Community
Largest-Ever Survey of Black People in the U.S. Announces Nearly 130,000 People Reached
The second Black Census Project, which will close in October 2023, has already quadrupled in size since 2018
Last Updated on September 7, 2025 by Daily News Staff
ATLANTA /PRNewswire/ — Today, the Black Futures Lab announced that it has reached a historic milestone in the Black Census Project survey, which will conclude in October 2023. With nearly 130,000 responses from across all 50 states gathered to date, this effort already marks the largest survey of Black people conducted in the United States, four times the size of the 2018 Black Census.
“Going into another presidential campaign season, we know that Black communities are still being undercounted and under-engaged,” said Alicia Garza, Founder and Principal of Black Futures Lab, who began designing the Black Census Project after the 2016 election. “It is critical that we engage Black communities early and often. Every day, policy is being made about us, without us. We launched the Black Census to transform that–we take the data from the Black Census and use it to inform a Black agenda that serves as a roadmap for policymakers and politicians on how to best address the needs of Black communities. The Black Census is historic and important—there is still time for you to join us and participate so that your voice can be heard.”
The Black Census Project, launched in 2018, engages communities that are typically under-represented in traditional surveys and policy making. The Black Census Project is collecting findings of Black attitudes and opinions across demographics and geography, including LGB+ communities, trans communities, incarcerated Black people, Black immigrant communities, and Black people in rural areas.
“Now more than ever, it is essential that Black trans people are seen, heard, and counted,” said Aria Sa’id, Founder Emeritus of the Transgender District. “Given all the attacks on trans rights, we know Black trans folks will be the most impacted. While our rights are being taken away and our communities are being targeted, very few people are talking to trans people about what we’re experiencing, and what support we need to live dignified lives. The Black Census does this and gets information from us about our needs and experiences, and what we want to see for our futures. The experiences of Black trans people matter, not just for us, but for all Black communities.”
Once the Black Census closes in October, Black Futures Lab will use the survey to design and release the Black Agenda 2024 in early 2024. The Black Agenda 2024 is a policy roadmap that will inform legislators nationwide of the key priorities of Black communities across America. It also will be used to activate and engage Black voters in advance of elections, encouraging Black communities to stay engaged and wield political power to inform, influence, and impact all institutions and decision-makers who are or should be engaging Black people.
“With the 2024 presidential elections right around the corner, and the first GOP debate kicking off tonight, we know Black votes matter; Black people do too,” said Angela Rye, Principal and CEO of IMPACT Strategies. “In order to be powerful in politics, Black people must curate, shape, and push our own political agenda—a Black agenda–and the Black Census Project equips us to do that. That is why this project is tremendously important.”
Over 30,000 Black people from across the country participated in the first Black Census Project in 2018. The Black Futures Lab used the results to identify pressing legislative and policy priorities, turning the survey into a national, state, and municipal policy platform to guide 2020 Presidential candidates as they devised strategies to earn the support of Black voters.
In 2022 and 2023, Black Futures Lab collaborated with more than 50 Black-led grassroots organizations, over a dozen national media partners, and Black influencers to reach more than 129,000 Black people across the country to date. A majority of respondents (64%) are from the South, 14% are from the Midwest, 13% are from the Northeast, and 10% are from the West. Nearly half (40%) of respondents are ages 60+; a quarter are 50-59, 17% are 40-49, 12% are 30-39, 4% are 25-29, and 4% are 18-24. Initial findings show the top three issues for Black people are:
- Low wages that are not enough to sustain a family: 39%
- Gun violence: 32%
- Schools that fail to prepare children adequately: 32%
“This is the largest survey of Black people in American history—there is nothing else that comes close,” said Michael Harriot, writer and author of Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America. “This is a way for people to actually know what Black voters want, and what Black voters are concerned about. It also has historical significance and gives us the ability to dispel myths about Black people with real data.”
Personally identifiable information will not be collected, and all participants can opt into becoming a part of the Black Futures Lab supporter community. Some participants who complete the survey (at BlackCensus.org) will be eligible to receive a $20 gift card.
About the Black Futures Lab
Black Futures Lab works with Black people to transform our communities, building Black political power, and changing the way that power operates—locally, statewide, and nationally. We work to understand the dynamics impacting our communities, we build the capacity of our communities to govern, and we engage and include Black people in the decisions that impact our lives. Our mission is to engage Black communities year-round, using our political strength to stop corporate influences from creeping into public policies, and combining technology and traditional organizing methods to reach Black people anywhere and everywhere we are. blackfutureslab.org
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Community
Culver’s Thank You Farmers® Project Hits $8 Million Donation Milestone
Culver’s Thank You Farmers Project surpasses $8M in donations since 2013, including a record $1.5M raised in 2025 for agriculture’s future.
Young wheat plant field on golden sunset landscape background. Green grain crop in agriculture farm. Rye harvest cereal backdrop
Culver’s Thank You Farmers® Project Hits $8 Million Donation Milestone
Culver’s has always worn its Midwest roots proudly—right down to the farm-fresh ingredients behind its ButterBurgers and Fresh Frozen Custard. This week, the restaurant brand shared a milestone that reinforces that connection in a big way: Culver’s Thank You Farmers® Project has officially surpassed $8 million in total donations since launching in 2013. Even more impressive, 2025 marked a record year, with more than $1.5 million raised to support the future of agriculture through education, advocacy, and community-based partnerships.A 12-year commitment to the people behind the food
When Culver’s started the Thank You Farmers Project, the mission was simple: support farmers and strengthen agricultural education so the next generation can continue feeding communities for decades to come. Twelve years later, that mission has grown into a nationwide effort powered by local restaurants, community partners, and everyday guests. As Alison Demmer, Culver’s senior public relations manager, put it: behind every meal served is a network of hardworking farmers. The Thank You Farmers Project is Culver’s way of turning gratitude into action—by investing in the people and programs that keep agriculture strong.How guests and communities helped raise $1.5 million in 2025
The Thank You Farmers Project is fueled by participation—donations at the register, local fundraising, and limited-time initiatives that make it easy for guests to contribute while enjoying the Culver’s experience. Here are some of the standout efforts from 2025:- Green and Gold: Culver’s donated $1 for each rental and digital purchase of the movie Green and Gold, totaling $100,000 donated to three agricultural organizations.
- To Farmers with Love Contest: Guests nominated farmers and ranchers for recognition, with five winnersreceiving a $500 cash prize, a VIP Tim McGraw concert experience at the Field of Dreams, plus Culver’s gift cards and swag.
- Scoops of Thanks Day (11th annual): Guests donated more than $170,000, receiving a single scoop of Fresh Frozen Custard in exchange for a $1 donation supporting local FFA chapters and other agricultural education organizations.
- Concretes for a Cause: Culver’s raised more than $570,000 by donating $1 from each Concrete Mixer soldsystemwide over a five-day period—supporting local hunger relief initiatives.
- Culver’s FFA Ambassadors: Guests nominated standout FFA members to represent Culver’s as ambassadors. Ten ambassadors earned up to $2,500 for their local chapters to fund learning experiences through agriculture advocacy events in partnership with Culver’s.
Culver’s Thank You Farmers Project has officially passed $8 million in total donations since the program began in 2013.
Why this milestone matters beyond the number
An $8 million milestone is worth celebrating—but the bigger story is what it represents: a long-term investment in agricultural education and sustainability, backed by a brand with more than 1,000 family-owned and operated restaurants across 26 states. Programs like this help ensure:- Students have access to hands-on agricultural learning opportunities
- Local FFA chapters and education organizations can expand their impact
- Communities stay connected to the real people behind the food supply
- Future farmers and ranchers feel seen, supported, and valued
How to get involved
Culver’s is encouraging guests and community members to learn more, donate, or participate in upcoming initiatives tied to the Thank You Farmers Project. To explore the program and find ways to support it, visit: https://www.culvers.com/about-culvers/thank-you-farmers-projectFAQ: Culver’s Thank You Farmers Project
About Culver’s
For more than 40 years, Culver’s has served cooked-to-order meals made with farm-fresh ingredients and delivered with a signature commitment to friendly service. The brand’s menu is best known for the ButterBurger (made with fresh, never-frozen beef) and Fresh Frozen Custard, including its popular Flavor of the Day program. With more than 1,000 restaurants in 26 states, Culver’s continues to grow while staying rooted in small-town Midwestern values—and the Thank You Farmers Project is one of the clearest examples of that commitment in action.High Demand Marks “Veggies for Veterans” Event Amid SNAP DelaysLink: https://stmdailynews.com/high-demand-marks-veggies-for-veterans-event-amid-snap-delays/
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Stories of Change
The Holiday Spirit Matters But So Does What Happens After
The Holiday Spirit: Holiday generosity is powerful, but community needs don’t end when the decorations come down. Learn practical ways to give back year round—volunteering, donating, sharing skills, and supporting causes you believe in—with help from United Way.
The Holiday Spirit Matters — Why Giving Back Should Last All Year
(Family Features) During the holiday season, many people feel a renewed sense of generosity. It’s a time when communities come alive with food drives, toy collections, volunteer events and donation campaigns – all fueled by the spirit of giving. While this seasonal energy can be powerful, the need it responds to doesn’t fade when the decorations come down. Giving back is not only essential during the holidays; it’s also the foundation of stronger, more resilient communities year round. People in nearly every community face challenges – whether it’s affording holiday presents or meeting basic needs like food, rent and utilities. For many families, current economic strains are forcing them to make tough decisions like sacrificing necessities or depleting savings to create moments of holiday joy.
This is a time to rally support and help neighbors in need. Right now, many community members who didn’t previously need help are seeking support. Acts of generosity large and small help close gaps and strengthen communities. When individuals and businesses give their time, resources and talent, they can help ensure everyone has a fair chance to not only survive but thrive. Communities rely on nonprofit organizations like United Way – one of the oldest and largest organizations committed to tackling local challenges and mobilizing communities to improve lives. With a presence in nearly 99% of communities across the U.S., the organization recognizes the power of giving and relies on seasonal and year-round generosity to deliver food and housing assistance, youth programs, mental health support, disaster recovery and more. This holiday season and beyond, to assist your community consider taking actions such as: Volunteering Offering your time is one way to make a real change in your community while helping build a more resilient future for all. What’s more, research shows the personal benefits of volunteering, such as reduced feelings of isolation, loneliness and risk of depression. Whether it’s a community event, ongoing support or in-person activities, making a difference for others feels good. Donating Sharing your financial resources can play a vital role in helping communities thrive. Your donation can help put food on the table for families in need, support kids who are struggling or provide mental health services to the most vulnerable individuals. Remember, your gift of any size combines with the gifts of others and builds stronger, more resilient communities. Sharing Expertise or Talent Generosity can take many forms. Making a difference isn’t just about time and money; it can also mean sharing skills or knowledge, and even social networks to bolster charitable efforts. Giving back builds a shared sense of responsibility. It reminds people that strong communities don’t happen by accident – they’re created through connection, compassion and collective action. Supporting Causes You Believe In Every community faces their own unique, pressing challenges and almost everyone has a cause that’s close to their hearts. Identify organizations working to advance those causes and make a plan to support them. Find opportunities to support your community this holiday season and make generosity a year-round tradition at unitedway.org/local. Nourishing Our Heroes: Eight Years of Impact at Phoenix VA’s Veggies for VeteransLink: https://stmdailynews.com/nourishing-our-heroes-eight-years-of-impact-at-phoenix-vas-veggies-for-veterans/
Stories of Change: People Making a Difference
Discover inspiring stories of changemakers making a positive impact. Explore videos and articles of people tackling today’s biggest challenges with action and hope. Visit: https://stmdailynews.com/stories-of-change/
STM Daily News is a multifaceted podcast that explores a wide range of topics, from life and consumer issues to the latest in food and beverage trends. Our discussions dive into the realms of science, covering everything from space and Earth to nature, artificial intelligence, and astronomy. We also celebrate the amateur sports scene, highlighting local athletes and events, including our special segment on senior Pickleball, where we report on the latest happenings in this exciting community. With our diverse content, STM Daily News aims to inform, entertain, and engage listeners, providing a comprehensive look at the issues that matter most in our daily lives. https://stories-this-moment.castos.com/
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Community
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Turns Spare Change Into Holiday Hope with Feeding America Partnership
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet launches its sixth annual hOLLIEday Caring campaign with Feeding America, letting shoppers round up purchases to fight hunger. The initiative has raised over $4 million for local food banks since 2019.
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Turns Spare Change Into Holiday Hope with Feeding America Partnership
When you’re hunting for bargains this holiday season, your spare change could do more than jingle in your pocket—it could put food on a neighbor’s table. Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is launching its sixth annual hOLLIEday Caring campaign, partnering with Feeding America® to give shoppers an easy way to fight hunger right at the register. From December 7th through December 24th, customers can round up their purchases to support local food banks in communities where Ollie’s stores operate. It’s a small gesture that adds up fast—over the past five years, these round-ups have generated more than $4 million for families facing food insecurity.Why This Campaign Matters More Than Ever
Food insecurity isn’t just a holiday problem—it’s a year-round crisis that intensifies when the calendar turns to November and December. Rising costs for food, housing, and healthcare have pushed millions of Americans into impossible choices: pay the electric bill or buy groceries? Fill a prescription or feed the kids? The Feeding America network has responded to this growing need by rescuing more than 4 billion pounds of wholesome food over the past year. But as demand increases, so does the pressure on food banks to keep shelves stocked and families fed. “The holidays can be a particularly challenging period for those in need and the food banks that support them,” the campaign announcement notes. “This is a time when families are forced to choose between food and other necessity items, food banks face rising demand, and families nationwide are turning to the Feeding America network of partner food banks to help make ends meet.”How Round-Ups Create Real Impact
The beauty of Ollie’s hOLLIEday Caring campaign lies in its simplicity. There’s no complicated donation process, no separate transaction, no guilt-inducing ask at the checkout. Just a quick question: would you like to round up your purchase? That extra 37 cents or 82 cents might not seem like much in the moment, but multiply it across hundreds of thousands of transactions at 613 stores in 34 states, and suddenly you’re talking about meaningful resources for local food banks. “Our hOLLIEday Caring campaign encourages shoppers to turn spare change into meaningful support that puts food on the table for neighbors and creates the kind of real change and hope families need right now,” said Tom Kuypers, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Ollie’s.A Partnership Built on Community Values
What makes this initiative particularly effective is that donations stay local. The funds raised support Feeding America’s network of partner food banks in the communities where Ollie’s operates, ensuring that your round-up in Pennsylvania helps Pennsylvania families, and your contribution in Arizona supports Arizona neighbors. This localized approach reflects Ollie’s broader commitment to the communities it serves. “At Ollie’s, caring for our associates, customers, and the communities in which they live in is a core value,” Kuypers emphasized. Elizabeth Pettengill, Interim Vice President of Corporate Partners at Feeding America, echoed that sentiment: “We are grateful for partners like Ollie’s who help make our work possible. Every round up at the register supports local food banks in communities across the country, helping to ensure families can bring meals home during the holidays and beyond.”Beyond the Holidays
While the hOLLIEday Caring campaign runs through Christmas Eve, the need for food assistance doesn’t end when the decorations come down. Food insecurity is a persistent challenge that requires sustained support throughout the year. That’s why partnerships like this one matter—they create awareness, build habits of giving, and demonstrate how easily everyday shoppers can contribute to solutions. When charitable giving is integrated into routine activities like grocery shopping or bargain hunting, it becomes accessible to everyone, not just those with disposable income to spare.How to Participate
If you’re shopping at Ollie’s between December 7th and December 24th, simply say yes when the cashier asks if you’d like to round up your purchase. That’s it. Your spare change will be directed to Feeding America’s network of local food banks, helping families in your community access the food they need. And if Ollie’s isn’t part of your regular shopping routine, consider how you might support local food banks in other ways—whether through direct donations, volunteering, or participating in similar round-up campaigns at other retailers. The holidays remind us that community isn’t just about celebration—it’s about showing up for each other, especially when times are tough. Sometimes that looks like a grand gesture. Sometimes it’s as simple as rounding up to the nearest dollar.About Ollie’s Bargain Outlet
Ollie’s is a leading off-price retailer specializing in brand name closeout merchandise and excess inventory. With 613 stores across 34 states, the company’s mission is to sell “Good Stuff Cheap®” at prices up to 70% below traditional retailers. Learn more at ollies.com. For more stories about people making a difference in the community, whether it’s locally or globally, visit our Stories of Change section.Sources: Looking for more ways to support families facing food insecurity? Visit your local food bank’s website to learn about donation opportunities, volunteer shifts, and community programs.
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