Census shows Canton's burgeoning diversity
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| Arunpreet Singh, Sunpreet Singh, Rani Mahal and Manpreet Mahal stand inside the Sikh gurdwara, or place of worship, in Canton. The painting in the background depicts the Golden Temple. The sign overhead reminds Sikhs to not stray from the path, no matter what obstacles they may encounter. Sikhs say amenities like the gurdwara help draw people to Canton. Bill Bresler | staff photographer |
African Americans and Asians overwhelmingly accounted for Canton's 18.1-percent population surge during the last decade — evidence the community has, indeed, become far more diverse as each year further separates the township from its rural past.
Blacks made up 10.2 percent of Canton's 90,173 residents in new census figures, a striking increase from a mere 4.5 percent a decade ago. In raw numbers, Canton had an African-American population of 9,176 in 2010, compared to 3,466 just 10 years ago.
Asian residents, including a growing Indian population, accounted for 14.1 percent of the township's population, a large increase from 8.7 percent a decade ago, the latest census revealed. In all, 12,739 Asians lived in Canton in 2010 — a number that spiked from 6,664 in 2000.
Other minorities and residents who identified themselves as belonging to two or more races increased in fewer numbers.
And, though 65,140 whites now live in Canton — an increase of 1,095 from a decade ago — their percentage of the overall population dropped from 83.9 percent to 72.2 percent amid impressive gains by African-American and -Asian residents.
CHANGING FACE
The new census figures confirm what many local residents and community leaders have long believed — that the face of Canton has changed as the local population grew from 76,366 to 90,173 during the last decade.
“Diversity is something the township has basically clamored for,” said Greg Greene, an African-American resident who chairs the Canton Planning Commission. “It has been an effort to say to people, ‘Come here,' and I think that's part of it.”
Greene lauded the township's elected leaders, past and current, for having a vision to market Canton as a diverse community where cultural events have become increasingly popular. He also said amenities such as The Village Theater at Cherry Hill, a thriving business community and quality housing have drawn a diverse group of residents.
“I think we're still on the highly desired list,” Greene said. “I feel like I've been part of something that is big.”
TejKiran Singh, a Sikh man and Canton resident, said Canton has drawn an increasingly diverse population because of its image as a safe, affordable, well-kept community that has top-rate amenities such as Summit on the Park, local walking paths and parks, golf courses and residents who, for the most part, are welcoming.
COMMUNITY PLUSES
Singh also said Canton has a reasonable tax rate and is ideally located for engineers and others who work in the auto industry. And for those dedicated to their religion, he said, the township offers amenities not found in many communities, including a Sikh gurdwara, two Hindu temples and a mosque for Muslims.
“You feel comfortable in Canton,” Singh said. “People seem to be more accepting. I have neighbors who are non-Indian who are good friends. The people of Canton have been found to be really accepting of diversity.”
To be sure, Canton, like any community, has had occasional incidents of racial or ethnic intimidation, but Canton police responded by forming the Canton Response To Hate Crimes Coalition, intended to help local residents heal from any such incident.
Moreover, Plymouth-Canton Citizens for Diversity and Inclusion has sponsored numerous community events and forums intended to help residents of different cultures and races better understand each other. Jeffery Shamberger, an African-American resident and vice president of PCCDI, said residents from diverse backgrounds have chosen to move to Canton because it is largely perceived as a welcoming place.
“That's definitely a good thing,” he said.
PCCDI has worked with Plymouth-Canton Community Schools to help increase the number of qualified minority educators in the school district.
“We have made some progress there,” Shamberger said.
REFLECTIVE WORKFORCE
PCCDI still hopes the township workforce, such as the police and fire departments, can become more reflective of Canton's population by recruiting qualified minority candidates as jobs become available. He said elected leaders and public safety officials have had discussions about the issue.
“They've opened the dialogue,” Shamberger said.
Township Clerk Terry Bennett said local census figures will provide “invaluable” data as the township plans programs and services for the population it serves.
“It helps us to understand the dynamics of our community,” she said. “The 2010 Census assists us in providing the services, including great schools, a safe community, fantastic leisure service programs, a first-class library and other basic services, we count on.”
Bennett and others also have said the population growth can be used to market Canton for economic development to companies looking for a vibrant community. She said the township's diversity already has brought in a wide array of restaurants and other businesses.
“New retail will look at the numbers in the 2010 Census,” Bennett said. “It will reflect in the variety of new businesses locating in Canton. We are proud to be who we are.”