The US census was started in 1790 and every census has included a question about racial identity. The first census had only 3 racial categories, free whites, all other free persons and slaves. From 1790 to 1950 it was the responsibility of the census takers to determine the race of the Americans they counted, sometimes taking into account how the individuals were perceived in their community or using rules based on their share of black blood. Americans who were multiracial were counted as a Negro until 1850 when mulatto was added. In 1860 Indian (Native American) and Chinese was added.
In 1910, the race mulatto was expanded to include octoroon and quadroon. In 1960 people could choose their race, it was no longer the responsibility of the census takers but you could only choose one race. If you were multiracial and mixed with white you had to choose the minority race and if you were mixed with two minorities you had to choose the fathers race. The 1970 census saw Hawaiian, Origin or Decent: Mexican, Puerto Rican; Cuban; Central or South American; Other Spanish as one category and Other added.
It was in 2000 when two significant things happened on the US Census, the addition of the choice African-American was added to Black or Negro (Negro was eliminated in 2013) and the choice to choose two races! We are on the Census! Now that we made it to the census, it meant being recognized federally. But for me it held a bigger meaning, I felt a sense of ownership of my race. So there a little bit of history to give some context of the present and a conversation starter for our future. I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences with the census and your race.
https://instagram.com/weareonthecensus?igshid=em0bok1oz40b
We are on the Census 