COVID-19 new, but racism has been here the entire time
When COVID-19 entered our world, I thought it wasn’t that serious and assumed it would pass in a few weeks or months like so many other things.
Boy, was I wrong.
COVID19 came and turned everyone’s world around and life hasn’t been the same since.
Everything has changed, including the things we all took for granted such as going to places like church and the grocery store.
As if COVID-19 wasn’t enough to deal with, we were also hit with the social injustice against Black people, primarily
Black men.
The virus is new in humans.
Racism is not, even though some still don’t acknowledge its impact on lives the way I did not at first recognize the severity of COVID-19.
Racism has always been swept under the rug. The trash pile is now too high to be hidden. The filth has seeped out for the world to see.
COVID-19 and the social injustice issues greatly impact my world and the world of many others who have a disability.
I require daily assistance to maintain my independence and a lot of my assistance comes from Black men. I’m the youngest of six and have four brothers who are Black.
They are all great men and responsible, tax-paying citizens. I also have an awesome guy, a significant other, who’s Black and equally as great.
The men in my life are always there for me in my times of need, and this worries me a great deal, now more than ever.
I know we’re not supposed to live life worrying about “what if ’s” but I’m there now. While I’m being transported by one of my great men, I often think about being pulled over by a cop and being confronted by racism.
I am constantly worried that the police might not respect the fact that no matter what, my kings’ main concern is to make sure I’m safe and OK.
None of my kings are confrontational unless pushed to their limit.
And, everyone has a limit where injustice and mistreatment will not be tolerated.
This is a major concern of mine for many Black men who have chosen a career of assisting people with disabilities, including my brother and nephew. I hate to think something could go terribly wrong while they were just doing their job.
As COVID-19 continues, there are going to be even more positions opening in the field of assisting people with disabilities and many may be filled by Black men. We don’t want to deter good potential workers from these jobs just because the system is unjust. I’m praying this unjust system can be fixed.
COVID-19 has made it clear it’s not going anywhere soon. It’s just something we’re going to have to deal with for a while. Although I may not like it, I can maintain. As for the unjust treatment against my people, I’m sick of that.
I was taught that America was the home of the free. If free doesn’t include all people, it’s time to rewrite history so it does, or go down trying.
Shari Cooper is a regular contributor. She is the public relations assistant for Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley.