The Urban League of Rochester is organizing a city-wide “Make Black Count” Day on Sunday, August 30, to encourage everyone to respond to the 2020 Census, if they’ve not yet done so, and to register to vote and/or request absentee ballots. Numerous local churches have already signed on to support this initiative.

Only about 50% of Rochester residents have responded to the 2020 Census so far: That’s the nation’s fourth worst response rate, as of this writing.

Given how hard-hit the Rochester community has been by COVID-19 and the resultant unemployment crisis, it is more important than ever before to increase our Census response rate. The Census determines where more than $675 billion per year in federal funding is directed, and many organizations in our area, including the Urban League, that support our most at-risk populations rely on these funding streams to continue operating and serving Rochester.

In a similar vein, when our national elections take place in November, it will be more important than ever to make Rochester’s voices heard to ensure that our civil liberties are protected, our families are provided for, and the government assistance programs that so many depend on continue to receive funding.

If your organization is interested in joining in this effort on August 30, whether in your own parking lot or a nearby public area, the Urban League can assist you by sending Census instructions that you can share, as well as voter registration and absentee ballot request forms.

And while August 30 is going to be the biggest registration drive day, the Urban League encourages the Rochester community to continue to connect with everyone in their individual circles to make sure everyone is counted in the Census and has a personal voting plan for November’s elections.

Please direct questions and requests to William Rivera-Bloodworth, Digital Engagement Officer, at wrivera@ulr.org.