UNE COM ALUMNI AND STUDENTS REFLECT ON COVID-19 & RACISM
About the Author: Dr. Kasenge is a wife, mother and a medical doctor. She earned her Undergraduate degree from College of Holy Cross, Worcester, MA, a Master’s of Public Health from Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, and her medical degree from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford, ME. She has over 15+ years of experience in the health care industry. Her first job was as an environmental analyst but later she became the state of Massachusetts’ HIV/AID epidemiologist and analyst. She is an Internist with UMass Memorial Healthcare as well as an assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts School of Medicine where she teaches medical students, nurses and resident doctors. Her clinical interests include preventive care, obesity, Diabetes and women’s health.
The Last Meaningful Fight for our Generation
By Rebecca Kasenge, DO ‘06
As a child in post-colonial Africa, I was educated about the pains of Apartheid. At this time I had little to no knowledge of slavery or racism, which I soon learned about as an immigrant to the United States. The United States is a dream to attain in the eyes of many individuals in developing countries; however, in those places little is spoken about the ills of slavery, racism, and the struggles of black/brown Americans and immigrants. The magnitude of injustice is severe in the black population, as there has been bloodshed in almost every aspect of black life before progress is made. For example, you take a look at the history of Football and find that black men died on the field before the sport truly recognized their skills or even fully integrated. That’s simply sports, which is a talent engaged by few compared to the total number of Americans. However, you can then only imagine the injustices faced within the healthcare system; an engagement needed by our entire population. Racism and the COVID-19 pandemic go hand in hand, as one cannot justify the black experience during this time without acknowledging the role of racism. COVID is disproportionately affecting minority communities, particularly the black population, by way of systemic racism that is rooted in slavery.
“Racism and the COVID-19 pandemic go hand in hand, as one cannot justify the black experience during this time without acknowledging the role of racism.