COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted Black Americans, starkly revealing how institutionalized racism intersects with public health and economic vulnerabilities. This module invites you to explore the systemic inequalities embedded in areas such as healthcare access, labor markets, and housing—inequalities that have amplified the pandemic's effects on marginalized racial groups. Through data analysis and critical resources, you’ll uncover how institutional racism perpetuates and reinforces disparities during times of crisis.
For instance, historical labor market discrimination has created race-based economic vulnerabilities, leaving specific groups more exposed to the virus and its consequences. Limited access to healthcare, coupled with inequities in housing and job security, exacerbates these risks, forming a web of interconnected disparities that perpetuate inequality. By examining these patterns, we can uncover the broader social structures that sustain these inequities and consider strategies for systemic change.
Instructions
Step 1:
- Watch the Embedded Video:
“Exposing Disparity: COVID-19’s Lasting Impacts” below to understand the systemic factors contributing to racial disparities during the pandemic. Choose a Topic: Select one aspect of institutionalized racism (e.g., healthcare access, economic vulnerability, vaccine rollout) and explore the resources provided.
View the video
Step 2:
- Analyze the Topic:
Gather data and insights from the materials to answer the following:
- What is causing the disparities?
- How do these factors intersect with historical patterns of inequality?
- What solutions or policy recommendations have been proposed, if any?
- Support Your Analysis: Incorporate data, quotes, or visuals from the resources to strengthen your response.