All communities are suffering from the global COVID-19 pandemic. It comes as no surprise, however, that COVID-19 is exacerbating the generational disparities faced by the African American community, and we are disproportionately experiencing the most negative consequences when compared to other racial and ethnic groups. We are dying more from the virus, our restaurant, construction, technology and marijuana businesses are closing, struggling to stay afloat, or can’t even get the capital and assistance to start when they need it the most. We continue to get killed by the police for nonviolent offenses, and ignored by politicians as the rich are empowered to become wealthier. Organized by the California Urban Partnership, the Sacramento African American Coalition On COVID-19 focused a Virtual Town Hall on framing racial wealth gaps, local Black business and economic development, as well as family financial issues and struggles. Over 200 community leaders, residents and activists gathered to channel community feedback into ACTION! They focused on shaping how the City ($89M) and County ($182M) of Sacramento directs some of the $271M in federal CARES Act funding to support business and family economic development in the Black community. Of the nearly $148 million in CARES Act funding that the County had spent by August 2020, more than $104 million went toward paying for Sheriff's salaries and benefits instead of addressing the public health crises. Despite this injustice, this convening supported a series of community organizing efforts that changed media narratives to influence County and City officials to be more equitable in funding public health and economic development needs in communities already vulnerable and most harmed by COVID-19. The struggle continues, as well as CUP efforts to partner with systems change advocates to help Black and Indigenous People of Color TAKE ACTION, and ensure that our voices are heard!
