The impact of structural racism on Black & Brown Americans has been clear to some for a minute. #COVID19 is no different. Let’s use the pandemic as an opportunity to connect these dots for all. A thread inspired by @eduactivist215 + article by @hilarybeard https://www.colorlines.com/articles/ring-alarm-covid-19-presents-grave-danger-communities-color

Wealth. As of 2013, Black and Latino families held about 1/68 the amount of household wealth that White families had. Structural racism is behind this. This means no reserves when jobs are lost due to #COVID19 and economy tanks. /2 https://twitter.com/Eugenia_South/status/1201691403467808768?s=20

Jobs. Many of the *low-wage* jobs deemed essential right now are held by minorities. Case in point: custodial staff. @LashNolen argues in @Health_Affairs for recognition and protection for these often invisible but vital front line workers. /3 https://twitter.com/LashNolen/status/1243582434580393985?s=20

Education. Moving edu online has exposed many cracks, like not even having a computer or lacking adequate internet access to participate in online learning. A wealthy family helped plug a hole in Philly, but structural problems need a structural fix. /4 https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-closures-comcast-brian-roberts-chromebooks-philadelphia-school-district-technology-computers-20200327.html

Also, churches have long played an important role in the fabric of Black communities. Even though doors are closed, church is still open.

If you are able, please tithe & give offerings online so churches can continue to stand in the gap for many struggling families right now /5

And yes, where we live matters for health even in #COVID19. A map is worth 1000 words. @uressien @dronibee /6 https://twitter.com/UREssien/status/1243875548474028032?s=20

Finally, I pray the innovative ways we are trying to protect the vulnerable (early release from prison, moratorium on evictions, etc), can be a jumping off point for creating a robust social safety net post #COVID19. Because when it ends, structural racism will still be here. END