An Epidemic of Inequities: Structural Racism and COVID-19 in the Black Community

Date of Review: September, 2021

A comprehensively cited report from the Chicago Urban League examining the links between systemic factors specifically racism and COVID-19 in the black community. Authors make use of a wide variety of sources to describe the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 in Chicago and more generally throughout the United States. The report investigates social determinates of health such as housing, work environment and barriers relating to internet access and transportation among many others. It goes on to draw clear links between these factors and COVID-19 infections and deaths in black communities. The concise and clear presentation of data contained within this report will certainly serve as a valuable adjunct to SDOH educators creating related curricula. — Ashti Doobay Persaud, MD, NCEAS