As more states release racial demographic information (29 states so far according to The Atlantic), newly released studies show that 31% of Black adults are very concerned about getting COVID-19 compared to 18% of White adults (Pew Research Study conducted April 7 – April 12, 2020). See this Associated Press chart of 24 states and the District of Columbia showing the disproportionate effect on Black communities in each jurisdiction.

U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) (The Daily), U.S. Rep Kamala Harris (D-CA) (Elle), and several local mayors and governors (Politico) continued to highlight the systemic racial divide that has led to the disproportionate mortality rate of Black people. Dr. Ibram Kendi of American University argues that Americans should “recognize how racism distinguishes Black poverty from White poverty, and makes black poverty more vulnerable to a lethal contagion” (The Atlantic). Scholars and local lawmakers expressed concerns about police harassing Black men for wearing a face mask, as recommended by the CDC (New York Times).