John --
This moment is exposing what we have always known: In a nation where systemic racism is the norm,
we are vulnerable.
For decades, we have been fighting to improve the material conditions of our lives. We have fought against and worked to overcome systemic racism, economic inequality, and mass incarceration. Now, during a global pandemic, the impact of this bias is clearer than ever.
This virus is devastating us.
We represent the vast majority of COVID-related deaths in Chicago, Louisiana, and Michigan. Black people are dying at rates that are two and three times our population share -- and that is only what we know right now. These numbers will increase as the virus continues to engulf our vulnerable communities.
We must learn to what extent we are at risk, and that starts with states accurately reporting racial and ethnic data immediately. We must stand up and demand our government investigate the unique ways the coronavirus is affecting Black populations and take all necessary actions to keep us safe. Join us and sign the petition today.
We are losing our friends, family, and neighbors at unprecedented and disproportionate rates as COVID-19 tears through our communities -- and the reason why is no secret: We have never had access to adequate health care in our communities, and many of us don’t even know we have the pre-existing conditions the coronavirus feeds on.
There is no protection plan for the prison population, which is disproportionately Black. On top of that, incarcerated people are denied basic sanitary products and are fundamentally unable to practice social distancing.
We are the essential workers who keep the country going: We are the mail carriers, delivery personnel, transportation providers, and hospital workers. We cannot just #stayhome.
We need every state and municipality to collect and release the demographic data on who is contracting and dying from this disease in order to best determine the resources and funding needed in communities hit hardest by the pandemic. Add your name today.
We will continue to shine a spotlight on the racist systems that continue to upend our communities. We will continue to demand our communities receive the resources and support we need.
We will continue to fight for our lives.
In love and solidarity,
Kailee Scales, Managing Director
Black Lives Matter Global Network
