As COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc across the United States, it has become painfully evident that Black individuals are experiencing significantly higher mortality rates from the virus compared to other racial and ethnic groups. For instance, in Illinois, while Black residents represent only 14% of the population, they account for an astonishing 38% of COVID-19 cases. The underlying cause of this disparity is tied to deeply rooted institutional and systemic racism.
Some may dismiss the importance of discussing race in the context of a national health crisis, accusing advocates of “making everything about race.” However, racism is an ever-present reality in our society, making it crucial to address its implications during a pandemic. The stark truth is that the higher rate of COVID-19 deaths among Black people is largely attributable to their race, with two key factors at play: access to healthcare and pre-existing health conditions. Chronic illnesses such as hypertension, asthma, diabetes, and heart disease disproportionately affect Black communities, leaving many individuals immunocompromised. Compounding this issue is the lack of access to quality healthcare, which puts many at greater risk when facing the virus.
Dr. Amina Williams, a family physician and health equity researcher, asserts that COVID-19 is exposing the long-standing disinvestment in marginalized communities and the historical injustices linked to residential segregation. “This pandemic is a moment to confront the reality of systemic racism,” she explains. “The disparities we see are not coincidental; they stem from a society that has undervalued certain lives.”
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) typically publishes data on demographics affected by viral outbreaks, it has yet to release race-specific information regarding COVID-19. However, local health departments are gathering their own data. In Cook County, for example, as of April 4th, 107 of the 183 COVID-related deaths were among Black residents, who make up only 26% of Chicago’s population.
Milwaukee presents a similar picture. COVID-19 spread rapidly from an affluent suburb into the Black community, resulting in nearly half of the county’s COVID cases being among Black residents. Despite comprising just 26% of the population, Black individuals represented 81% of the county’s deaths as of April 3rd. Dr. Marco Jennings, an infectious disease specialist, warns that the situation is dire, stating, “The health crises our patients face are compounded by this pandemic, and the consequences will be devastating.”
Underlying health issues, such as asthma, heart disease, and diabetes, are exacerbated by COVID-19 symptoms. In Cook County, a staggering 81% of Black individuals who died from the virus had a history of hypertension or diabetes. Dr. Linda Carter, a health policy expert, emphasizes that this is a predictable outcome: “Those already vulnerable will inevitably suffer more severe consequences when a pandemic strikes.”
Moreover, systemic inequities in healthcare access contribute to the crisis. Black individuals frequently experience inadequate medical care, with healthcare providers often dismissing their pain and symptoms. The difficulty in obtaining COVID-19 tests means many may delay seeking medical attention until it’s too late. This is especially alarming in a country where Black women face a higher likelihood of mortality during childbirth, highlighting the pre-existing disparities that this pandemic has only intensified.
A 2012 study by the University of Maryland revealed that 25.6% of Black individuals live in “healthcare deserts,” areas lacking sufficient primary care providers. This shortage means that many may succumb to COVID-19 without ever being diagnosed or treated.
Additionally, many Black individuals continue to work in essential roles—such as grocery store clerks and healthcare workers—often relying on public transportation to commute. This reality exacerbates their exposure to the virus, placing them at even greater risk.
Ultimately, the statistics from places like Illinois and Milwaukee reveal a troubling reality: Black communities are bearing the brunt of this pandemic. Recognizing that these communities are suffering at disproportionate rates is not “playing the race card”; it is acknowledging a systemic issue that demands urgent attention.
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Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic is disproportionately affecting Black communities in the U.S., with systemic racism and healthcare disparities at the forefront of this crisis. The data shows alarming rates of infection and death among Black individuals, highlighting the urgent need for recognition and action regarding these inequities.
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