Column: 2010 Census

I have been interested in column writing for quite some time, but I never knew what I wanted to talk about. When I received the 2010 Census form, I was upset that the word 'Negro' was used by the Bureau to describe African-Americans and took matters into my own hands on my form and posted a photo that was viewed by over 300 people. I was asked to write this column about what I did and how I felt. I am proud of the outcome of it and received more support than I thought I would get.

*I did re-fill out my Census, if you were wondering. I realized I was doing the same thing I claimed the government had done.
"'Negro' offensive, should be removed from Census" published in Central Michigan Life April 9, 2010:

The photo that started it all.

Cracker.

That is what I scribbled next to ‘White’ on my 2010 Census.

I stared at my Census for several minutes trying to take in the fact that the government looked at me as nothing more than a (well-educated) Negro.

I was angry, hurt and disappointed and debated if I wanted to fulfill my American obligation and be counted for another ten years.

What is a Negro?