COVID-19
A coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2 caused the COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in China before spreading worldwide in 2020. This global pandemic was not equally destructive, however. The virus itself was more harmful to elderly people and those with pre-existing health conditions. However, economic and racial inequalities prevented some people from accessing necessary screening, treatment, or vaccines or following medical advice such as social distancing or quarantining. Medical racism also played a role during COVID-19, and some Black patients formed support groups after the medical system ignored them. The pandemic also highlighted how some medical equipment worked poorly for Black patients.
Nearly 7 million people died of COVID globally, with millions more surviving the disease that raged for multiple years. In the United States, Black people remained at risk while others decreased their concern, which was entirely warranted. African Americans experienced a higher death rate due to COVID-19 than other races, and many struggle with the effects of long COVID. Lingering illness and disability have removed some people from the workforce, while others struggle financially under the weight of caring for or losing others in their households. Funding intended for Black Americans to help mitigate these harms resulted in lawsuits. Similarly, money intended for COVID-19 support was rerouted to prisons, which had already contributed to the rapid-fire spread of COVID-19.
The pandemic prompted a shift to virtual learning, working, and communication. While some welcomed this shift, it further highlighted economic disparities for others. This also resulted in learning setbacks for students. Meanwhile, COVID-19 resurfaced distrust between the Black community and the medical establishment that stems, in part, from the Tuskegee experiment.
COVID-19 was also the backdrop of the Black Lives Matter movement, which grew after video of the May 2020 murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer surfaced online.
Posts Tagged ‘COVID-19’
Beyoncé’s new album ‘Renaissance’ is a tough sell in 2022 America
Unlike previous releases, Beyoncé’s newest album, Renaissance, is struggling among American fans, perhaps because of poorly timed themes.
Read MoreThere’s a good reason why some Black people don’t go to the doctor
After a long history of medical racism, many Black Americans are hesitant to seek medical care and and suffer the consequences of no treatment.
Read More‘For Cruelty’s Sake’: State of Alabama diverts $400 million in COVID funds to build prisons, leaving many in dire straits
Alabama continues its long history of diverting money from deserving programs and people by using COVID-19 relief funds for its prison system.
Read MoreThe Other Side of the Storm
During the COVID pandemic, domestic workers were frequently overlooked in the media and by the government, despite many continuing to work.
Read MoreBlack Covid Patients Were Delayed Life-Saving Care Due To Faulty Medical Device
Research shows that devices that measure oxygen in blood don’t work as well for people of color, leading to delayed COVID-19 treatment.
Read MoreGuns are traumatizing Black America. Advocates demand investment, support
According to a CDC report, gun violence in 2020 was the highest it’s been in 25 years, and Black Americans, are disproportionately victims.
Read MoreWhy the Rate of Black Business Ownership Is Going Up
In Pittsburgh and around the country, black-owned businesses are on the rise, continuing a trend from before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read MoreRemembering When Cotton was King and Blacks Enduring Quest for Economic Justice
The economic inequalities that stem from slavery have contributed to the health dispartities experienced by the black community in the age of a pandemic.
Read MoreWHO Africa’s 1st woman leader helps continent fight COVID
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti has overcome discrimination in apartheid South Africa to become one of the world’s top health administrators, and aids the fight against the COVID pandemic.
Read MoreAs COVID Precautions Drop, Black Americans Remain More Affected — and More Concerned
Surveys show that Black people have more lingering concerns about COVID-19 than white people, despite more relaxed guidelines for prevention.
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