People of color are especially vulnerable to the coronavirus outbreak. New data shows that black people are contracting the disease at disproportionate rates, and communities of color are more likely to face poverty, have underlying health conditions and lack access to health insurance and stable housing.
“The conditions of our loved ones pre-corona have now become an even greater tragedy during this pandemic,” says civil rights leader Michael McBride, also known as Pastor Mike. “So of course it’s enraging, it’s madding. But we can’t curse the darkness, we have to look for the light.”
That is why he is teaming up with local comedian and CNN host W. Kamau Bell, as well as Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and a handful of community leaders, health experts, and activists to launch the “Masks for the People” campaign.
The goal is to raise $1 million to buy protective masks and hand sanitizer for communities of color, and educate people on the coronavirus.