In 1992, Congress established May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to coincide with two key milestones: the arrival of the nation’s first Japanese immigrants (May 7, 1843) and Chinese workers’ pivotal role in building the transcontinental railroad (completed May 10, 1869). The move expanded what had been Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week since 1978. In 2021, a presidential...

Roxanne Moadel-Attie, New York Regional Office Program Manager, U.S. Census Bureau When asked what most motivated me to join the Commerce Department’s U.S. Census Bureau, I often point to my graduate research on the psychosocial impacts of racial classification, modeling the integration of both Middle Eastern North African (MENA) and Hispanic/Latino race categories as well as other recommendations...

By Zakera Ahmed, New York Regional Office Program Manager, U.S. Census Bureau My love for and pride in public service came from watching my father, Badaruddin Ahmed, serve as a government official in Bangladesh. From the time I was a young child, I saw the respect he received from the community and learned the importance of civic duty. I knew I wanted to serve in the U.S. government since moving...

The March 15, 2023 deadline to respond to the 2022 Economic Census is fast approaching! Have you responded yet? Let me tell you why it’s important to do so. The economic census is, by far, the most comprehensive measure of our U.S. economy. Every five years we gather data about America’s businesses, its workforce, and trillions of dollars in sales by products and services. Data from the economic...

Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of Black Americans and recognize their contributions to our country. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on our work here at the Department to ensure economic growth and opportunity for all communities. The Biden-Harris Administration remains committed to using the power of the Federal Government to address the long...

By Paul Watson, Team Lead, Geospatial Reference Data Branch, U.S. Census Bureau I was born in the Bronx, New York, and raised in Prince George's County, Maryland. My family is from Jamaica, and always placed a strong emphasis on professionalism and passion. Many of my family members worked in architecture, construction, and engineering jobs that helped shape the earth beneath our feet. Their...

By Michele Lee, Intern, Office of the Secretary, Office of Public Affairs Every February, people in the United States celebrate the achievements and history of African Americans as a part of Black History Month. Black Americans have been integral to the development and advancement of innovation in the United States, with more than 30% employed in management, business, science and arts occupations...

By Iris Fan, Intern, Office of the Secretary, Office of Public Affairs Today marks the 120th anniversary of the creation of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Department of Commerce was originally the U.S. Department of Commerce and Labor, originating on February 14, 1903. Two days after its creation, President Roosevelt nominated his personal Secretary, George B. Cortelyou, as the first...

By: LaTisha I. White, Risk Manager, Geography Division, U.S. Census Bureau To Whom Much is Given, Much is Required (Luke 12:48) Each year, Black History Month reminds me of the rich heritage, sacrifice and contributions of African Americans. My Black history began in Prince George’s County, Maryland. As a young girl, I was heavily influenced by my mother, who began her government career as a GS-2...

Mailout of the 2022 Economic Census has begun! The Economic Census serves as the cornerstone of the nation’s economic statistics and the information it collects helps shape decisions that affect the health of the economy. Sent to over 4 million business locations, this provides the most comprehensive data available at the national, state, and local level, representing most industries and...