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The Iranians Count Census Coalition Releases the Special Tabulation Results from the 2010 U.S. Census

April 30, 2012, Los Angeles, CA – The Iranians Count 2010 Census Coalition ("ICCC") is continuing its efforts to ensure that the number of Iranian Americans in the United States is accurately reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.  With the results from the 2010 Census officially tabulated, the ICCC recently requested a special tabulation report on the number of individuals who identified themselves as Iranian, Iranian American, Persian, or Persian American in the 2010 Census.

According to the Census Bureau, a total of 289,465 responded to the question of race in the 2010 Census by marking “x” in the “Some Other Race” box and writing Iranian/Persian alone or in a combination.  The majority of the write-in responses came from California (157,225), while Texas (20,440) and New York (12,095) received the second and third highest write-in responses.  See attached / Click here to download the detailed report.  Funding for this report ($3,100) was generously sponsored by our ICCC partners, Farhang Foundation and Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA).

The tally for Iranian write-in responses only represents people who made a concerted effort to write in these particular responses in 2010. It does not represent, nor is it reflective of the total count of the number of individuals of Iranian ancestry in America.

Federal data on Iranian Americans is not derived from the question of race in the Decennial Census but rather from question of ancestry, which is collected through the annual American Community Survey (ACS). Data on Iranian ancestry from the annual ACS is available on the Census Bureau’s American Factfinder website.  The ACS is an ongoing statistical survey by the U.S. Census Bureau sent to a small percentage of the population on a rotating basis throughout the decade.  It has replaced the census long form, which was sent to one-in-six households every ten years.  It includes a question on ancestry and provides communities with demographic, social, economic, and housing information.

Like other ethnic groups, the number of Iranian Americans has historically been under-represented in Census data.  The under representation can be attributed to the lack of participation in the census surveys as well as the method used by the Bureau to obtain such information.  For example, although the ACS produces estimations on ancestry, it covers only a sample population of 3 million individuals per year (about 12.5% of the total population every five years).  Unlike the ACS, the Decennial Census reaches every household and has no margin of error.  However, it only asks ten basic questions, excluding ancestry.

As part of its 2010 Census outreach, and reflecting the limitations of the racial and ethnic options on the census form, the ICCC encouraged Iranian Americans to check the “Some Other Race” box and write in Iranian or Iranian American.  Similar write-in campaigns were simulated by other Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) communities and intended to demonstrate the importance of ancestry or ethnic identity beyond race as well as the disconnect that many of these communities feel with the method of classification used in the Decennial Census.

The increase in respondents who opted to self categorize as “Some Other Race” in the 2010 Census is one of the many indicators that the current race question may be too limited for our rapidly changing society.  As such, the ICCC has joined a broader coalition of MENA populations in requesting that the Census Bureau form a working group committee to advise the Bureau on future research and communications with such communities.  In addition, the Coalition has requested that the Census Bureau conduct research on how to expand the existing options to allow for the accurate collection of data on MENA origin populations. This could be conducted through both the American Community Survey and testing for questions on the 2020 Census.

By demonstrating that not only hundreds of thousands of Iranian Americans participated in the 2010 Census but also voluntarily self identified their ancestry or ethnic origin, the community is in a better position to affect positive change in the methods used by the Census Bureau to accurately reflect the Iranian American community as well as voice its concerns and needs as a robust and growing community within the United States.

ABOUT the ICCC

The ICCC was formed to ensure maximum and consistent participation by Iranian Americans in the U.S. Census. It consists of forty-seven non-profit Iranian American organizations.   Through an aggressive marketing campaign led by the ICCC, Iranian Americans across the country learned about the importance of participating in the Census and how to accurately complete Census forms.  These efforts were undertaken to ensure that the Iranian American community is fully counted in the United States.  More info at www.iranianscount.org

Why is an accurate count of Iranian Americans so important?  An accurate count can increase:

• Awareness: This may lead to the designation of Iranians as a minority, which enhances employment, university admission, and loan qualification opportunities.

• Funding: Iranians may be able to receive funding for community-specific work.

• Political Influence: Elected officials target ethnic constituencies to solicit their feedback and votes.

• Public Service: Some local, state and national organizations are required to provide services that address the needs of a specific ethnic and minority community (i.e., Persian speaking nurses).

• Civic Uses: Ethnic organizations depend wholly on ancestry data to identify, locate and mobilize their constituencies. Civil rights agencies also require ancestry data to monitor discrimination based on national origin.

• Research Uses: Social scientists, journalists and other researchers rely on census and ACS data to study ethnic population groups, demographic trends, and economic and educational mobility.

Zimmerman Goes On Trial, But Hate Crimes Continue

Last week, those seeking justice for the murder of Trayvon Martin experienced a slight victory. After nearly six weeks, the state of Florida finally charged George Zimmerman with second-degree murder for the killing of Trayvon Martin. Hundreds of thousands mobilized across the country from numerous organizations including IAAB’s Campus Action Network to bring justice for the family of Trayvon Martin, but Trayvon is not the sole victim.

Trayvon Martin represents the countless victims of hate across the country, many of whom remain nameless. While there is hope for Trayvon’s family to find some closure as George Zimmerman stands trial, many more families continue to wait with little hope of finding justice.

Just last month, another young African-American man named Bo Morrison was killed in Wisconsin. His killer has yet to be charged and is protected by WI’s Castle Doctrine, which is similar to FL’s Stand Your Ground law used in Zimmerman’s case.

In California, investigators continue to search for Shaima Al Awadi’s killer who left the 35 year-old mother dying with a bigoted note laying next to her.

The recent rise in hate crimes in our country is a reflection of fear that has historically targeted various communities of color and immigrant populations.

Stand now in support of all communities and say No to Hate. Act now and be a part of Iran Awareness Month: No Hate by taking action in any of the following ways:

Host community events that raise awareness of Iranian culture and/or promote an anti-hate message such as:

• Panels or townhall meetings
• Film screenings, art exhibits, and tablings
• Cross-cultural and interfaith dialogues
• Cultural activities such as poetry readings, hokm nights, and backgammon tournaments

Send a photo to nohate@iranianalliances.org of wearing hoodies and hijabs.

• Images will be mailed to Sanford Police Department, the NYPD, and will appear as part of a larger photo collage honoring Trayvon Martin, Shaima Al Awadi and other victims of hate.

If you or your university group is interested in participating in Iran Awareness Month: No Hate, please email ican@iranianalliances.org

Youth Ambassadors Lead IAAB's Essay Contest: Win Tuition Stipend for Camp Ayandeh!

IAAB's first program led by our Youth Ambassadors is the Essay Contest.  Back in 2006, IAAB held its first essay contest targeted at Iranian American high school students. In the past, the contest has been judged by many famous Iranian American figures such as the actor/comedian Maz Jobrani and Washington Post reporter, Tara Bahrampous.  

Now for the first time since 2008, the contest is back and available for entry by any high school Iranians interested.  

Prizes include a tuition stipend for Camp Ayandeh 2012 for the first place winner, and merchandise from the IAAB store for second and third place winners.  

For additional information on the contest and the available prompts, please click here.

IAAB’s Campus Action Network Launches Iran Awareness Month: No Hate

More than 20 university campuses nationwide will participate in Iran Awareness Month this April as part of Iranian Alliances Across Borders’ Campus Action Network (ICAN). University student leaders initiated Iran Awareness Month this past Fall at the IAAB Student Summit in Washington, D.C.  Responding to heightened anti-Iranian and pro-war sentiments, the student leaders called for a coordinated series of events across the country in order to raise awareness and build community.

Furthermore, in response to a recent wave of hate crimes, IAAB’s Campus Action Network expands Iran Awareness Month to also include a message of no hate against all communities. ICAN’s Iran Awareness Month: No Hate will include actions honoring both Trayvon Martin and Shaima Al Awadi, two victims of recent hate crimes, as well as a coordinated action condemning the unwarranted surveillance of New York's Muslim students association by the New York Police Department.

Participants in Iran Awareness Month: No Hate will take action in any of the following ways:

Student groups and representatives host on-campus events that raise awareness of Iranian culture and promote an anti-hate message such as:

• Panel, speaker or townhall meeting
• Film screenings, art exhibits, and tablings
• Cross-cultural and interfaith dialogues
• Cultural activities such as poetry readings, hokm night, and backgammon tournaments

Participants may also send a photo to nohate@iranianalliances.org of their group members wearing hoodies and hijabs. Images will be mailed to the Sanford Police Department, the New York Police Department and will appear as a part of a larger photo collage honoring Trayvon Martin and Shaima Al Awadi.

If you or your university are interested in participating in Iran Awareness Month: No Hate, please email ican@iranianalliances.org.

Join Us This Summer. Grow WIth Us.

"I don't know what life would be like if I had never gone to Camp Ayandeh. It's really been an important part of my entire life." - Roshan Alemi.

Going into its 7th year, IAAB's Camp Ayandeh has been a driving force in impacting the lives of numerous young Iranian Americans across the country.  Watch Roshan Alemi, who has attended 6 years of IAAB's Camp Ayandeh, tell her story on IAAB's YouTube Channel.

This year, IAAB has also started Camp Javan, a Middle School Leadership Camp for Iranian Americans. Modeled after Camp Ayandeh, Camp Javan will be a powerful experience for our community's youth. Camp Ayandeh and Camp Javan will be held in Los Angeles, CA for the first time. Ayandeh will be from July 3rd to July 11th, and Javan from July 16th to July 20th.  Please click here for more information.

Join us this summer. Grow with us @ IAAB's Camps!

Watch more on IAAB's YouTube Channel.

Hamid Naficy Keynote Speaker @ IAAB's 5th Int'l Conf on the Iranian Diaspora

IAAB is pleased to announce that Professor Hamid Naficy will be a keynote speaker at the 5th International Conference on the Iranian Diaspora.  Hamid Naficy, of Northwestern University, is a leading authority on cinema and television in the Middle East, has produced many educational films and experimental videos and has published extensively about theories of exile and displacement, exilic and diaspora cinema and media, and Iranian and Third World cinemas. His many publications include his decisive four-volume series on Social History of Iranian Cinema, as well as such well-known titles as An Accented Cinema, The Making of Exile Cultures, Otherness and the Media: The Ethnography of the Imagined and the Imaged, Iran Media Index, and the AFI antholog, Home, Exile, Homeland.

For more information on IAAB's International Conference on the Iranian Diaspora, please click here. To submit to the Call for Presentations, due April 2, 2012, please click here.

From the IAAB Family to Yours: Happy Norooz!

IAAB Sponsor's 1st EVER Norooz Kids Program in NYC!

IAAB, in collaboration with Oznoz and Manhattan Youth DCC, is very proud to organize New York City's first ever program for kids for Norooz!

The fun-filled event, NYC KidsFEST: Norooz, will be held in Manhattan DCC in Tribeca on March 31st from 1pm-4pm and will include music performances, dancing performances, storytime, arts and crafts stations, and much much more.

Another IAAB First: Camp JAVAN!

In response to widespread demand from parents in the Iranian American community, IAAB is pleased to announce Camp Javan, a middle school leadership camp for Iranian Americans. 

As a sister camp to Camp Ayandeh, IAAB's widely successful flagship program for high school students now going into its 7th year, Camp Javan will expose middle school students to the fundamentals of leadership training and engage them in issues of cultural identity. 

While using the framework of Camp Ayandeh's celebrated curriculum that expertly weaves fun and learning, Javan's curriculum is specifically geared towards middle school students to ensure a week filled with joy, deep learning, and skills building.

Where: Palisades High School, Los Angeles, CA

When: July 16 - 20th, 2012 from 8:30am - 5:00pm (extended hours and transportation to the camp may be available upon request).

The camp is open to all rising sixth graders through eighth graders. The cost of attendance is $400 and there are various need-based tuition stipends scholarships available.

IAAB also seeks counselors for JAVAN. Eligible counselors are high school and university students with a demonstrated passion for leadership and mentorship.  For more information on the applications, please click here.

Skip Fashion Week, Buy IAAB Apparel Online!