COVID-19’s Impact on African Americans in NC

A conversation with Chief Justice Cheri Beasley, Representative Kandie Smith, and Senator Don Davis

Chief Justice, Cheri Beasley, Representative Kandie Smith and Senator Don Davis Q&A with Substantial

WHAT PRESENT AND FUTURE IMPACT HAS COVID-19 HAD ON OUR COMMUNITY AND STATE? 

BEASLEY - The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on all of us in North Carolina. Public safety is the first priority in this unusual time as we have had close to 23,000 confirmed cases and over 700 deaths attributed to the virus. From an economic perspective, we have seen overwhelming rates of unemployment with over 350,000 people in our state having applied for unemployment since mid-March. We’ve never had to address an issue at this scale with the current institutions that are in place, which is why the future impact of Coronavirus cannot quite be known. As we begin to open up in phases, it is extremely important for all of us to exercise caution and realize that there are real concerns for a second wave of infection. 

HOW ARE SOME OF THE SMALL BUSINESSES FAIRING RIGHT NOW? 

SMITH - Plainly put—our small businesses are not doing well at all right now. The Federal Government has released billions in small business aid and we need to make sure that money is actually getting to our small businesses. We talk about it all the time—small businesses are the bedrock of our economy, but now more than ever, we need to show that we’re serious about that - it’s not just something we say. I know our state Small Business Administration and Business Link North Carolina have been working very hard to offer support to business owners, and I would encourage any business in need of assistance to reach out to either of them or my office and we’ll get you the help you need.

WHAT’S THE MESSAGE TO OUR MINORITY COMMUNITY RIGHT NOW? CAN YOU OFFER ANY WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT?

DAVIS - COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting minority communities. We see this trend across the nation and in North Carolina, with 39% of African Americans contracting the virus and 38% dying from it. We must take it seriously. The virus has taken the life of Eugene Thompson, a Mississippi barber just days after his 46th birthday, because he decided to keep his shop open. It took the life of Bishop Gerald Glenn of the New Deliverance Evangelistic Church in Virginia the day before Easter and Jason Hargrove, a Detroit bus driver. There are so many more. Although in different parts of our nation, it is so crucial for us to put a face on this virus. It is real. 

There is an emergency within this state of emergency. When you live in more crowded multifamily housing, social distancing is more challenging. When you do not have a car and have to get a ride, then limiting contact is more challenging. When you cannot work remotely from home, and social distancing does not pay the bills, you are more likely to be exposed to this virus. We must defy the myth that African Americans are immune to the novel coronavirus. I encourage essential workers to protect yourselves—wear a mask, disinfect your work environment, frequently wash your hands, avoid touching your nose and mouth, and practice physical distancing. Essential workers must self-advocate. For those who are nonessential workers, we must stay home and only travel for essential purposes. If you are feeling sick, we must isolate ourselves from other family members. We must stop the spread of the virus, which will save lives.

HOW BAD DO YOU BELIEVE COVID-19 IS?

DAVIS - The novel coronavirus pandemic has shaken our community, nation, and world. I have had family members and friends who have tested positive—who have recovered—unfortunately, I have known those who have lost their lives to this deadly virus as well. Because of massive gathering restrictions, the pandemic has altered our ability to hang out, interact, and even worship. With over 156,000 deaths in 185 countries around the world to include over 37,000 in the United States, over 180 in North Carolina, and at least 22 in eastern North Carolina, we must take added precautions to save lives. On top of this, COVID-19 is hitting our economy hard. Over 600,000 residents from across the state have filed for unemployment. I have never witnessed such a rapid rise in massive unemployment in such a short time. 

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE UNIQUE WAYS YOU ARE HELPING EASTERN NC AND THE STATE RIGHT NOW? 

SMITH - Right now, my main goal is to be accessible to the people. During these trying times, people are finding themselves in a situation where they need to interact with the state government far more than they ever have before—for a lot of people this may even be their first time having to get through a process like unemployment. For those people I think it’s really important for me to be available and serve as a resource for them right now. That’s why I have always put such an emphasis on transparency and accountability in my office. This is unfamiliar territory for a lot of people, and I want them to know they have an advocate in me. 

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE EASTERN NC NEEDS MOST RIGHT NOW?

DAVIS - There is no greater need in eastern North Carolina than better health care. For some eastern North Carolina counties, the average life expectancy is 5-8 years less than in other parts of our state. We tend to see enormous health care challenges and disparities from birth to death. In eastern North Carolina, we tend to see higher rates of infant mortality, especially among African American females. We also tend to see higher rates of heart disease, cancer, stroke, hypertension, and diabetes. At the same time, eastern North Carolinians are more prone to having difficulties with transportation. High priorities for our region are closing the Medicaid coverage gap and supporting a new medical school at East Carolina University. Both are essential to increasing access to quality health care and saving lives. We cannot afford to pit either of these against each other - Eastern North Carolina needs both. 

WE KEEP HEARING FOLKS TALK ABOUT (POST) COVID, WHAT DOES POST-COVID LOOK LIKE IN YOUR MIND? HONESTLY, IS THERE A (POST) COVID OR IS IT LIFE WITH COVID MOVING FORWARD? 

BEASLEY - During this pandemic, I have been continually inspired by the perseverance and sacrifices made by our first responders and healthcare professionals. I believe that with new medical advancements and effective government policies we will find ways to overcome this virus and return to a place of normality and growth. I understand that this return to “normal” will take time and there will be aspects of our government and our lives that will be forever changed by this pandemic. But these changes will help to permanently improve North Carolina’s justice system and make it safer for everyone to achieve proper justice. 

WHAT’S THE WORDS TO THOSE YOUNG MINORITY GIRLS AND BOYS THAT ASPIRE TO BE GREAT AND NEXT TO CHANGE THE WORLD? 

BEASLEY - I always tell young people that they shouldn’t count themselves out from opportunities. People tend to be their own worst critics, and to assume that there are other people who are more capable, or smarter, or better connected. If, instead, we take some time to honestly assess ourselves and give ourselves the benefit of the doubt that we give everyone else, we might see that we are the right person for the opportunity.