This workshop was held May 2, 2017. Race has been asked as part of the Census since 1790 and Ethnicity since 1970. This workshop provides an overview of the race and ethnic categories as mandated by the Office of Management and Budget. Race is key in implementing many federal laws and is needed to monitor compliance with the Voting Rights Act and Civil Rights Act. Race and Ethnicity data is used to assess fairness of employment practices and to monitor racial disparities in characteristics such as health and education. Specific Topics include why race data is required, census race and ethnic categories, and accessing race, ethnicity and ancestry data on American Fact Finder.