Systemic racism transcends socioeconomic barriers. While slavery was abolished in 1865, a much more sophisticated hierarchical system replaced it. The unconscious biases that have developed since then have crippled African Americans, for most beyond comprehension, as so many facets are intertwined. It is those biases that have led to the disproportionately poor health outcomes that have affected the black population for many centuries. COVID has negatively impacted minorities in the same fashion as other health disparities. We cannot expect that COVID’s impact be any different when still in the 21st century, a large number of African Americans do not enjoy the same outcome of success in economics, academia, proper health care and unfortunately continue to experience forced racial inferiority.
What COVID has done is remind the black population of the systemic issues that still have to be addressed. Many black parents are employed in jobs without comprehensive health benefits or the ability to work remotely. Many go to work with the pain of knowing that they will get sick and accept that reality as they may be the sole provider for their family. Many African Americans are employed in nursing homes, work as cleaning staff within hospitals, and even retail stores. Those with small businesses have had to close. For many of these jobs, they may not have been eligible for benefits, and yet they are among the unsung heroes of the COVID fight. This economic gap means increased consequences of poverty, such as crime for basic survival needs; and poor health outcomes due to financial barriers. The health gap continues to widen as COVID worsens chronic issues. These issues are compounded by poor nutritional status, increased stress, financial difficulties, and more. The education gap grows as children are forced to stay home during the pandemic, left responsible for their own remote learning while all other factors play against them. For many minorities, school was where children obtained breakfast and lunch, leaving family providers responsible for dinner. For many, school was where technical skills were gained and utilized. These options have diminished with the closing of schools, leaving fewer opportunities to close the gap. As a country, we have to do, and need to do, better.
The civil rights and hip hop movements are two means of hope to a marginalized population that continues to struggle to achieve dreams. The civil rights movement has made progress over the years, but more remains to be done. At minimum, one in three African American children lives in poverty. Why is that? To this day, basic education and survival programs have been denied or are insufficient to support many minority communities. The consequences of suffering caused by the healthcare system (for example, the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment) are still evident today. The mistrust has crippled the black population through generations. The lack of sufficient representation in all areas of our economy, including health care, continues to destroy that hope that the movements long to provide.
While few African American have reached peak success, all have their own stories of struggles facing racism and inability to enjoy success as other races do. Imagine breaking the glass, evading racial barriers, yet still being limited to residing only in certain neighborhoods, facing police brutality, and having your voice suppressed whether in academia, job industry, or voting in elections. Despite the fact, African Americans continue to try and claim joy which is shown today as the young populations energize our nation in many unimaginable ways; whether it be through hip hop, choice of fashion, or simply taking the time to celebrate life and be proud of the black experience. COVID will not change that. The issue of racism is man-made, therefore can be corrected. Black pain and problems are everyone’s responsibility and not solely a black issue. We have to work together as a human family and finally stop this plague of injustice and victimization. Doors of opportunities are open but not wide enough. The black lives matter movement is an awakening to moving forward, and it may be the last meaningful fight for our generation. Let us have a discussion without fear of retribution. It is my hope that the current reality will bridge these man-made divisions, acknowledge the black experience, pain, and help heal our country. <>
“We have to work together as a human family and finally stop this plague of injustice and victimization.