The 2020 census results show that not only is Long Island's population on the rise, but it is also becoming more diverse.

Minerva Perez, the executive director of OLA of Eastern Long Island, says she’s thrilled that the recent census numbers show Hispanics make up 20% of Long Island's population in 2020 – an increase from nearly 16% in 2016.

Perez says “civic engagement” of the Hispanic community is crucial.

The census also reported that people of color make up 40% of Long Island's population, which is up from 31% in 2010.

Theresa Sanders is the president and CEO of Urban League of Long Island. She says while the 2020 census will create opportunities for people of color, there is still work to be done.

“I’m excited about the opportunity, but I’m also very realistic about the backlash that may come with that. Long Island is still one of the most segregated communities in America,” Sanders says. “We're still lacking in terms of education equity, financial equity, housing equity. We still have those hurdles to get over, but it all starts with the people that are engaged in those entities. Are they going to open doors and be more inclusive or are they going to create more barriers to access?”

The 2020 census reveals that as Long Island became more diverse and as minorities increased, the white population on the Island has declined.

“A diverse Long Island doesn't mean it's less of one and more of another, it means we're now all at the table, and when we're all at the table, good things happen,” Perez says.

Click here for the full results of the 2020 census.