizations statewide, including the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE), Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI), Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA), and many others, working collaboratively to empower and uplift Black communities.

OVERALL

Overall, My Black Counts aimed to raise awareness, promote Black representation, and ensure a complete and fair count of Black communities in California, ultimately working towards achieving equity and justice for all.

The My Black Counts campaign received media attention and was featured in various news articles and press releases, including the LA Times, Blavity, Black Voices News, and Our Weekly.

BE REPRESENTED! YOUR VOICE COUNTS!

my black counts in the MEDIA

VIDEOS

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OUR philanthropic PARTNERS

Ahmanson Foundation
Akonadi Foundation
Broad Foundation
The California Endowment
California Community Foundation
TCVUI
The Central Valley Urban Institute
Regardless of your nationality or background, we are all united by the Black experience in America. When we unite with action, we gain access to what we need to thrive.
- MBC (MY BLACK COUNTS)

Our mighty coalition of over 30 Black-led and Black-serving grassroots organizations representing California!

Statewide partners

ACCE
Alliance Of Californians For Community Empowerment
BAJI
Black Alliance For Just Immigration
BWOPA
Black Women Organized For Political Action
AME Church
AME Church – 5th District

bay area partners

FIERCE
Building Blocks For Kids
Oakland Rising
RYSE Center
RYSE Center
Safe Return Project
Safe Return Project
Lift Up Contra Costa

San Diego Regional Partners

Alliance San Diego
PANA
Partnership For Advancement Of New Americans
PILLARS
Pillars Of The Community
When we unite with action, we gain access to what we need to thrive.

CENTRAL VALLEY REGIONAL PARTNERS

CBWHP
California Black Women’s Health Project
FEOCFSS
Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission/ Fresno Street Saints
TCVUI
The Central Valley Urban Institute
FAFOSJ
Fathers And Families Of San Joaquin
Sacramento ACT
TCVUI
The Central Valley Urban Institute

INLAND EMPIRE REGIONAL PARTNERS

San Bernardino & Riverside Counties

BLU Edu Fou
Blu Educational Foundation
COFPE
Congregations Organized For Prophetic Engagement
Starting Over
Starting Over Inc.
TFCF
Time For Change Foundation

LOS ANGELES REGIONAL PARTNERS

BWFW
Black Women For Wellness
SNNI
Special Needs Network Inc.
LABWC
Los Angeles Black Workers Center
CC
Community Coalition
New Way Of Life
A New Way of Life
PILLARS
Pillars of the Community

special thanks

Special Thanks to Our Academic and Research Partners. All of our outreach and communications efforts have been led and bolstered by comprehensive data provided by our academic and research partners.

  • Advancement Project
  • The Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies, UCLA
  • Equity Research Institute, USC
  • The Othering and Belonging Institute, UC Berkeley

The California Black Census and Redistricting Hub, known as “The Black Hub,” was an initiative that aimed to elevate Black voices and promote equity, representation, and belonging in the redistricting process. Click the link below to learn more about the Redistricting Hub.