Real Talk about COVID-19 & African-Americans

“No, the coronavirus is not an ‘equalizer.’ Black people are being infected and dying at higher rates.” (A. Johnson and T. Buford, ProPublica) With CDC recent reports illustrating that African-Americans currently represent 33% of hospitalizations as a result of COVID-19 in the US, we are reminded of a very sad reality. Disproportionately, African-Americans are consistently vulnerable to negative health outcomes. COVID-19 is sounding an alarm and bringing to light the reality of racial inequities. Simply put, in the words of epidemiologist, Camara Jones, “COVID-19 is exposing US racism”.

“Health disparities have always existed for the African-American community… (coronavirus is) shining a bright light on how unacceptable that is because, yet again, when you have a situation like the coronavirus, they are suffering disproportionately. We will get over coronavirus, but there will still be health disparities which we really do need to address in the African-American community.” (Dr. Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984)

So, what are we talking about exactly when we talk about racial disparities. Well, lets look at recent data. According to the Associated Press (report as of April 2020), overall African-Americans account for 42% of deaths in the United States related to COVID-19, however, account for 13% of the US population. When we look at a brake down by state and/or city, illustrations of the disparity are alarming. African-Americans represent 28% of the deaths in New York City from the COVID-19 virus while representing 22% of the population. In DC, 62% of COVID-19 related deaths are represented by African-Americans but account for 46% of the city’s population. In Philadelphia, we see similar figures with African-Americans accounting for 42% of the population, however, representing 61% of COVID-19 related deaths in the city. In cities like New Orleans, Milwaukee and Chicago, African-Americans represent 70 to 80% of COVID-19 related deaths although their percentages of the population aren’t close to that. As seen below (BuzzFeed News, April 2020), the illustration of COVID-19 deaths among African-Americans by state and/or city is striking.

Now, what do we do with this information? First, we must ask the question, “why”. According to Science News, residence, employment, transportation and medical care contribute to the “why”. “African-Americans are more likely to be exposed to COVID-19, have a higher risk of underlying health conditions and have less access to medical care.” (S.Gupta, April 2020) For example, it is very difficult to social distance when you can’t telework and have to use public transit for basic needs (grocery shopping, getting to work or medical appointments). Shedding light must include the whole truth to bring understanding. We must consistently stay informed and ask the “why” question.

Next, we must collectively seek solutions that will positively impact the community. Action should take place on all levels in a collective fashion. Moving away from individualism and making conscious efforts to look out for our neighbors is important. Lets participate in the value of unity and raise the alarm’s volume to save our communities. This includes participating in the Census to facilitate accurate data collection, voting during election season to fortify our voices, attending community town hall meetings to voice concerns and stay informed, contacting local representatives to seek resources and checking in with neighbors and loved ones to ensure care and wellbeing. Each of us have the power to affect the whole and working together is required to tackle the impact of this crisis.