I’m sure you’ve seen the headlines: The Black community has been hit the hardest by the coronavirus.

Infection rates in Black counties are 3 times that of infection rates in majority white counties. The CDC reports 33% of deaths are coming from the Black community, even where they only make up 14% of the population.

This has so many of us asking: Why? 

Government leaders and physicians have all taken a stab at explaining the reason, but none of them are painting a complete picture. In this episode, I break down 5 of the main reasons (health care, housing, food security, jobs, and wealth) our Black brothers and sisters are suffering at rates higher than anyone else in the country so that you can understand what’s really going on here. 

Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

“Stop Blaming Black People for Dying of Coronavirus” by Ibram X. Kendi

“Bill Cassidy on His State’s Racial Disparities in Coronavirus Deaths,” NPR

“Our History Lives in Our Homes,” Dr. Tom Shapiro, Professor at Brandeis University 

An infographic explaining food desserts in America from Tulane University

“Black and Hispanic Workers Less Able to Work From Home”

“Wealth and Structural Racism,” Dr. William Darity Jr. Professor at Duke

“Why the Coronavirus is Hitting Black Communities the Hardest,” NPR

 

Song Credit: “Away” by Geographer and “Beach Disco” by Dougie Wood