BLACK AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL UNION (BAIU)
PETITION FOR REVIEW OF FEDERAL STATISTICAL CLASSIFICATION
Submitted To:
The Director
Office of Management and Budget
and
The Director
U.S. Census Bureau
PETITION FOR REVIEW OF THE FEDERAL STATISTICAL CLASSIFICATION OF “BLACK AMERICAN” AS A DISTINCT ETHNIC REPORTING CATEGORY
Submitted By:
Black American International Union (BAIU)
National Lineage Recognition Commission
Date: June 28, 2026
I. INTRODUCTION
The Black American International Union (“BAIU”), through its National Lineage Recognition Commission, respectfully submits this Petition requesting that the Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) and the United States Census Bureau undertake a formal review of the classification of “Black American” for federal statistical reporting purposes.
This Petition requests that the agencies evaluate whether a distinct reporting option or statistical classification would improve the accuracy of federal demographic data regarding individuals who identify as Black Americans, based on the evidence presented.
This Petition is submitted for administrative consideration and does not seek to alter any person’s legal rights or existing citizenship status. Rather, it requests evaluation of a proposed statistical classification through the appropriate federal review process.
II. PURPOSE OF THIS PETITION
The purpose of this Petition is to request that the federal government examine whether current statistical classifications sufficiently distinguish between different populations that may all currently be reported within broader categories.
BAIU respectfully requests that the agencies:
- Review historical and demographic evidence submitted with this Petition.
- Evaluate whether a distinct statistical reporting category for “Black American” should be considered.
- Consult with historians, demographers, sociologists, genealogists, and affected communities during the review process.
- Publish findings and recommendations consistent with applicable federal procedures.
III. AUTHORITY FOR THIS PETITION
This Petition is submitted pursuant to the authority of federal agencies to receive public input regarding statistical standards and census operations.
BAIU recognizes that any changes to federal statistical classifications must occur through the lawful administrative and policy processes established by the federal government.
This Petition seeks consideration through those established processes.
IV. BACKGROUND
BAIU asserts that many individuals identifying as Black Americans describe themselves as belonging to a historically developed community with generations of shared history within the United States.
The Petition contends that this community has characteristics that warrant examination by federal statistical authorities for purposes of determining whether current reporting categories adequately capture relevant demographic information.
To assist that review, BAIU has compiled historical, genealogical, demographic, and cultural research for consideration.
V. REQUEST FOR REVIEW
BAIU respectfully requests that OMB and the Census Bureau:
- Conduct a formal review of the proposed “Black American” reporting category.
- Evaluate relevant historical, demographic, and statistical evidence.
- Solicit public comment and expert input as appropriate.
- Publish findings explaining whether changes to federal statistical standards are warranted.
VI. SUPPORTING MATERIALS
The following materials accompany this Petition:
- Official Definition of Black American (BAIU)
- Historical Research Report
- Ethnogenesis Report
- Genealogical Research Summary
- Demographic Analysis
- Academic Bibliography
- Public Policy White Paper
- Legal Memorandum
- Expert Declarations (if available)
VII. RELIEF REQUESTED
BAIU respectfully requests that the Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau review the evidence submitted with this Petition and determine, under applicable law and administrative procedures, whether adoption of a distinct statistical reporting category for “Black American” should be considered.
BAIU further requests an opportunity to participate in any public consultation, technical review, or stakeholder engagement process related to this proposal.
VIII. RESPECTFUL SUBMISSION
Respectfully Submitted,
Black American International Union (BAIU)
National Lineage Recognition Commission
June 28, 2026
BLACK AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL UNION (BAIU)
NATIONAL LINEAGE RECOGNITION COMMISSION
MEMORANDUM OF LAW
In Support of the Petition for Review of the Federal Statistical Classification of “Black American”
Prepared By:
Black American International Union (BAIU)
National Lineage Recognition Commission
Date: June 28, 2026
I. QUESTION PRESENTED
Whether the federal government, acting through the Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) and the United States Census Bureau, has the legal authority to review and, if appropriate, revise federal statistical classifications to consider whether a distinct reporting option for “Black American” should be adopted.
II. SHORT ANSWER
Yes.
Federal law provides the Executive Branch with authority to establish and periodically review federal statistical standards. The Office of Management and Budget develops government-wide standards for the collection and reporting of race and ethnicity data, while the United States Census Bureau collects demographic information in accordance with applicable statutes, regulations, and OMB standards.
Accordingly, members of the public and organizations may submit evidence-based proposals requesting that these standards be reviewed through the established administrative process. Whether a proposed category is ultimately adopted depends on the evidence, public input, agency analysis, and policy determinations made through those processes.
III. FACTUAL BACKGROUND
The Black American International Union (“BAIU”) is an organization engaged in historical, genealogical, demographic, and public policy research concerning individuals who identify as Black Americans.
BAIU contends that many Black Americans constitute a historically developed community formed through generations of shared experience, family lineages, institutions, and cultural development within the United States.
To support its position, BAIU has assembled historical records, genealogical research, demographic studies, and cultural documentation for consideration.
This Memorandum does not assume that a new classification must be adopted. Rather, it argues that the evidence warrants formal review by the agencies responsible for federal statistical standards.
IV. LEGAL FRAMEWORK
A. Congressional Authority Over the Census
Article I, Section 2 of the United States Constitution authorizes Congress to conduct an enumeration of the population. Congress has enacted statutes governing the census and has delegated responsibilities to the executive branch for carrying out census operations.
The Census Bureau is responsible for collecting demographic information in accordance with applicable law.
B. Authority of the Office of Management and Budget
OMB issues government-wide standards for federal race and ethnicity data collection used by many executive agencies.
These standards have been revised periodically through administrative review, research, public comment, and interagency coordination.
Accordingly, OMB possesses authority to evaluate proposals for changes to statistical standards through established procedures.
C. Administrative Review
Federal agencies routinely receive petitions, comments, technical recommendations, and research from members of the public, academic institutions, advocacy organizations, and other stakeholders.
Evidence-based submissions assist agencies in evaluating whether existing statistical classifications continue to serve federal data collection needs.
V. POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
BAIU asserts that federal demographic reporting should strive for accuracy, transparency, and consistency.
Where evidence demonstrates that an existing reporting framework may not fully distinguish between different historically developed populations, agencies may evaluate whether revised classifications would improve statistical quality.
Potential considerations include:
- Improved demographic accuracy.
- More precise historical research.
- Better evaluation of public programs.
- Enhanced understanding of population trends.
- Increased consistency in long-term statistical analysis.
These considerations are matters for administrative evaluation and policy judgment by the responsible federal agencies.
VI. EVIDENTIARY SUPPORT
BAIU submits the following materials in support of its request:
- Historical records.
- Census research.
- Genealogical studies.
- Ethnogenesis research.
- Demographic analyses.
- Academic literature.
- Community surveys.
- Public policy reports.
These materials are offered to assist the agencies in determining whether additional study is warranted.
VII. REQUEST FOR ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW
BAIU respectfully requests that OMB and the United States Census Bureau:
- Review the evidence submitted with the accompanying Petition.
- Determine whether additional research or consultation is appropriate.
- Consider public input from historians, demographers, genealogists, legal scholars, and affected communities.
- Publish any resulting findings in accordance with applicable administrative procedures.
VIII. CONCLUSION
For the reasons set forth above, the Black American International Union respectfully requests that the Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau undertake a formal review of the proposed “Black American” statistical classification through their established administrative processes.
BAIU further requests the opportunity to participate in any public engagement, technical consultation, or review process associated with this proposal.
Respectfully submitted,
Black American International Union (BAIU)
National Lineage Recognition Commission
June 28, 2026
BLACK AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL UNION (BAIU)
NATIONAL LINEAGE RECOGNITION COMMISSION
ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD INDEX
In Support of the Petition for Review of the Federal Statistical Classification of “Black American”
Date: June 28, 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Volume I – Petition Documents
Exhibit A – Petition for Review of Federal Statistical Classification
Exhibit B – Memorandum of Law
Exhibit C – Official Definition of Black American (BAIU)
Exhibit D – Organizational Charter of the National Lineage Recognition Commission
Volume II – Historical Evidence
Exhibit E – Historical Timeline
Contents may include:
- Colonial-era records
- Federal census history
- Reconstruction-era records
- Military service records
- Migration history
- Community development milestones
Exhibit F – Ethnogenesis Research
Contents may include:
- Community formation
- Shared historical experiences
- Cultural continuity
- Academic literature
Exhibit G – Genealogical Research
Contents may include:
- Family lineage studies
- Settlement patterns
- Oral histories (with consent)
- Historical family records
Volume III – Demographic Evidence
Exhibit H – Population Analysis
Contents may include:
- Geographic distribution
- Census trends
- Migration patterns
- Population estimates
Exhibit I – Statistical Review
Contents may include:
- Current federal classifications
- Comparative statistical analysis
- Data limitations
- Methodology
Volume IV – Cultural Documentation
Exhibit J – Cultural Heritage Report
Contents may include:
- Community institutions
- Language and traditions
- Music, food, and cultural practices
- Civic history
Exhibit K – Community Organizations
Contents may include:
- Churches
- Educational institutions
- Mutual aid societies
- Civic organizations
Volume V – Legal Authorities
Exhibit L – Constitutional Authorities
Examples:
- Relevant constitutional provisions
- Federal statutes governing the census
- Administrative law principles
Exhibit M – Federal Administrative Materials
Examples:
- OMB statistical standards
- Census Bureau guidance
- Federal Register notices relevant to statistical standards
Volume VI – Expert Materials
Exhibit N – Historical Expert Statements
Exhibit O – Genealogical Expert Statements
Exhibit P – Demographic Expert Statements
Exhibit Q – Legal Expert Statements
Volume VII – Public Interest Materials
Exhibit R – Public Comments
Exhibit S – Survey Results
Exhibit T – Community Position Statements
Volume VIII – Appendices
Appendix A – Bibliography
Appendix B – Glossary
Appendix C – Acronyms
Appendix D – Maps
Appendix E – Charts
Appendix F – Statistical Tables
CERTIFICATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD
The Black American International Union (BAIU), through its National Lineage Recognition Commission, certifies that the materials submitted in this Administrative Record are intended to support the accompanying Petition and Memorandum of Law. To the best of the Commission’s knowledge, the record accurately identifies the evidence and authorities being presented for administrative consideration. Any proposed findings or interpretations are clearly identified as the Commission’s positions and are offered for review through the appropriate governmental processes.
BLACK AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL UNION (BAIU)
PROPOSED CONGRESSIONAL RESOLUTION
Requesting a Review of Federal Statistical Reporting Concerning Individuals Who Identify as Black Americans
Draft for Educational Purposes
Date: June 28, 2026
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
A Resolution
Requesting that the appropriate federal agencies evaluate whether current federal statistical reporting adequately reflects individuals who identify as Black Americans and encouraging a comprehensive review of historical, demographic, and policy considerations.
Whereas
Whereas the United States has long conducted population statistics to support representation, research, and the administration of public programs;
Whereas federal statistical standards have been reviewed and revised over time to improve the accuracy and usefulness of demographic data;
Whereas many individuals identify as Black Americans and describe their community as having developed through generations of shared history, culture, and family lineage within the United States;
Whereas organizations, researchers, and members of the public have expressed interest in whether current federal reporting categories adequately capture this self-identification;
Whereas informed public policy benefits from accurate, transparent, and evidence-based demographic data;
Whereas Congress recognizes the importance of historical scholarship, genealogy, and public participation in discussions regarding federal statistical standards;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved
That the House of Representatives:
- Recognizes the importance of accurate federal demographic statistics.
- Encourages the Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau to continue evaluating federal statistical standards through established administrative procedures.
- Encourages consultation with historians, demographers, genealogists, legal scholars, and members of affected communities when appropriate.
- Supports continued historical and genealogical research concerning Black American history and community development.
- Encourages transparency and public participation in future reviews of federal statistical classifications.
- Requests that relevant agencies provide Congress with any findings resulting from future reviews conducted under applicable law.
Statement of Purpose
This Resolution is intended to encourage evidence-based review and public dialogue regarding federal statistical classifications. It does not direct any agency to adopt a particular outcome or classification, but supports the established process for evaluating proposals and considering public input.
Sponsor
Representative _______________________
Co-Sponsors
Representative _______________________
Representative _______________________
Representative _______________________
Representative _______________________
BAIU 