The Congressional Black Caucus Calls for Racial Data Reporting for COVID-19

In a letter sent by the Congressional Black Caucus on April 7 to Robert Redfield, M.D., Director for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Congressional Black Caucus is calling for immediate racial data reporting for COVID-19 in every state, amidst rising trends in infections and mortality of Black people with coronavirus. To date, only nine states and the District of Columbia have released data based on race, which represents less than 20% of the country. With the limited data of coronavirus deaths out of cities and states across the nation such as Milwaukee (73%), Chicago (67%), Louisiana (70%), D.C. (58%) it is already evident that the death rates are disproportionate to the Black population in these areas hardest hit. We need full disclosure of racial data to identify and prioritize the areas of greatest impact.

In the letter, the Congressional Black Caucus urges the CDC to prioritize the collection and reporting of vital public health data which will include race and risk factors. With this information, Congress and the Administration must work together to prioritize all efforts to ensure every person in America has equitable access to COVID-19 testing and treatment regardless of their race or ethnic background.

“Healthcare disparities in our country have been a long standing issue and concern for the Congressional Black Caucus. The spread of the coronavirus has compounded these issues, leaving Black people even more vulnerable. We need to urgently address these disparities with a targeted response to our community,” said Congresswoman Karen Bass (CA-37), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

The spread and outcome of COVID-19 in the United States has simply brought the issues of healthcare disparities to the forefront of national attention. But it did not catch us by surprise. The Congressional Black Caucus Healthcare Brainstrust, Chaired by Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-20), focuses on identifying the areas of grave concern as it relates to health and healthcare for Black people and advocating for equitable legislative responses.

“Obtaining the data from every state in America is critical to a targeted response that ensures ample resources, including funding and testing, are deployed to the communities hardest hit. The data we are seeing from the few states that are reporting shows that Black people are the most vulnerable and the distribution of resources must reflect this. Without this data, we will continue to risk the lives of people in this country,” said Rep. Robin Kelly, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Healthcare Braintrust.

What we are seeing is more than just an overstretched healthcare system, but instead the result of years of systemic racism, disenfranchisement, and oppression of Black people in America. The reason more Blacks are dying from COVID-19 is a result of a history of structural racism, environmental injustice, income inequality, and the lack of resources in Black communities, which have led to the prominence of health related risk factors such as diabetes and hypertension. With this data along with targeted testing and funding the CBC is confident this will be a more effective approach to overcoming this health crisis in our community and saving Black lives

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Stacey Abrams would be honored to be Biden's running mate

Former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacy Abrams said Thursday that she would be “honored” to be former Vice President Joe Biden’s running mate.

Abrams has previously refused to show interest in the vice presidential position but expressed interest directly for what is believed to be the first time on the political podcast, “Pod Save America.”

“I would be honored to be on the campaign trail as a running mate,” she said. “But that is a process that you can’t campaign for, and I’m not campaigning for. I’m just being straight-forward.”

“But no matter what, my intention is to ensure that Joseph Biden becomes the next president of the United States,” she continued.

[THE HILL]

Tyler Perry buys groceries for senior citizens at dozens of supermarkets

Tyler Perry treated seniors in Georgia and Louisiana to free groceries on Wednesday.

The director, who was born in New Orleans and lives in Atlanta, paid the grocery tabs for senior and higher-risk shoppers at 44 Kroger stores in Metro Atlanta on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the supermarket chain confirmed to ABC News.

He did the same thing for Winn-Dixie shoppers in Louisiana, a representative for the stores said.

Both grocery stores have designated shopping hours for those whom the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have said are at higher risk for developing severe illness as a result of the novel coronavirus.

“We would like to join our customers in thanking Mr. Perry for his kindness and generosity during this unprecedented pandemic,” said Felix Turner, manager of corporate affairs for Kroger’s Atlanta Division. “It was truly a pleasure to see our customers fill with joy and gratitude as the news spread throughout 44 stores across Metro Atlanta.”

Perry, 50, has not commented on the donations, and reportedly told stores to simply say the bills were paid by an anonymous "angel."

[SOURCE: YAHOO]

Michelle Obama criticizes Wisconsin for hold primary during Covid-19 pandemic

Former First Lady Michelle Obama took to Twitter to criticize the state of Wisconsin for going ahead with its primary during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Obama tweeted:

Today, Wisconsin voters had to choose between making their voice heard and keeping themselves and their family safe. No American should ever have to make that choice.

We must do better to ensure voting is safe for all voters.

John Lewis endorses Joe Biden for President

Civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden for president during a call with reporters on Monday and implored Americans to "vote like we never ever, ever voted before."

"It is my belief that we need Joe Biden now more than ever before," Lewis said.

"We need his voice. We need his leadership now more than ever before," he continued. "We need someone who is going to get our country on the right side of history, and help save our planet."