We Count: Statement by the MAAY Foundation President on Census 2020 and Redistricting

We Count: Statement from the President of the Missouri Asian American Youth Foundation on Census 2020 Numbers and Redistricting

Explosive 83% Asian American Growth from 2010 to 2020

The Missouri Asian American Youth Foundation is gratified to see that the Asian American population in the US is the fastest growing ethnicity at 36%. Within the state, the population alone or in combination grew 83% over the past decade. The combined AANHPI population alone or in combination is now 3.2% of the state, and stands at 6% of St. Louis County and 5.2% of the City.

The St. Louis region is where 2/3rds of AANHPIs in the state reside. (Stats: https://mtgis-portal.geo.census.gov/arcgis/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=2566121a73de463995ed2b2fd7ff6eb7 and oa.mo.gov)

Our organization and volunteers proudly partnered with the U.S. Census Bureau for the decennial, and engaged in a number of Get Out the Count activities in multiple languages.

Now that redistricting season is here in full swing, we are deeply grateful that Governor Parson selected an Asian American to the statewide redistricting commission. It is rare that immigrants and refugees have someone in the room where it happens who shares their lived experiences and speaks English as a second language. One out of every 11 people in Missouri are of Hispanic or Latino and AAPI backgrounds, and we deserve more representation in all decision-making. We are frontline healthcare workers, janitors, grocery cashiers, international students, mechanics, engineers, and military service members. We have worked hard to ensure that our voices and experiences count.

We look forward to the Commission creating fair maps that count all Missourians. This ensures a level playing field and upholds our Constitution.

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The Missouri Asian American Youth Foundation (www.maayfoundation.com) is the first statewide nonprofit dedicated to developing leadership and AANHPI youth.