A Community Panel: The COVID-19 Pandemic and Impacts on Communities of Color in the Upstate (Virtual)

The novel coronavirus has reinforced many ugly truths about racial disparities pervasive and entrenched in our society. Long-standing structural health and social inequities in the United States have created stark imbalances, where Black and Brown communities are disproportionately impacted by the virus and ensuing pandemic. More so, institutionalized racism manifests in differential access to healthcare, education, economic stability, the criminal justice system and broader social services. This virtual event is an opportunity to highlight the impacts of the global pandemic in the Upstate, and the efforts community organizers and service organizations have prioritized as a means to tackle these challenging times. Panelists will address a wide variety of issues and the unique implications from a community engagement lens.