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Don’t Ask Don’t Tell
When I was four years old I committed an unpardonable sin while in my mom’s Sunday School class. If only she hadn’t asked the question – the world would have never known!
The Rundown Monday 3/9/2020
Good morning, Tupelo and beyond! Today is March 9th and it’s the 69th day of the year 2020. It’s also Monday, which means it’s time for our #MondayMotivation quote of the day.
“Ignore the glass ceiling and do your work. If you’re focusing on the glass ceiling, focusing on what you don’t have, focusing on the limitations, then you will be limited.” — Ava DuVernay
Check back each day for a new quote to help get you through your day. Now, onto other news and happenings. What a gorgeous weekend we had! The sunshine and warm temps made it much easier to believe that spring is now just 10 days away! Today is also the first official day of Spring Break, which means traffic was lighter this morning but the lunch line at Chick-fil-a will be longer. Plan accordingly.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, spring being just 10 days away comes at no surprise to you. Much like me, you’ve probably been sniffling and sneezing for a while now! That’s because the pollen count has been on a steady rise since the end of February and today’s count is even higher than yesterday’s medium-high of 9.2–we’re looking at reaching a medium-high peak of 9.6 before the day is done. Don’t let allergies ruin your day, though! Take your physician-approved allergy meds, change clothes when you come in from spending time outdoors, and keep your windows closed to keep allergens out of your home.
Our Tupelo is super excited that the end of winter is near and we’re celebrating by giving away a family four-pack to the upcoming Road to WrestleMania coming to the BancorpSouth Arena on March 28th! Click the link below to learn how to enter and read the rules for the contest.
Let’s take a look at what’s happening today in your neck of the woods!
Today in Tupelo…
Catch a Break While You’re on Break starts today at Ole Miss Tupelo. Now through Thursday, your application fee will be waived when you apply at Ole Miss Tupelo between 8 am and 5 pm. During this time, you’ll meet with an admissions counselor to ensure you’re ready to make the transfer so be sure to bring your transcripts and be prepared to complete your admissions application for either the summer or fall 2020 semesters.
2020 Criminal Investigation Certification (CIC) Course Happening Today from 8 am – 5 pm at the North Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Center.
Grab your yoga gear and come to Tupelo-Lee Humane Society today at 6 pm for Kitten Yoga!
Other Happenings Near Tupelo Today
Got bored kids at home this week? You’ve got just enough time to load up the kiddos in the car and head to the Art House in New Albany for their Children’s Pottery Spring Break Class starting at 9 am and ending at 11 am. The class is headed up by the Tallahatchie Arts Council and is perfect for the little artist in your home. Note that the class will meet again on March 16th from 4:30 to 6:30 pm to glaze. The class is open to current 3rd through 5th graders and the cost is $25. Click here to view and sign up for an open slot.
MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT IN TUPELO
Tony and Grammy award-winning musical Jersey Boys is coming to Tupelo TONIGHT at 7:30 pm at the BancorpSouth Arena. Get your tickets here.
In the mood for local live music instead? Check out Tyler Key and Rob Hibbs tonight at 7:30 pm at the Blue Canoe located at 2006 N. Gloster Street.
We’re here to keep YOU in the know, and we don’t want to miss a thing!
You can notify us about a missing listing or an upcoming event you want us to know about by:
- Tagging our Facebook page on a post
- Marking us as a co-host on your Facebook event
- Sending a direct message on our Facebook page
- Or by shooting us an email at submit@ourtupelo.com
For a more in-depth look at what’s coming up in our area, check out our extended calendar of events!
That’s a wrap for today, y’all! Have a fantastic Monday!
GUESS It Matters To Me (Trailer)
This is a collection of stories about my life and how music and humor has become intertwined. In these stories, I will protect the innocent from my own sense of humor. ENJOY!!–
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/j-shay/support
Day-Tripping to Tishomingo
My husband and I lived in Tupelo for five years before making the trek up to Tishomingo State Park. I wonder how many of you have made the journey? If you have, you know firsthand of its natural splendor. If you have not yet ventured there, it’s time for a road trip.
Tishomingo State Park is just a short 51 minutes from Tupelo via the Natchez Trace. On the way there, be ready to be awed by some of the wildlife and flora and fauna, and be sure to stop at some of the landmarks along the way. There is so much to see and learn!
Our first stop was the Pharr Indian Mounds located at milepost 286.7. It is listed as the largest and most important archaeological site in North Mississippi. As you look out over the land, you will see eight large dome-shaped burial mounds. The mounds cover an area about the size of 100 football fields. Of course, we did not venture out to the actual mounds, as we were unsure if it was legal to do so. Other than the mounds themselves, we caught a glimpse of something astonishing; literally hundreds of dragonflies!
I am a dragonfly person. In fact, I like them so much, I had one tattooed on my wrist on my 50th birthday. Why would a woman now classified as an ‘antique’ do that soberly and intentionally? Well, as I’ve mentioned before, I have a slight Native American heritage, and dragonflies hold a special place in this culture. You see, Native Americans believe that dragonflies carry the souls of the dearly departed. They believe their loved ones’ souls are sent back to Earth in the form of dragonflies to let the ones left behind know that all is well; a gift from the Great Spirit.
When we walked from the car to the pavilion and were suddenly surrounded by a mass of dragonflies, I smiled, knowing that all of those buried in the mounds must certainly be at peace. When I long for those who are no longer with me, I glance down at my wrist and it reminds me that indeed, all is well. So, being literally covered by those hundreds of dragonflies meant a lot to me.
Be sure and stop by the mounds. Perhaps you too will have an opportunity to see the beautiful dragonflies. What a glorious spectacle!
Once inside Tishomingo State Park, we stopped at the rustic restored cabin situated near the main entrance. My grandchildren loved looking through the wide cracks in the floor discussing all of the creatures that might climb up and visit should they ever get to spend the night.
Behind the cabin is a short trail that loops around to an old pond. There are huge boulders, a small bridge, and rich and abundant forest greens, making this a perfect and picturesque stop for family photos.
Driving a bit further, you pass rental cabins, and a swimming pool that both overnight campers and day visitors may utilize for a small fee. The park is also home to an RV campground, one rental cottage, and primitive camping sites.
Inside, you will also find massive rock formations that require a helmet to climb, rocks that anyone can maneuver, canoes to rent, and trails to explore. Picnic areas come complete with tables and grills. A disk golf course and a volleyball court are also available.
On the day we visited the park, our day consisted of simply hiking the trails. Well, maybe ‘simply’ is not the word I am looking for here. Some of the trails, I found, will leave you quite breathless, but they are nicely cleared and marked, making it possible for even a rookie level hiker to safely complete the trails. You will want to be sure to pack multiple bottles of water and a few snacks. There are no concession stands or indoor restrooms on the trails!
The trails are filled with nature’s bounty. A fresh-water spring flows from a man-made rock formation. The water is clear and icy cold; a great place to take a break and cool off. The natural rock ledges, the hollows, waterfall, small creeks, the river, wildlife, and fern-spotted grounds appeal to the young and young-at-heart.
Tishomingo State Park offers an unlimited supply of beauty, budget-friendly activities and adventure — whether you stay for a day or for a week. On a one-to-ten scale, our grandchildren ranked it at the top of the list.
What are you waiting for?
Go!
Explore!
Happy hiking, y’all!
Tishomingo State Park is located at 105 CR 90 in Tishomingo, Mississippi. Please check their website or call for prices, special events, and area attractions. 662-438-6914.
Getting Older Creeps Up On You
Friends, ain’t it funny how we’re getting older in a hurry? Well you just have to deal with it!
Pam and I went down to check on John Barry. We could tell he was home because the TV was on so loud we could hear it when we got out of the pickup! He finally heard the dogs barking and geese honking, and let us in!
We were talking, or trying to, and Pam said, “Turn the TV down!”
He said, “Why? It ain’t loud!”
She said, “What, you can’t hear that?”
He said, “Naw, it ain’t bothering me!”
Anyway, we sat down and Pam was doing something in the kitchen. I said, “Been windy today!”
John Barry said, “Wednesday? I thought today was Thursday?”
And I said, “THURSDAY!”
He said, “Yes I’m thirsty too! Pam, bring us some tea?”
We both told him he needed some hearing aids.
He said, “Next time y’all go to Fred’s, see if they got ’em. Saw on TV where they sell ’em now, cheap!”
Pam tried to tell him you can’t just go buy them at Fred’s Dollar Store, but I don’t think he heard her.
He said, “Don’t worry, I can get some at the funeral home.”
Pam looked at him and said, “John Barry, you can’t get hearing aids at the funeral home!”
John Barry said, “Why not? It’s where I got my teeth!”
And life goes on, on Thompson Hill.
Andy Hewitt Helping Hands Foundation
Has cancer affected you or someone in your circle of family, friends, or connections?
Cancer is all around us. Given that, you are cordially invited to join Andy Hewitt Helping Hands Foundation or their inaugural fundraiser featuring Steve Holland for a Toast and Roast.
Andy’s Hands
Andy Hewitt was known for a lot of things. He was a loving son, brother, husband, and father. He was a hard worker. He was an outstanding citizen of his community, a dedicated Christian, and a man who could be counted on. He was always a person who would extend a helping hand.
After cancer took him from this world, his father, Tom Hewitt, decided to make sure Andy’s spirit of being a helping hand continued on. That is why the Andy Hewitt Helping Hands Foundation was created.
They are a non-profit benefiting those in Northeast Mississippi who can not afford their expensive cancer medications. Andy Hewitt Helping Hands Foundation is a Special Project of the Create Foundation.
The poet Robert Frost once wrote “Did you ever feel so? I hope you never.” And while we hope you never know the feeling of being diagnosed, we will make sure you don’t have to know the feeling of fear that comes with being unable to afford your medication. Because that is what Andy’s hands did. They helped.
To that end, the Andy Hewitt Helping Hands Foundation will be hosting a Toast and Roast fundraiser benefit! The Toast and Roast will be Friday, April 17, 2020. There will be a Social hour starting at 6:00 pm, with the dinner and program beginning at 7:00 pm. Over 150 attendees are expected.
Toast and Roast Sponsorship Opportunities
Sear Level – $2,000
Presenting Sponsor
1 sponsorship available
● Company Logo/name on admission tickets
● Company Logo/name on all marketing publicity fliers and social media
● Signage at the event
● Recognition during the event
● 8 tickets to the event at a VIP Premium table
*Deadline Commitment=March 3rd *
Scorch Level – $1,000
8 sponsorships available
● Company Logo/name on marketing fliers and social media
● Signage at the event
● Recognition during the event
● 8 tickets to the event at a Premium table
Roast Level – $ 600
● Company Logo/name on social media
● Signage at the event
● Recognition during the event
● 4 tickets to the event
Toast Level – $300
● Company Logo/name on social media
● Signage at the event
● Recognition during the event
● 2 tickets to the event
Sizzle Level- $100
● Can’t come to the event but still want to help support your cause
● Company Logo/name on social media
● Recognition during the event
Your sponsorship is greatly appreciated and is tax deductible!! The CREATE Foundation will mail a receipt once payment is received.
Questions? Email at andyhewitthelpinghands@gmail.com (or) call at (662) 871-0271
The Future (of Art) is Female – Spotlight Artist: Maria Hughes
Twelve years ago, Maria Hughes bought several giant tubes of paint along with a few other art supplies and went to work. Since then, she’s become one of North Mississippi’s most renowned artists, earning a slew of accolades — including having her work chosen to be part of the welcome package given to the President of Toyota when the automobile company first came to town. She’s also a Caron Gallery artist who has hosted the gallery’s popular Art and Wine dinners and has been featured in the gallery’s art subscription box. Her piece “Wheeler, MS” was recently accepted to be part of the 46th Annual Bi-State Exhibition at the Meridian Museum of Art. In addition, she’s been featured in Mississippi publications Mud and Magnolia and Portico.
Maria didn’t just up and decide to become an artist one day twelve years ago, but it is when she gave in to her true calling. Art is as deeply ingrained in Maria’s veins as her Mississippi roots. She’s the only daughter of the late Michael Tucci, a photographer and frame designer, and Judy Tucci, a retired NEMCC art teacher and artist whose work is also well-known and much-loved in the Mississippi art scene. Though Maria did follow her mother’s footsteps by majoring in art and becoming an art teacher for Booneville School District, it wasn’t until she became a mom that she knew she was ready to start forging her own path as an artist.
As an only child, Maria spent quite a bit of her childhood entertaining herself, and she did most of that entertaining just like the rest of us Mississippi kids did back in the days before cell phones, tablets, and gaming systems ruled the day. She spent her days playing in the dirt and rocks under the beat of that Mississippi sunshine that only we natives truly appreciate. Front porches, sweet tea, and the cool waters of Okeelala Creek brought Maria relief from the summer heat. Maria is a Mississippi girl through and through, and her love for this area is evident in all of her artwork — be it landscapes, abstracts, or pottery.
Now that you know a bit about Maria’s background, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. I chose Maria to be the first featured artist in this column because, in my most humble opinion, she is the kind of strong and courageous Southern woman we girls should all aim to emulate. Although she is an incredible artist whose name I firmly believe will one day be synonymous with the likes of other famous Mississippi artists, she’s also my friend and one of my most favorite people on the planet. She’s been a lifelong friend of my husband, and I’ve admired her since the day he introduced us around eleven years ago.
If I sound gushy, it’s because Maria is one of those friends who inspires everyone around her to be better. In fact, I would say that encouragement is one of those secret talents Maria probably doesn’t realize she has but is profoundly good at. Her encouragement is kind and gentle when needed, but also firm and matter-of-fact when the time calls for it. She’s also adventurous, brave, and a whole lot of fun to be around. When I say she’s strong, I mean that literally. A couple of summers back, she was with us on our pontoon at Pickwick when our battery died on our way back to Mill Creek. We were somewhere around Bear Creek when it happened and could see the docks in the distance. We had a trolling motor so technically we were gonna be okay, but man, it was taking so long to get there, so Maria and our friend Drew formed a plan. They grabbed some rope and jumped in the water, and y’all, those two nuts started swimming the boat back to the docks. Luckily for all of us, but especially for Maria and Drew and their backs the next day, some fishermen spotted us and kindly hauled us back safely.
The Day the Boat Stood Still is one of my favorite recent Maria stories, but anyone who knows her has an equally fun tale to share. I think her sense of fun and adventure are as evident in her artwork as her love for this beautiful state, and that is part of what makes her work so appealing.
Maria could take her work and sell it just about anywhere I believe, but luckily for us locals, she wants to keep sharing her artwork right here in Mississippi, particularly Tupelo and Northeast Mississippi. When asked why she chose Tupelo as her art scene over other popular cultural hotspots like New Albany or Corinth, she says it’s simply her love and deep roots to our micropolitan that made her decision an easy choice. During her teen years, she was a mall kid who worked in restaurants and retail in and around Barnes Crossing. She lived here for a time during her early adult years before returning to Baldwyn to get married and start a family, so really, Tupelo was a natural choice.
One of the reasons Maria has found success as a Mississippi artist is because she is remarkably driven. When she sets goals, she doesn’t stop until she’s reached them. It’s part of what keeps her growing and evolving as an artist. This year, she set a goal to enter more competitions and it’s one she’s already accomplishing. Her piece “Wheeler, MS” has been selected to be part of the 46th Annual Bi-State Exhibition at the Meridian Museum of Art.
It’s safe to say that Maria’s first decade pursuing an art career has been a success, and if it’s any indication of what’s to come, Hughes has one extraordinary future in store. The future of Mississippi art is female, y’all, and Maria Hughes is paving the way for that future for herself and female artists of all ages here in Mississippi. As an artist, she inspires other women around her to pursue their own arts, and as a teacher and mother, she’s inspiring future artists — her own young daughter included — to follow their dreams.
Want to see more of Maria’s art? You can follow her on Instagram, visit her website, or visit her at the Caron Gallery’s website, where you can also shop her art right from your phone, tablet, or computer.
Are you a local female artist, creator, writer, or maker? I want to feature you in the next “The Future [of art] is Female column. Reach out to me on Facebook or by email at telina_johnson@hotmail.com
TUPELO TORN OVER 2020 ELECTION BETWEEN PIZZA AND TACOS
TUPELO – The newest controversy in town is over the election between Pizza vs Tacos.
Over the past few weeks the polling numbers have indicated that tacos would win. However, after the #tacobowel movement earlier this week, it is projected that pizza might have a comeback.
Lifelong Tupelo resident and former tacoholic Evan Antony was one of the many affected by an average Taco Bell meal.
“Electing tacos is just plain reckless,” he said. “You have to stay within running distance to the bathroom at all times. What kind of a life is that? I’m voting for pizza so that tacos won’t win.”
Others, like local vegan Garrett Hamilton, look past the stigma and think about the ingredients themselves.
“When deciding which food to vote for, I ask myself, which one looks most like a salad?”
26-year-old Pizza Administration volunteer Ashleigh Lucas argues that you can’t go wrong with pizza.
“Pizza is a stable and reliable go-to food,” she said. “It appeals to the more traditional American food enthusiasts who always have and always will have pizza night every Friday.”
As it gets closer to the election, both sides are getting aggressive with their advertising tactics. A Taco Administration volunteer allegedly threw a slice of pizza at a passerby, blaming the pizza for burning her face. On the other side, volunteers have been seen taking people’s tacos away and crumbling them up to prove that tacos are weak.
“Tupelo needs to come together united as one and not let politics tear it apart,” Tupelo resident Meredith Burke said. “Like Abraham Lincoln said, ‘a house divided against itself cannot stand.’”
The voting office is based out of a new, hip restaurant fittingly named Pizza vs Tacos so that you can’t miss it.
Keep Walking: He is Covering
Today I feel compelled to share with you all a blog post I wrote last year. With so much madness going on in the world, I thought this post might bring some comfort to you. If you are going through a tough time right now, keep walking! If you are in a season of rejoicing, keep walking! No matter what life brings, or how good or bad you feel, get up each day, tie up those tennis shoes, plug in Toby Mac’s song — if you have not heard Toby Mac’s song with this title, I encourage you to give it a listen; it will make you feel like Rocky Balboa! — and turn it up loud, take a deep breath and forge ahead!
Y’all, this past month has been a rough one. It seems like every day I write these words on someone’s Facebook wall, “Praying God will wrap His arms of comfort around you.”
These are not just words. These are my heartfelt prayers. Never have I seen so many people sick, never have I seen so many people I care about suffering through the loss of loved ones, and never before have I seen so much wickedness in our beloved country.
And now, with the Coronavirus lurking around the corner, we have even more on our proverbial plate.
A lot of people seem to be asking, “Why?”
A dear cousin sent me a devotion this week that asked, “Why NOT?”
1 Peter 4:12 tells us, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”
Our trials and sufferings should not be seen as strange, but EXPECTED.
Jesus Himself assured us that there will be suffering in our lives. “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Here is what we need to know: We need to prepare for suffering.
Suffering will come; it’s not a matter of IF it will come, but WHEN and HOW MUCH.
As you read this, and you do not have any suffering or tragedy, I would say, “Rejoice, and enjoy it!” But even in your time of blessings, KNOW that hardship will eventually come.
Here is the bottom line: You are either coming out of a storm — or headed into another one. It’s just a matter of time.
“People are born for trouble as readily as sparks fly up from a fire.” (Job 5:7)
In this life, the only way to avoid suffering is to die.
So, like the diligent squirrel gathering nuts for the winter, store these truths to your heart.
In his book, If God is Good, Why?, author Randy Alcorn says, “Most of us don’t give focused thought to evil, sickness, and suffering until we experience them. This forces us to formulate perspective on the fly, at a time when our thinking is muddled and we’re exhausted and consumed by pressing issues. People who have been there will attest that it’s far better to think through suffering in advance.“
In other words, BE PREPARED AHEAD OF TIME!
At first, I thought this devotional was harsh. I felt it was riddled with a side helping of gloom and doom. But, after reading it a number of times, my thoughts changed, and I realized it was absolutely spot-on. We DO need to prepare, as best as we can, for hard times, (not just monetarily) sickness, loss, and trials. KNOW they will come!
But, fear not! There is good news! Even though our lives will be covered in chaos much of the time, God has told us that He will never leave us! Never! Isn’t that amazing?! It really is!
Does that mean our hearts, bodies and minds will not hurt? NOPE.
Does that mean we will not suffer great losses? NOPE.
Does that mean we will not be disappointed by people…even those we love? NOPE.
What it does mean is that even though we suffer, we are covered!
It means God will see us through the hard times.
He will be with us.
He will comfort us.
He will give us peace that passes all understanding.
He has us covered!
He will carry us as we walk through the fire.
He has already conquered death, so let us not feel conquered!
Because of Him, we win!
I am praying for all of my friends and loved ones who are going through difficult times right now. There are so many. But remember, that even in the eye of the storm, God’s goodness, mercy and grace continues.
Be good to yourself.
Do good for others.
We are all in this together and through it all, God stays beside us, behind us, and in front of us.
Fear not!
Y’all be sure to keep your hands washed and your spirit clean!
2020 Census: What You Need To Know
It’s the dawning of a new decade, and with it, the federal government is getting ready to ask some personal questions for the 2020 census. By next April 1, the Census Bureau plans to send a letter or a door knocker to every U.S. household. It’s part of a once-a-decade tradition of counting every person living in the U.S.
Each national head count usually comes with a rash of confusion. The 2020 census will be the first in the U.S. since the rise of social media. The government has already begun preparing to combat disinformation campaigns that may try to disrupt the count, which is rolling out during what’s expected to be a heated presidential race.
The deadline to respond is July 31, and participation is mandated by federal law. So before trashing that envelope along with advertisements and mailers, here’s what to know about the decennial census and why it’s important.
Why is the census important?
The census is required by the Constitution, which has called for an “actual enumeration” once a decade since 1790.
Your response matters. A lot. Health clinics. Fire departments. Schools. Even roads and highways. The census can shape many different aspects of your community.
The 2020 population numbers will shape, for example, how political power and federal tax dollars are shared in the U.S over the next 10 years. The number of congressional seats and Electoral College votes each state gets are determined by census numbers.
They also guide how an estimated $880 billion a year in federal funding is distributed for schools, roads and other public services in local communities.
The demographic data are also used by businesses to determine, for example, where to build new supermarkets and by emergency responders to locate injured people after natural disasters.
It’s a major undertaking!
The federal government has been counting people every 10 years since 1790. In total, $6.3 billion has been budgeted for this year’s process. The Census Bureau will hire half a million temporary workers nationwide to help with the count.
When does the 2020 census officially start?
The head count is set to officially begin on Jan. 21, in Toksook Bay, Alaska — more than two months before Census Day (April 1), which is a reference date. Most households can start participating around mid-March, when letters with instructions are scheduled to be sent to 95 percent of homes around the country.
IMPORTANT CENSUS DATES
March 12 – 20: Households will begin receiving official Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 Census online, by phone, or by mail.
March 30 – April 1: The Census Bureau will count people who are experiencing homelessness over these three days. As part of this process, the Census Bureau counts people in shelters, at soup kitchens and mobile food vans, on the streets, and at non-sheltered, outdoor locations such as tent encampments.
April 1: Census Day is observed nationwide. By this date, every home will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. Once the invitation arrives, you should respond for your home in one of three ways: online, by phone, or by mail. When you respond to the census, you’ll tell the Census Bureau where you live as of April 1, 2020.
April: Census takers will begin visiting college students who live on campus, people living in senior centers, and others who live among large groups of people. Census takers also begin conducting quality check interviews to help ensure an accurate count.
May – July: Census takers will begin visiting homes that haven’t responded to the 2020 Census to help make sure everyone is counted.
December: The Census Bureau will deliver apportionment counts to the President and Congress as required by law.
March 31, 2021: By this date, the Census Bureau will send redistricting counts to states. This information is used to redraw legislative districts based on population changes.
How is the census taken?
The 2020 count will be the first one to allow all U.S. households to respond online. Paper forms will still be available, and, for the first time, you can call 1-800 numbers to give responses over the phone. Census workers will make home visits to remote areas — including rural Alaska, parts of northern Maine and some American Indian reservations — to gather census information in person. Households in the rest of the U.S. that do not respond themselves by early April may start receiving visits from door knockers trained to conduct census interviews and collect responses using smartphones.
Who gets counted in the census?
The Census Bureau includes every person living in the U.S. — regardless of citizenship or immigration status. International visitors on vacation or work trips to the U.S. during the census are not included. Residents are counted at the address where they usually live and sleep. The Census Bureau has a detailed breakdown of how the 2020 census will count deployed troops, college students, incarcerated people, those displaced by natural disasters and other groups in unique living situations.
What questions will the 2020 census ask?
Most of the questions will be similar to what census forms have asked for in recent counts:
- The number of people living or staying in a home on April 1, 2020.
- Whether the home is owned with or without a mortgage, rented or occupied without rent.
- A phone number for a person in the home.
- The name, sex, age, date of birth and race of each person in the home.
- Whether each person is of Hispanic, Latino or Spanish origin.
- The relationship of each person to a central person in the home.
Notable changes for 2020 include new write-in areas under the race question for the non-Hispanic origins of those who identify as white and/or black (“German” and “Jamaican” are among the provided examples). There are also new household relationship categories that allow couples living together to identify their relationships as either “same-sex” or “opposite-sex.”
Can I refuse to answer a census question?
You can skip questions, submit an incomplete census form, and still be included in the head count. But you can be fined for refusing to answer a census question or intentionally giving a false answer, although the penalty has been enforced rarely in the past. Returning a partially filled-out questionnaire may result in a follow-up phone call or visit from a census worker.
What about my privacy? Are census responses confidential?
The U.S. Census Bureau is bound by law to protect your answers and keep them strictly confidential. In fact, every employee takes an oath to protect your personal information for life.
Under current federal law, the bureau cannot share census responses identifying individuals with the public or other federal agencies, including immigration authorities and other law enforcement, until 72 years after the information is collected. The Census Bureau, however, can release anonymized census information about specific demographic groups at a level as detailed as a neighborhood.
The answers you provide are used only to produce statistics. You are kept anonymous: The Census Bureau is not permitted to publicly release your responses in any way that could identify you or anyone else in your home.
Being responsible stewards of your data is not only required by law, it is embedded in Census Bureau culture. Strict policies and statistical safeguards help protect the confidentiality of your information. Before releasing data products, the Census Bureau verifies that they meet its confidentiality standards. The security of Census Bureau systems is a top priority, and their IT infrastructure is designed to defend against and contain cyberthreats. They continually refine their approach to identifying, preventing, detecting, and responding to these threats.
Can my answers be shared with law enforcement or used against me?
NO. The law prevents the Census Bureau from sharing your information with law enforcement. Your answers cannot be used to impact your eligibility for government benefits. Your answers are only used to create statistics about our country. The Census Bureau is bound by Title 13 of the U.S. Code to protect your personal information and keep it strictly confidential.
To reiterate: It’s safe.
Even though a citizenship question won’t be included, hype around this issue has caused many unauthorized immigrants to be concerned about their safety participating.
The bureau has assured residents that personal data collected cannot be shared with other agencies, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement or the Homeland Security Department, and, before it is published, it is stripped of all personal identifiable information. Census records are kept private for 72 years, after which the National Archives releases them to the public to be used for genealogy.
Can I respond to the census in a language other than English?
While paper forms will only be available in English and Spanish, you can respond online or by phone in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Tagalog and Vietnamese. The bureau is also providing video and printed guides in 59 non-English languages, as well as a video in American Sign Language.
How do I apply for a census job?
Applications for the half-million temporary census positions, including door knockers and outreach specialists, must be submitted online. You can find more information on the bureau’s recruitment website.
When will the 2020 census results be released?
The Census Bureau is expected to announce the new population counts by Dec. 31, 2020. That’s the bureau’s deadline for sending to the president numbers for the reapportionment of congressional seats, which goes into effect beginning with the 2022 elections. 2020 census data used for state and local redistricting are set to be released by March 31, 2021. The bureau is planning to release other new census data beginning in spring 2021.
What questions WILL NOT be asked by the Census Bureau?
During the 2020 Census, the Census Bureau will never ask you for:
- Your Social Security number.
- Money or donations.
- Anything on behalf of a political party.
- Your bank or credit card account numbers.
- If someone claiming to be from the Census Bureau contacts you via email or phone and asks you for one of these things, it’s a scam, and you should not cooperate.
Verifying census workers
Make sure census workers have a valid ID badge that includes their photo, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date. Census workers also may carry Census Bureau bags and other equipment with the bureau’s logo.