Dr. Claire Nelson, Founder and President of the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS), will collaborate with the U.S. Census and serve as a National Profile Partner to increase participation among Caribbean and Haitian communities.  ICS is an organization that promotes initiatives that strengthen the Caribbean-American community. 

In her role as a National Profile Partner, Nelson will act as a liaison between the U.S. Census and the Caribbean and Haitian audience.  Nelson will stress the importance of Caribbean and Haitian communities participating in the Census, as well as the direct connection between the Census, government representation and support. 

Because of that direct link, Nelson also will communicate how the Census protects Caribbean and Haitian public institutions and social service programs that are directly related to the survival and growth of both communities. 

“The Caribbean and Haitian population must be represented in full for continued economic and political progress in our community,” said Nelson.  “We must communicate to all Caribbean Americans that participation in the U.S. Census will not adversely affect our communities, but allow them to flourish and be strengthened.  It is important to us and our children that we stand up and be counted.” 

At this time, the Caribbean-American population in the U.S. is estimated at 5 million.  Many African Americans are second generation Caribbean immigrants.

Nelson has been a longstanding pioneer for public policy that affects immigrants of African descent, using ICS as a means to tout the contributions of Caribbeans and Haitians.  Since its founding in 1993, ICS has worked to ensure the well-being and future prosperity of Caribbean Americans.