We’ve all seen and heard the statistics: In the COVID-19 pandemic, black Americans are getting sick and dying at a rate higher than their portion of the population.
Many reasons have been put forward to explain this, from levels of poverty and economic inequality, to inadequate access to healthcare, to the continuing effects of long-term racism and injustice. But whatever the reasons, it is time to talk about it.
On Wednesday, May 6th, a forum will be live-streamed from Simmons College of Kentucky to look at this problem and discuss what to do about it. It is part of the ongoing series hosted by Simmons College called the “West Louisville Forum: Solutions for Urban America.” The forum is entitled “When white America gets sick, black America gets hospitalized: Will Congress fight for racial equity during the pandemic.”
The forum will feature Dr. Kevin Cosby, the president of Simmons College, and Cong. John Yarmuth, the representative from Kentucky’s 3rd congressional district and the chair of the House Budget Committee.
Normally the West Louisville Forum is held in person, but with the continuing threat of COVID-19, this forum will be virtual only. It begins at 11:00 AM Eastern, and can be viewed on either the Facebook page or the YouTube channel of Simmons College.
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