This episode of the Racial Equity and Hunger National Learning Network Podcast is part three of our deep dive into the intersection of hunger, COVID-19 and the African-American communities and focuses on how racism is showing up in our healthcare systems during COVID-19, furthermore increasing hunger. Co-hosts Marlysa D. Gamblin and Donald Wood continue the powerful discussion from the first two episodes with subject matter experts from around the country and provide tangible recommendations to promote racial equity for anti-hunger organizations, funders, and policymakers.

When Kansas State football players returned to campus the week of June 8, there was a brief feeling of optimism after months of uncertainty.

The COVID-19 outbreak has claimed more than 100,000 American lives, but evidence shows the disease has cut an especially wide swath of serious illness and death through African American communities in the United States. It is not entirely clear why, but healthcare experts say that complex, deeply rooted socioeconomic issues and healthcare inequities are the most probable explanation.

Two weeks ago, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp drew sharp criticisms from African Americans across the country. Black politicians, social media commenters, and others blasted the governor, saying his decision to lift his state’s month-long stay-at-home order by first opening businesses like barbershops, nail salons, sneaker stores, tattoo parlors, gyms, and bowling alleys put the lives of Blacks at risk. Those are businesses African Americans frequent, his critics pointed out.

Dr. Melva Thompson-Robinson knows the data on the disparate impact of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 on African Americans and other minorities. Her key concern is how racism and unconscious bias continue to act as an accelerant of the pandemic.

As manager of the Southern Nevada Health District’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Maria Azzarelli works with local governments and community partners to prevent chronic disease — something that impacts and kills some demographic groups more than others.

The updates have become as commonplace as checking the weather app on your phone each morning.