May 7, 2009

Morial Appointed To Lead The 2010 Census Advisory Committee

Today Marc H. Morial, President & CEO of the National Urban League was named the Chair of the 2010 Census Advisory Committee by Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke. This committee provides advice on the design and implementation of the 2010 Census.

"I am honored by the opportunity to Chair the 2010 Census Advisory Committee which is tasked with advising Commerce Secretary Gary Locke,” states Marc H. Morial. “The Secretary is committed to ensuring that the Census Bureau takes all steps to ensure the 2010 Census is complete, accurate, and counts everyone."

"Marc has extraordinary experience in working with national organizations and advocating on behalf of diverse communities," said Commerce Secretary Gary Locke. "His expertise will help to ensure a complete and accurate count during the 2010 Census."

Twenty organizations are represented on the 2010 Census Advisory Committee, including data users and experts in the statutory and constitutional uses of decennial census data. The committee membership also includes ex-officio members representing the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

"The 2010 Census Advisory Committee provides important advice and guidance to the U.S. Census Bureau and we look forward to working with Marc Morial," said Census Bureau Acting Director Tom Mesenbourg. "His leadership and experience will be vital as we approach the 2010 Census."

The Census is mandated by the Constitution. The questionnaire for the upcoming 2010 Census will be one of the shortest in history: just 10 questions that will take only about 10 minutes to complete. All responses are kept strictly confidential. The Census data are used to apportion the seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. Census data are also used to distribute more than $300 billion in federal funds each year.

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National Urban League (www.nul.org) - Established in 1910, The Urban League is the nation's oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to empowering African Americans to enter the economic and social mainstream. Today, the National Urban League, headquartered in New York City, spearheads the non-partisan efforts of its local affiliates. There are over 100 local affiliates of the National Urban League located in 35 states and the District of Columbia providing direct services to more than 2 million people nationwide through programs, advocacy and research.