Black Women- The most vulnerable in the wake of the COVID-19 Global Pandemic
As we head into May, no one knew the novel Coronavirus would fester into a global pandemic causing over 50,000 deaths in the United States alone. In the beginning, many coined COVID-19 as “the great equalizer,” claiming the virus does not discriminate. But as states continue to release statistics breaking down COVID-19 cases by race, it is evident that the virus is more of a magnifier, amplifying racial disparities rooted in our country — especially as it relates to the African American community.
Data from the Midwest and South revealed that African Americans are contracting and dying from COVID-19 at higher rates than any other race. 70 percent of COVID-19 related deaths in Louisiana were black. In Chicago, despite making up only 30 percent of the population, African Americans make up more than half of the amount of COVID-19 related complications, with about 70% of those who have died of the disease. Though COVID-19 is an active threat to us all, the black community is at risk for the worst of its effects, alluding to deeper roots of discrimination throughout our society.
When addressing this disparity, a seemingly confused Donald Trump questioned why the virus disproportionately affected African Americans. In a press conference, he questioned, “Why is it three or four times more so for…
