US Surgeon General Jerome Adams meant well, but...

By George L. Cook III, AfricaAmericanReports.Com

I understand some of the anger directed at US Surgeon General Jerome Adams for his message to African Americans about the impact the Covid-19 pandemic is having on Black Communities. Although I have an issue with one part of his speech I also believe he meant well and it was mainly the delivery that was flawed.

Although I don't like hearing stereotypical terms like "Big Mama" and don't know anyone that says that, I understand Adams was clumsily trying to make a connection to an African American audience.

I have no problem at all with the use of terms like "pop pop" because my daughter called her grandpa that.

Adams was right in saying communities of color are more vulnerable to coronavirus complications and fatalities because they suffer disproportionately from chronic health conditions, and due to the “burden of social ills.”

Where Adams went wrong was when he asked African Americans to avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drugs as if we're the only segment of the country that has those vices. He unintentionally made it seem as many Black Americans have those vices and that's why we are so impacted by Covid-19.

Unfortunately those infuriating words took the focus off the main message of his speech. He did try to clean it up later but the damage had been done.

That being said it is important that we as African Americans follow all of the Covid-19 guidelines meant to protect us and others.

Stay home if at all possible, wear a face mask when you must leave home, practice social distancing, and wash your hands often.

Take care of yourselves!

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.