Census trends: The new reality

By Staff
Judging from trends identified by Census 2000, don't expect Meridian's population drop to turn around any time soon. White flight to the suburbs continues unabated. As a result of that and higher birth rates among African-Americans, the last decade has seen a dramatic shift in Meridian's population.
It is now official: Meridian is a majority black city 54 percent and every successful politician, policy-maker, economic developer, educator, charity fund raiser and community activist must begin to recognize that fact.
The fact is a great deal of work remains to be done if Meridian is to reach its true potential, and members of all races and classes of citizens must unite to make it happen. Many facets of community life can be improved.
Perhaps Census 2000 can be the catalyst that leads to a new era of cooperation and progress.