Michael Blake, Associate Director, White House Office on Public Engagement, was the special guest speaker at the 16th Anniversary of the CARAH Gala on Friday, November 13 at the Renaissance Marriott Hotel in Washington D.C.

The Gala also kicked into high gear its Count Us Caribbean Campaign, which ICS Founder and President Dr. Claire Nelson leads as Chair of the National Caribbean American Complete Count Committee.  Arnold Jackson, Associate Director for Decennial Census of the Census 2010, brought Special Remarks on the Census 2010, in order to demonstrate the significance of the Caribbean American community partnership in helping to reach the HardToCount populations.   "The Census is a Constitutional responsibility and is vital to growing and building our communities.  With that said, the Census does not work with the IRS or any other agency that verifies citizenship - and all of the information is confidential," said Arnold Jackson Associate Director for Decennial Census.  "An accurate Census could mean billions of dollars from the federal government, which also translates to more jobs, increased human services and a healthier local economy."