urbanintellectuals--2020-03-27--THE AFRICAN UNIVERSALISTS CALENDAR

THE AFRICAN UNIVERSALISTS CALENDAR

A people with no reverence for their past have no future .
The African story is part of our collective human story .
All people ought to celebrate these important dates in world history .
All successful societies reinforce a narrative of their success and struggle through their holidays Where is your regularly scheduled holidays that reinforce YOU and your people ?
….look below —CALENDAR DATES — —PUT THESE DATES ON YOUR CALENDAR — SHARE THEM WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY – REPOST THIS ***All holidays are recognized by either a show of charity within the African community .
Let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by way of giving a small investment to black children in our lives .
NO community can thrive without actively investing in its next generation .
Let ’ s never suffer for lack of resources or knowledge .
JANUARY 2 – Ancestors day ( Origin : Haiti ) � ( Note : ALL humanity should commemorate the world ’ s first nation of freed slaves .
In a world that promotes freedom and liberty , it ’ s a curious thing that the Haitian fight for freedom is any less regarded than that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 Start of Menelik II ’ s Reign in Ethiopia ( Home to the worlds first Christian nation and one of the oldest Jewish communities ) and Memorial of Harriet Tubman MAY 25 – Africa day ( Celebrated throughout the continent ) AUGUST 17 – Marcus Garvey Day SEPTEMBER 21 – Founder ’ s day is celebrated in commemoration of the birthday of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah , the first President of Ghana and the architect of African liberation .
OCTOBER – Reflection on The black Future – Month-long discussion of the 500 year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reflection on The black Future – Month-long discussion of the 500-year plan ( Powernomics ) � Lastly , the 1st day of Hajj is a commemoration of Mansa Musa ’ s ( 1280-1337 ) 1324 pilgrimage to Mecca .
Not only was he the richest man in world history but we benefit from celebrating his investment in education and technology for his people .
—PUT THESE DATES ON YOUR CALENDAR — SHARE THEM WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY – REPOST THIS ————————————– I recognize the importance of building customs and celebrations that reinforce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black children must see themselves in the face of their heroes both past and present .
Recognition of the dates listed below is meant to celebrate our strength through the strength of their ancestors .
We reserve to ourselves at least 1 day each month to connect with our global family .
We reserve the right to celebrate our strength and accomplishments .
We reserve the right to remind our children that they matter and that we will never again suffer from a lack of knowledge or skill .
We reserve 1 day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have loved us and to project that love into our present and future .
As much as we take pride in African history a more important work is determining the global African future .
The past 500 years have provided a cautionary tale .
Let ’ s ensure we are the ones writing the chapter of the next 500 years .

A people with no reverence for their past have no future.
The African story is part of our collective human story. All people ought to celebrate these important dates in world history.
Successful societies reinforce a narrative of their success and struggle through their holidays.
CALENDAR DATES
PUT THESE DATES ON YOUR CALENDAR — SHARE THEM WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY – REPOST THIS
JANUARY 2 – Ancestry Day (Origin: Haiti) – In French: Jour des Aieux
(Note: ALL humanity should commemorate the world’s first nation of freed slaves. In a world that promotes freedom and liberty, it’s a curious thing that the Haitian fight for freedom is any less regarded than that of America’s founders)
JANUARY (3rd Sunday, falls between Jan 15 – 21, ) – Martin Luther King day (Origin: USA)
FEBRUARY (ALL) – Black History Month (Origin: USA)
MARCH 10 – Start of Menelik II’s Reign in Ethiopia (Origin: Ethiopia) (Home to the worlds first Christian nation and one of the oldest Jewish communities)
MARCH 10 – Harriet Tubman Day (Origin: USA)
APRIL 27 – Freedom Day ( Origin: South Africa)
MAY 19 – Malcolm X Birthday (Origin: USA)
MAY 25 – Africa Day (Celebrated throughout the continent)
May 31 – Commemoration of 1921 Tulsa Race War, the day the first shot rang out. (Origin: USA)
JUNE 19 – Juneteenth (Origin: USA) – commemorates the June 19, 1865, announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas, and more generally the emancipation of enslaved African Americans throughout the former Confederate States of America, outside Native American lands.
JULY 18 – Nelson Mandela’s Birthday ( Origin: South Africa)
AUGUST 4 – Founder’s Day (Origin: Ghana) – National public holiday observed in Ghana to mark the birthday of Ghana’s first president, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah the founding father of Ghana.
AUGUST 17 – Marcus Garvey Day (Origin: Jamaica)
AUGUST 23 – Sankofa Day – International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition (Origin: Europe) – Holiday designated by UNESCO and observed each year in London’s Trafalgar Square.
AUGUST 30 – Fred Hampton Day (Origin: USA) – Fred Hampton was born August 30th, 1948
AUGUST (Last Sunday) – Black Marriage Day (Origin: USA)
SEPTEMBER 21 – Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day (Origin: Ghana) is celebrated in commemoration of the birthday of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana and the architect of African liberation.
OCTOBER (ALL) – Reflection on The Black Future – Month-long discussion of the 500-year plan, Powernomics (Origin: USA)
NOVEMBER 20 – Black Consciousness Day (or Zumbi Day) (Origin: Brazil) – In Portuguese: Dia da Consciência Negra, is observed annually on November 20 as a day “to celebrate a regained awareness by the black community about their great worth and contribution to the country”.
Black Awareness Day has been celebrated since the 1960s and has amplified its events in the last few years. Originally, it was celebrated on May 13 (the date of abolition of slavery in Brazil). It was later moved to November 20 to honor Zumbi’s death and is sometimes called Zumbi Day. It is an official state holiday in Alagoas, Amazonas, Amapá, Mato Grosso, and Rio de Janeiro, and marked elsewhere by multiple city councils.
DECEMBER 26 — JANUARY 1 – Kwanzaa (Origin: USA)
—
We believe our Black children must see themselves in the face of their heroes both past and present. Recognition of the dates listed below is meant to celebrate our strength through the strength of their ancestors. We reserve to ourselves at least 1 day each month to connect with our global family. We reserve the right to celebrate our strength and accomplishments. We reserve the right to remind our children that they matter and that we will never again suffer from a lack of knowledge or skill.
We reserve 1 day each month to show love to ancestors who have loved us and to project that love into our present and future. As much as we take pride in African history a more important work is determining the global African future. The past 500 years have provided a cautionary tale. Let’s ensure we are the ones writing the chapter of the next 500 years.
Note: If you know of any holidays we should add, please reach out to us at support AT urbanintellectuals.com


urbanintellectuals--2020-03-26--“I’m Sorry” Testimony of White admits she lied in a case that jailed five Black teens 18 years ago!

“ I ’ m Sorry ” Testimony of White admits she lied in a case that jailed five Black teens @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m so sorry for what happened , ” Black explained to the commission @ @ @ @ @ reviewing the case and then determining whether the young men were falsely convicted of murder @ @ @ @ @ sorry for ( Jones ’ family ’ s ) loss , and I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ they did … I ’ m just sorry.
” These are the words of Jessicah @ @ @ @ @ key witness who helped send five teenagers to prison for murder 18 years ago .
@ @ @ @ @ a hearing before the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission and admitted she lied !
She @ @ @ @

“I’m so sorry for what happened,” Black explained to the commission, which is tasked with reviewing the case and then determining whether the young men were falsely convicted of murder. “I am so sorry for (Jones’ family’s) loss, and I’m sorry that things went as they did … I’m just sorry.”
These are the words of Jessicah Black, she was a key witness who helped send five teenagers to prison for murder 18 years ago.
She gave her testimony during a hearing before the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission and admitted she lied! She ruined their lives!
Story source.


urbanintellectuals--2020-03-26--“Absolute bulls**t” Idris Elba hits back over claims he is being paid to say he has coronavirus!

“ Absolute bulls**t ” Idris Elba hits back over claims he is being paid to say he has coronavirus !
After Idris Elba tested positive for Corona Virus , and later his wife , you wouldn ’ t have suspected too much insesnsitivity .
The virus is spreading across the world , so there is no reason why it wouldn ’ t hit a few well-known people !
BUT , theories such as one pushed by the likes of Cardi B are saying that these celebs , including Elba , are being paid to say they have it !
Idris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choice words to say “ this idea that someone like myself is gon na be paid to say ‘ I ’ ve got coronavirus , ’ that ’ s , like , absolute bulls*** , ” Elba declared .
“ Such stupidness and people wan na spread that as if it ’ s news .
That ’ s stupid .
That ’ s the quickest way to get people sick .
There ’ s no benefit to me and Sabrina sitting here saying we ’ ve got it when we ain ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even understand the logic of that.
” Read more of Elba ’ s comments and about the theory on Yahoo here .

After Idris Elba tested positive for Corona Virus, and later his wife, you wouldn’t have suspected too much insesnsitivity. The virus is spreading across the world, so there is no reason why it wouldn’t hit a few well-known people!
BUT, theories such as one pushed by the likes of Cardi B are saying that these celebs, including Elba, are being paid to say they have it!
Idris jumped to Ig Live and a few choice words to say
“this idea that someone like myself is gonna be paid to say ‘I’ve got coronavirus,’ that’s, like, absolute bulls***,” Elba declared. “Such stupidness and people wanna spread that as if it’s news. That’s stupid. That’s the quickest way to get people sick. There’s no benefit to me and Sabrina sitting here saying we’ve got it when we ain’t got it. I don’t even understand the logic of that.”
Read more of Elba’s comments and about the theory on Yahoo here.


urbanintellectuals--2020-03-27--20 Black Holidays To Celebrate Your History & Culture Instead of the White Washed Ones

20 Black Holidays To Celebrate Your History & Culture Instead of the White Washed Ones A people with no reverence for their past have no future .
The African story is part of our collective human story .
All people ought to celebrate these important dates in world history .
Successful societies reinforce a narrative of their success and struggle through their holidays .
PUT THESE DATES ON YOUR CALENDAR — SHARE THEM WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY – REPOST THIS JANUARY 2 – Ancestry Day ( Origin : Haiti ) – In French : Jour des Aieux ( Note @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s first nation of freed slaves .
In a world that promotes freedom and liberty , it ’ s a curious thing that the Haitian fight for freedom is any less regarded than that of America ’ s founders ) MARCH 10 – Start of Menelik II ’ s Reign in Ethiopia ( Origin : Ethiopia ) ( Home to the worlds first Christian nation and one of the oldest Jewish communities ) MAY 25 – Africa Day ( Celebrated throughout the continent ) JUNE 19 – Juneteenth ( Origin : USA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1865 , announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas , and more generally the emancipation of enslaved African Americans throughout the former Confederate States of America , outside Native American lands .
AUGUST 4 – Founder ’ s Day ( Origin : Ghana ) – National public holiday observed in Ghana to mark the birthday of Ghana ’ s first president , Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah the founding father of Ghana .
AUGUST 23 – Sankofa Day – International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition ( Origin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UNESCO and observed each year in London ’ s Trafalgar Square .
SEPTEMBER 21 – Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day ( Origin : Ghana ) is celebrated in commemoration of the birthday of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah , the first President of Ghana and the architect of African liberation .
OCTOBER ( ALL ) – Reflection on The Black Future – Month-long discussion of the 500-year plan , Powernomics ( Origin : USA ) NOVEMBER 20 – Black Consciousness Day ( or Zumbi Day ) ( Origin : Brazil ) – In Portuguese : Dia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on November 20 as a day “ to celebrate a regained awareness by the black community about their great worth and contribution to the country ” .
Black Awareness Day has been celebrated since the 1960s and has amplified its events in the last few years .
Originally , it was celebrated on May 13 ( the date of abolition of slavery in Brazil ) .
It was later moved to November 20 to honor Zumbi ’ s death and is sometimes called Zumbi Day .
It is an official state holiday in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grosso , and Rio de Janeiro , and marked elsewhere by multiple city councils .
We believe our Black children must see themselves in the face of their heroes both past and present .
Recognition of the dates listed below is meant to celebrate our strength through the strength of their ancestors .
We reserve to ourselves at least 1 day each month to connect with our global family .
We reserve the right to celebrate our strength and accomplishments .
We reserve the right to remind our children that they matter and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lack of knowledge or skill .
We reserve 1 day each month to show love to ancestors who have loved us and to project that love into our present and future .
As much as we take pride in African history a more important work is determining the global African future .
The past 500 years have provided a cautionary tale .
Let ’ s ensure we are the ones writing the chapter of the next 500 years .
Note : If you know of any holidays we should add , please @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urbanintellectuals.com


urbanintellectuals--2020-04-02--Almost Homeless, Laid Off, Divorcing, $32 in the Bank, NOW Gwen Has Opened a 4,000 Sq Ft Manufacturi

Almost Homeless, Laid Off, Divorcing, $32 in the Bank, NOW Gwen Has Opened a 4,000 Sq Ft Manufacturing Facility For Her Haircare Empire

Almost Homeless , Laid Off , Divorcing , $ 32 in the Bank , NOW Gwen Has Opened a 4,000 Sq Ft Manufacturing Facility For Her Haircare Empire Gwen Jimmere had just $ 32 in the bank !
What would you do in that situation ?
You ’ d laugh if we suggested you start a business but that is what Gwen did and it was the best decision of her life .
Gwen had been laid off from her corporate gig , she was going through a grueling divorce and had a one and a half-year-old son .
All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she stared Naturalicious from her basement in 2013 .
7 years on and they just celebrated the company birthday in a brand new 4,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Detroit , they are getting ready to open their own branded salons and much more… It is clear Gwen has only just begun to unleash her full potential .
Naturalicious is not a fluke , Gwen has been extremely studious and careful with her growth , the new facility was a long time coming as the business ensured that it was the right thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed a space for , the production facilities and the shipping warehouse .
They also needed space for Services to Enhance Potential ( STEP ) , a non-profit that connects businesses with men and women with special needs who are looking for employment .
Between Naturaliious and STEP there are 13 full-time staff members .
BlackBusiness.com elaborated more on the plans for the upcoming salon : More than just hair care products Coming up next is the opening of the Naturalicious Salon , something customers have been asking for for years .
Naturalicious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-esteem they crave , and the convenience they need , as her products have saved over 70,000 customers more than 1.2 million minutes on their hair routine .
And while their hair has become healthier and easier to maintain thanks to the products , Naturalicious customers are frequently asking for styling tips and tricks that keep hair healthier longer .
By opening the salon , Naturalicious Certified Stylists are able to give even more time back to women , educate them about their hair type and product ingredients , while providing a fun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Launching with one location to start , it ’ s Gwen ’ s goal to expand as quickly as possible and continue spreading the Naturalicious message of confidence and convenience when it comes to beauty .
Gwen has so many accolades to her name !
She was the first African American to receive a patent for a Hair Care product , through Naturalicious she has given thousands of dollars to Battered women ’ s shelters , she is a change maker in her community employing people above minimum wage and also a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she stands !
This is why we featured Gwen in our Black History Flashcards ( available here ) .
Gwen is Black History and we are proud to know her .
Learn more about the company at www.naturalicious.net

Gwen Jimmere had just $32 in the bank! What would you do in that situation? You’d laugh if we suggested you start a business but that is what Gwen did and it was the best decision of her life.
Gwen had been laid off from her corporate gig, she was going through a grueling divorce and had a one and a half-year-old son.
All this was happening at the point when she stared Naturalicious from her basement in 2013.
7 years on and they just celebrated the company birthday in a brand new 4,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Detroit, they are getting ready to open their own branded salons and much more… It is clear Gwen has only just begun to unleash her full potential.
Naturalicious is not a fluke, Gwen has been extremely studious and careful with her growth, the new facility was a long time coming as the business ensured that it was the right thing to push forward their growth. They needed a space for, the production facilities and the shipping warehouse. They also needed space for Services to Enhance Potential (STEP), a non-profit that connects businesses with men and women with special needs who are looking for employment. Between Naturaliious and STEP there are 13 full-time staff members.
BlackBusiness.com elaborated more on the plans for the upcoming salon:
More than just hair care products
Coming up next is the opening of the Naturalicious Salon, something customers have been asking for for years. Naturalicious products have given customers the confidence and self-esteem they crave, and the convenience they need, as her products have saved over 70,000 customers more than 1.2 million minutes on their hair routine. And while their hair has become healthier and easier to maintain thanks to the products, Naturalicious customers are frequently asking for styling tips and tricks that keep hair healthier longer.
By opening the salon, Naturalicious Certified Stylists are able to give even more time back to women, educate them about their hair type and product ingredients, while providing a fun, one-of-a-kind atmosphere not found anywhere else. Launching with one location to start, it’s Gwen’s goal to expand as quickly as possible and continue spreading the Naturalicious message of confidence and convenience when it comes to beauty.
Gwen has so many accolades to her name! She was the first African American to receive a patent for a Hair Care product, through Naturalicious she has given thousands of dollars to Battered women’s shelters, she is a change maker in her community employing people above minimum wage and also a live speaker spreading wisdom and empowerment wherever she stands!
This is why we featured Gwen in our Black History Flashcards (available here). Gwen is Black History and we are proud to know her.
Learn more about the company at www.naturalicious.net
For press inquiries, contact Sara Spiegel at [email protected]


urbanintellectuals--2020-04-03--These 18 Black Nurses fought the 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic and paved the way for Black women in nurs

These 18 Black Nurses fought the 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic and paved the way for Black women in nursing and better health in Black communities.

These 18 Black Nurses fought the 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic and paved the way for Black women in nursing and better health in Black communities .
Black women have a long history of nursing their communities to health in the United States .
In the late 1800- early 1900s Black communities fought against discrimination in healthcare by establishing Black hospitals and hospital-based training programs for nurses .
In 1908 Black women nurses formed the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses ( NACGN ) and a couple of years later more than 3000 Black women and 200 men identified as professional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to face racism .
As World War I raged on , Black nurses were not allowed to join the ranks as Red Cross military nurses because the military did not want to provide segregated quarters for them .
Because of this Black soldiers were dying from substandard care .
When the 1918 influenza pandemic began there were hundreds of Black nurses ready to serve , and although by this time many were part of the Red Cross they were still not officially allowed to serve .
With their creativity and good spirit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the communities , going into mining camps to help save white and black miners who were “ dropping like flies ” .
In the time before antibiotics , good nursing care was the only way to survive the flu , so the demand for nurses grew , and Black nurses started to be incorporated into care even of white prominent families where they would have not been allowed before .
Once the armistice to end World War I was signed , 18 Black nurses were finally allowed to serve in two army camps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had died of the flu in 36 hours , and Camp Grant .
The nurses that served there cared for both Black and white patients and became highly regarded by the patients , many becoming the patients ’ favorites although they were still oppressed by their superiors and not given opportunities to lead .
By “ making a way out of no way ” these 18 Black Nurses were able to thrive and lead in their communities after the pandemic subsided .
Some became nurses in racially integrated city hospitals , others started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political influence arguing for breaking down of barriers preventing black nurses from fully participating in training programs and from having positions of leadership .
They set a precedent so that in World War 2 Black nurses were allowed to patriotically serve their country .
Black women were in the front-lines of the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 and continue to be in the front-lines now that we are fighting COVID-19 The names of some of the 18 were : In March 1919 , Mattie McGhee , widow of civil rights pioneer Frederick McGhee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Camp Sherman nurses , with an attached note stating : “ These young women willingly responded to the call when the country needed them , some of them giving valiant service during the Flu Epidemic , under the American Red Cross .
Having been assigned to military duty they have faced every difficulty and are winning many small battles for the race.
” She added that the chief nurse had reported : “ They have done well with a vengeance.
” In the picture : Aileen Cole and Clara Rollins , Sophia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nancy Jeanette Minnis , Susie Boulding , Lillian Spears , and C. Jeannette West , Lillian Ball Photograph of the Camp Sherman Nurses .
Courtesy , Special Collections and University Archives , University of Massachusetts Amherst Libraries Printed with permission .
The other 9 nurses , sent to camp Grant were Eva Clay , Willie DePriest , Virginia R. Steele , Mabel Williams , Magnolia Diggs , Nettie B. Vick , Frances A. Stewart , Pearl Helen Billings , and Anna E. Oliver Ramos .
Marian Moser Jones , Matilda Saines , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Great Flu Pandemic in the United States ” , American Journal of Public Health 109 , no .
6 ( June 1 , 2019 ) : pp .
877-884 .

Black women have a long history of nursing their communities to health in the United States. In the late 1800- early 1900s Black communities fought against discrimination in healthcare by establishing Black hospitals and hospital-based training programs for nurses. In 1908 Black women nurses formed the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN) and a couple of years later more than 3000 Black women and 200 men identified as professional nurses.
However, they still continued to face racism. As World War I raged on, Black nurses were not allowed to join the ranks as Red Cross military nurses because the military did not want to provide segregated quarters for them. Because of this Black soldiers were dying from substandard care.
When the 1918 influenza pandemic began there were hundreds of Black nurses ready to serve, and although by this time many were part of the Red Cross they were still not officially allowed to serve. With their creativity and good spirit, the nurses found other ways to serve the communities, going into mining camps to help save white and black miners who were “dropping like flies”.
In the time before antibiotics, good nursing care was the only way to survive the flu, so the demand for nurses grew, and Black nurses started to be incorporated into care even of white prominent families where they would have not been allowed before.
Once the armistice to end World War I was signed, 18 Black nurses were finally allowed to serve in two army camps: Camp Sherman, where 115 men had died of the flu in 36 hours, and Camp Grant. The nurses that served there cared for both Black and white patients and became highly regarded by the patients, many becoming the patients’ favorites although they were still oppressed by their superiors and not given opportunities to lead.
By “making a way out of no way” these 18 Black Nurses were able to thrive and lead in their communities after the pandemic subsided. Some became nurses in racially integrated city hospitals, others started nurse-training programs and others became forces of political influence arguing for breaking down of barriers preventing black nurses from fully participating in training programs and from having positions of leadership. They set a precedent so that in World War 2 Black nurses were allowed to patriotically serve their country.
Black women were in the front-lines of the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 and continue to be in the front-lines now that we are fighting COVID-19
The names of some of the 18 were:
Aileen Cole and Clara Rollins, Frances Reed Elliott, Susie Boulding
In March 1919, Mattie McGhee, widow of civil rights pioneer Frederick McGhee, sent The Crisis a photo of the Camp Sherman nurses, with an attached note stating: “These young women willingly responded to the call when the country needed them, some of them giving valiant service during the Flu Epidemic, under the American Red Cross. Having been assigned to military duty they have faced every difficulty and are winning many small battles for the race.” She added that the chief nurse had reported: “They have done well with a vengeance.”
In the picture: Aileen Cole and Clara Rollins, Sophia A. Hill, Marion H. Brown, Nancy Jeanette Minnis, Susie Boulding , Lillian Spears, and C. Jeannette West, Lillian Ball
Photograph of the Camp Sherman Nurses. Courtesy, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Massachusetts Amherst Libraries Printed with permission.
The other 9 nurses, sent to camp Grant were Eva Clay, Willie DePriest, Virginia R. Steele, Mabel Williams, Magnolia Diggs, Nettie B. Vick, Frances A. Stewart, Pearl Helen Billings, and Anna E. Oliver Ramos.
Summarized from:
Marian Moser Jones, Matilda Saines, “The Eighteen of 1918–1919: Black Nurses and the Great Flu Pandemic in the United States”, American Journal of Public Health 109, no. 6 (June 1, 2019): pp. 877-884.
https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/full/10.2105/AJPH.2019.305003


urbanintellectuals--2020-04-03--Black Americans are disproportionately affected by COVID-19

When the COVID-19 pandemic started a low number of cases in Africa gave the African-American community a sense that the virus would affect them less .
However , as the data starts to emerge it ’ s becoming clear that inequalities in terms of resources , access to services , discrimination , and messaging that doesn ’ t connect with our communities , are all creating a ticking time bomb for COVID-19 disproportionally affecting Black Americans .
So far , in Michigan and Illinois more than one-third of cases of COVID-19 are Black people , even though they only make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in both states .
This problem could grow , those most vulnerable to severe effects of the novel coronavirus are people with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure both of which have high incidence rates in the Black American population .
Other vulnerable groups include low-income communities where people have no choice but to continue going to work , and who also don ’ t have the resources to receive adequate medical care once they get sick .
In addition , a medical bias where doctors tend to under-diagnose and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trust what the patients are saying .
This is highlighted in the case of 25-year-old Bassey Offion who died when doctors refused to give him the test for COVID-19 despite showing multiple symptoms .
As cases in the United States continue to rise , with now more than 250,000 cases and 6,500 deaths , we need more data to be able to say exactly how much more this virus is affecting our communities .
As always , it ’ s up to our communities to advocate for ourselves and our health and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apart ) to take care , wash their hands and stay home if they can .

When the COVID-19 pandemic started a low number of cases in Africa gave the African-American community a sense that the virus would affect them less.
However, as the data starts to emerge it’s becoming clear that inequalities in terms of resources, access to services, discrimination, and messaging that doesn’t connect with our communities, are all creating a ticking time bomb for COVID-19 disproportionally affecting Black Americans.
So far, in Michigan and Illinois more than one-third of cases of COVID-19 are Black people, even though they only make up about 14% of the population in both states.
This problem could grow, those most vulnerable to severe effects of the novel coronavirus are people with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure both of which have high incidence rates in the Black American population. Other vulnerable groups include low-income communities where people have no choice but to continue going to work, and who also don’t have the resources to receive adequate medical care once they get sick.
In addition, a medical bias where doctors tend to under-diagnose and under-treat black patients because they do not trust what the patients are saying. This is highlighted in the case of 25-year-old Bassey Offion who died when doctors refused to give him the test for COVID-19 despite showing multiple symptoms.
As cases in the United States continue to rise, with now more than 250,000 cases and 6,500 deaths, we need more data to be able to say exactly how much more this virus is affecting our communities. As always, it’s up to our communities to advocate for ourselves and our health and to tell our neighbors (from 6 ft apart) to take care, wash their hands and stay home if they can.
Further reading:
https://wdet.org/posts/2020/04/03/89447-covid-19-disproportionately-impacting-african-american-michiganders/
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/04/stop-looking-away-race-covid-19-victims/609250/