I don’t know about you, but I’m furious. I can’t stand hearing about yet another innocent Black person who has been brutally killed by those who are supposed to protect us. It’s exhausting to read about the racial wealth gap that continues to harm Black families, workers, and entrepreneurs. It’s disheartening to see headlines that remind me that Black Americans often don’t feel as safe as I do walking or driving in our neighborhoods. And now, I’m utterly worn out learning how COVID-19 has disproportionately affected Black communities across the nation.
While I feel drained, I recognize the privilege I experience as a white person. My exhaustion is nothing compared to the profound grief, pain, and fatigue experienced by many Black Americans due to the pandemic.
Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19
“We’re facing a disproportionate death rate,” explains Jamie Lewis, a community educator and activist based in Atlanta. “In areas where Black individuals are only 5-6% of the population, they account for 30-40% of COVID-19 fatalities. This pandemic has amplified long-standing health disparities that have plagued BIPOC communities, especially the Black community.”
According to Lewis, the pandemic’s effects on Black Americans are not only a continuation of existing health inequities but are also tied to economic disparities and systemic racism that directly impact their overall well-being.
“You can’t discuss COVID-19 without acknowledging the historical context of African enslavement and the centuries of oppression that has led us to this moment in 2020,” Lewis states. “Systemic injustice has hindered economic advancement, access to quality healthcare, and the ability to live without barriers in this country. The impact of COVID-19 is merely a new manifestation of these ongoing issues.”
Job Losses and Economic Disparities
Additionally, Black Americans are suffering from significant job losses due to the pandemic, particularly those in the lowest income brackets. A recent study by the National Bureau of Economic Research revealed that about 35% of the lowest earners, predominantly Black workers, lost their jobs between early March and mid-April, in stark contrast to just 9% of top earners.
“My students come from some of the communities hit hardest by this health crisis,” Lewis notes. “I have the privilege of social distancing and ordering groceries online. Many of my students and their families do not share that privilege. Their loved ones are falling ill or losing their jobs, while they are working essential jobs, such as stocking your grocery shelves, and trying to keep up with remote learning.”
Historical Context of Inequality
The devastating impact of this pandemic on Black Americans is not unprecedented. Research from the International Monetary Fund shows that pandemics like SARS, H1N1, and Ebola worsen inequality for economically vulnerable groups. This persistent imbalance not only limits access to quality education and well-paying jobs but also hinders the ability of Black families to weather the economic storm created by COVID-19.
Racism lies at the core of the health crises, fatalities, and financial hardships that many Black families face today; systemic discrimination can be seen as a pre-existing condition exacerbating the toll the pandemic has taken.
“Inequities in housing, food insecurity, healthcare, and education persist, and COVID-19 has intensified these issues,” Lewis explains. “Consider how systemic racism and policing have resulted in overpopulation in prisons and how urban communities are structured. For some, COVID-19 is just an inconvenience; for many in the Black community, it’s a fight for survival, and that’s something people need to understand.”
Advocating for Systemic Change
As COVID-19 continues to highlight the challenges that Black Americans have endured for generations, it’s essential to advocate for systemic change. “I want to see the government acknowledge the harm done to our communities,” Lewis emphasizes. “Investments are needed to bridge the gaps in inequity and enact antiracist policies. But is America ready to confront its white supremacist history? I doubt it.”
While I wish I could say that our country is prepared to make these necessary changes, it seems heartbreakingly distant. We currently have leadership more focused on derogatory rhetoric than on alleviating the substantial burdens placed on Black citizens for centuries. Media outlets bombard us with news of senseless violence against Black individuals, yet justice remains elusive.
The disparities are stark: while white demonstrators protesting lockdown measures faced little backlash, peaceful protests by Black individuals seeking justice for George Floyd were met with aggression. This ongoing struggle reveals that despite claims of progress, our nation remains deeply divided. The ramifications of systemic racism are more evident now than ever, and silence in the face of such injustices only perpetuates the cycle of harm.
How many more jobs must be lost, and how many more lives must be taken before our society decides to enact real change? COVID-19 has revealed the potential for irreparable damage to Black communities, but it’s crucial to remember that the roots of this crisis extend far beyond the pandemic.
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In summary, the pandemic has further highlighted the deep-rooted disparities faced by Black communities. As we navigate these challenges, it’s crucial to recognize and address the systemic issues that contribute to their struggles.