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.
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.
my black counts in the MEDIA
in the media
- Overcoming Black Doubts About the Census
- With citizenship question off the census, California groups push for participation
- Every Body Counts: Why Black Americans Should Take The Census In 2020
- Time for Change Foundation Joins My Black Counts Black HUB to Launch State-Wide 2020 Census Initiative
- Press Release: California $187M Investment in 2020 Census Outreach Efforts Kick into Gear
- What the census means for the future of black voice and power in California
- Activists call for participation in 2020 census on MLK Jr. Day
- California Census 2020 Campaign Announces Partnerships with Black-Owned and Operated Media Partners
- California Legislative Black Caucus Hosts “State of Black California” at UCLA
- For Black Women Prioritizing Health, The Census Should Be Top Of The List
- African American groups educating communities about census
- Black California Has a Chance to Rewrite History in 2020
- Local group encourages black participation in 2020 census
- Coronavirus makes California census count more crucial, and more challenging
VIDEOS
OUR philanthropic PARTNERS
Our mighty coalition of over 30 Black-led and Black-serving grassroots organizations representing California!
Statewide partners
bay area partners
San Diego Regional Partners
CENTRAL VALLEY REGIONAL PARTNERS
INLAND EMPIRE REGIONAL PARTNERS
San Bernardino & Riverside Counties
LOS ANGELES REGIONAL PARTNERS
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.