I don’t know about you, but I am incredibly frustrated. I am exhausted from hearing about yet another innocent Black person who has been tragically taken from us by those sworn to protect and serve. I’m tired of reading about the racial wealth divide that continues to devastate Black families, workers, and entrepreneurs. I’m weary of seeing news stories that remind me that Black Americans often do not experience the same sense of safety while walking or driving as I do. And now, I feel utterly defeated to learn that COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted Black communities throughout our nation.
While I’m tired, I also recognize the privilege I enjoy as a white person. My fatigue is nothing compared to the profound grief and exhaustion that Black Americans have been enduring during this global crisis.
“We’re suffering and dying at disproportionate rates,” states Mia Johnson, a community advocate and educator based in Atlanta. “In many areas where we make up only 5-6% of the population, we account for 30-40% of the deaths. The COVID-19 pandemic has simply amplified the longstanding health disparities affecting BIPOC communities, especially the Black community.”
According to Johnson, the pandemic’s toll on Black Americans is not just an extension of existing health inequities but also a reflection of economic inequality and systemic racism that directly impacts their well-being. “You can’t discuss COVID-19 without acknowledging the historical oppression of Africans and the lasting effects of systemic injustice that have hindered economic growth and access to healthcare,” she explains. “The repercussions of COVID-19 in our community are simply another manifestation of these enduring issues.”
In addition to health challenges, Black Americans are also facing severe job losses due to the pandemic, particularly among those in the lowest income brackets. A recent study by the National Bureau of Economic Research revealed that during the early months of the pandemic, about 35% of the lowest earners—predominantly Black workers—lost their jobs, compared to only 9% among those in the highest income bracket. “The students I teach reside in some of the most affected areas,” Johnson shares. “While I have the privilege of social distancing and ordering groceries online, many of my students and their families do not have that luxury. Their loved ones are losing jobs, and some are even dying. My students are the ones working tirelessly in grocery stores while also trying to manage remote learning.”
The severe impact of the pandemic on Black Americans is not unexpected, and the likelihood of overcoming these challenges is grim given the systemic barriers they have faced. A recent study by the International Monetary Fund found that pandemics tend to exacerbate inequality among the most economically vulnerable groups. This entrenched imbalance prevents many Black Americans from accessing quality education, higher-paying employment, and overall wealth, making it exceedingly difficult for them to withstand the economic devastation wrought by COVID-19.
It is no surprise that racism lies at the core of health disparities, fatalities, and financial struggles faced by Black families today. As Johnson notes, “Systemic racism, economic challenges, housing and food insecurity, healthcare disparities, and access to quality education are all still present, and COVID-19 has intensified these issues. We must recognize that for many in the Black community, this pandemic is more than just a scary inconvenience.”
Since the coronavirus has only intensified the long-standing challenges faced by Black Americans, it is clear that we are in desperate need of a wake-up call. This requires advocating for change in government policies that disproportionately harm Black citizens. “I want to see our government take accountability for the harm inflicted on our community,” Johnson says. “We need investments aimed at closing the gaps of inequity, along with the implementation of antiracist policies. This would challenge a centuries-old system rooted in white supremacy, but is America ready for that?”
Regrettably, it seems our nation is still far from achieving this vital change. We currently have leadership more focused on labeling Black Americans as “thugs” than on addressing the unjust burdens they have been carrying for centuries. The media bombards us with news of senseless violence against Black lives, and yet justice remains elusive. While white protesters demanding the reopening of the economy faced no repercussions, peaceful Black protesters advocating for justice in the George Floyd case were met with tear gas.
Despite any perceived progress, our country remains deeply divided. The harsh realities of white supremacy continue to harm and endanger Black Americans more than ever. Remaining complacent or silent in the face of these injustices only exacerbates the situation. It makes me wonder: how many more jobs must be lost, and how many more Black lives need to be sacrificed before our nation recognizes the urgency for change?
COVID-19 has revealed the potential for devastating impacts on Black communities, yet it is crucial to remember that the roots of this crisis extend far beyond the pandemic itself. The harm caused by systemic racism is deeply embedded within our society.
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In summary, the pandemic has illuminated and exacerbated the deep-rooted disparities faced by Black Americans. Addressing these inequalities is essential for meaningful recovery and progress.