With New York City beginning Phase 1 of re-opening this week following the Coronavirus pandemic, we want to stop for a second to recognize the detrimental and disproportionate effect that it had on people of color, specifically Black people. Reports from New York Magazine show that in April, at the virus’s peak, black New Yorkers died at a rate of 204.79 per 100,000 people while white New Yorkers died at a rate of 102.94 per 100,000 people.
As the nation recovers and works towards some semblance of normalcy, we’re faced with the reality that perhaps normalcy shouldn’t be the goal at all. Perhaps it’s an opportunity to do our part in leveling a tremendously unleveled playing field. It’s time we all make a concerted effort in supporting and revitalizing the businesses of the population that was hit the hardest by COVID-19. In an effort to provide visibility and support we want to shed light on some Black-owned businesses that are currently operating that you can patron right now.