Every 10 years the US government conducts the Census questionnaire to help them decide how to spend $400 billion to communities across the country.
From 1850-1880 the race options were simple, White, Black and Mulatto. From 1900 – 1940 they asked everyone what was their color or race and they had to fill in the blank. In 1950 and 1960, the word Negro appeared as an option along with White, American Indian etc. From 1970 to 1990, the option became Black or Negro and in 2000 the word African-American became apart of that option.
When it comes to describing white people in America on the Census form, it’s only one word that describes, so why do black people need, three words to describe one race in 2010… Black, Negro or African-American.
Source: Bossip
