In the last push of effort to ensure that everyone is counted in the 2020 Census, LGBT Detroit's Be Queer Be Counted Census Campaign has partnered with the 2020 Highland Park Census Community Count Committee. The two organizations will host a commemorative event, the Highland Park Census Car Parade and Movie Rally, on Saturday, Sept. 5, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Highland Park Fire Station.
"LGBT Detroit recognizes that this time continues to be unique due to the impact of COVID-19," said Chunnika Hodges, community advocate for the Be Queer Be Counted Project. "Partnerships with like-minded organizations strengthens the and challenges unforeseen obstacles in the new normal of civic and social engagement."
"An undercount in Highland Park will continue to place our city into further decline, which would create a misleading picture of our population growth, affect our Medicare, Medicaid and unemployment assistance we receive to serve our residents and cut funding programs for our two schools including Barber Academy and George Washington Carver Academy," said 2020 Highland Park Census Community Count Committee Chair Anista Thomas.
Thomas went on to say that each person per household accounts for over $50,000 in federal expenditures for the city over the next decade.
"And we currently have acquired over $205,000,000 in future federal funding with those who have completed their Census in Highland Park," Thomas said. "If we reach each and every Parker — your participation will help us reach our goal to over $600,000,000 in federal funding for Highland Park."
Thomas said that over the next few weeks, those in Highland Park will receive details regarding the first Highland Park Census Car Parade and Movie Rally.
"Census enumerators will be knocking on your doors in August. And if you have not filled out your Census by then, please practice social distancing, welcome them and do so — they will have an Identified ID with a Census enumerator code," Thomas said. "Lastly, the Highland Park Census Community Count Committee is proud to partner with LGBT Detroit in our efforts in getting our communities counted. I welcome LGBTQ+ residents and communal support organizations to work with us as we work toward not only being counted but being inclusive and fair."
Be Queer Be Counted, a project of LGBT Detroit, aims to ensure the successful count of LGBTQ people in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties. As a virtual campaign, Be Queer Be Counted highlights the even more meaningful Census count during the novel coronavirus pandemic while decreasing the spread of viral infection. LGBT Detroit uses social media strategies, social organizing and direct mail to reach and engage the LGBTQ community in Southeast Michigan.
This parade and rally is the first in-person event of "Be Queer Be Counted Census" and the 2020 Highland Park Census Community Count Committee. Organizers emphasize that all gender presentations and expressions are welcomed.
The Sept. 5 event will last from noon to 3 p.m. and will be held at the Highland Park Fire Station. located at 25 Gerald St. For more information about Be Queer Be Counted Census 2020 or to get involved, visit lgbtdetroit.org or contact Chunnika L. Hodges at 313-397-2127;106 or [email protected].
