Census an' Chill: A Virtual 2020 Census Caribbean Lime
Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Organization: Caribbean Equality project in partnership with Sadhana: Coalition of Progressive Hindus
In response to the federal government cutting the crucial door-knocking efforts for the 2020 Census by an entire month, on Wednesday, September 2, the Caribbean Equality Project in partnership with Sadhana: Coalition of Progressive Hindus, co-hosted a virtual Caribbean-focused Census event title "Census an' Chill." The historic event incorporated Caribbean culture and civic engagement through Census education, speakers, and cultural performances, including messages from the New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams, NYS Senator Roxanne J. Persaud, NYC Council Member Adrienne E. Adams, NYC Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson, NYS Assembly Districts 31 Democratic Nominee Khaleel Anderson, District Leader for the NYS Assembly District 31 Richard David, and the U.S. Census Bureau Caribbean Partnership Specialist, Shelley V. Worrell.
During the "Census an' Chill" event, we debuted our historic and culturally-responsive Caribbean-centered Census digital outreach video titled "Caribbeans Count." The video features educational messages from Caribbean elected politicians, LGBTQ leaders, gender justice activists, community organizers, faith leaders, and Caribbean cultural performers on the importance of completing the 2020 Census in New York City. The video also highlights Caribbean neighborhoods in Queens and Brooklyn, iconic landmarks of the five boroughs, and Caribbean owned small businesses, cultural parades, music, and festivals.
Census an' Chill created a virtual educational opportunity to encourage the hard to count Indo-Caribbean and Afro-Caribbean immigrant communities throughout New York City to participate in the 2020 Census. This historic event galvanized city-wide Caribbean elected officials and local community leaders to mobilize their constituents to continue being civically engaged during a pandemic by completing their Census. The event featured Census educational infographics, music, and cultural and drag performances by Nhojj, Pratima Doobay, Jahlove Serrano, Sundari, The Indian Goddess, Detoxx Bústi-ae, and Rajeev Singh- all Black and Brown LGBTQ+ Caribbean immigrants. The three-hour event concluded with a virtual dance party by Lady Drea, a Black Brookly-based international DJ.
The event was co-hosted by Kadeem Robinson, CEP's Policy Advocate, and Aminta Kilawan-Narine, co-founder of Sadhana: Coalition of Progressive Hindus.
To complete the 2020 Census, visit my2020census.gov.
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