Mississippi State University-Meridian’s Criminology program is hosting a guest speaker to help educate the public about the U.S. Census in 2020.

Krya D. Roby, a partnership specialist with the U.S. Census Bureau, will give a presentation from 10-11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 28 at Kahlmus Hall on the MSU-Meridian College Park campus, 1000 Highway 19N.

Roby’s role includes educating the public about the upcoming U.S. Census and increasing participation. A native of Madison, Roby holds a law degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law. She served two years as an Equal Justice Works Americorps Legal Fellow, working to remove barriers to employment for people with arrest and conviction histories through expungment and other means at the Mississippi Center for Justice, according to an MSU news release.

The U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years for the purpose of reapportioning Congress. Census data is also used to determine how federal funds are distributed back to states and local communities.

The talk is open to the public and recommended for everyone.