Marissa: “I know there’re a lot of mixed feelings surrounding the Census, especially with the contested citizenship question posed earlier in the year. Even though that question is not on the 2020 Census, I still understand the hesitancy that speaks to the larger mistrust of our government, especially for marginalized communities. One of the biggest obstacle for the Census is reaching Black and Brown communities as they are the most undercounted. That is part of the reason why I wanted to do Census work. I know the data collected will directly impact my community, the resources we get from the federal government, and what the city prioritizes. I wanted to ensure that I was doing my part in helping my part of Lexington even during the Covid-19 pandemic. I know it’s probably not easy to allow a stranger onto their property and in their space, especially when it is pertaining to asking for sensitive information for the government. I have a lot of privilege to be able to do this on top of my full-time job, primarily working from home, during a pandemic and especially as a white woman. But I felt it was important to work for the Census because I want this community to receive the necessary funding that it’s due.”
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