Viewpoint Michigan Chronicle
A Real Times Media Newspaper
HIRAM E. JACKSON Publisher SAMUEL LOGAN Publisher 1933-2011
AJ WILLIAMS Managing Editor
JOHN H. SENGSTACKE Chairman-Emeritus 1912-1997
LONGWORTH M. QUINN Publisher-Emeritus 1909-1989
CONTACT US 1452 Randolph • Detroit, MI 48226 • (313) 963-8100 e-mail: newsdesk@michronicle.com
April 22-28, 2020 | Page A-7
Now Is A Time To Trust Leadership Social Distancing IS Working –
Every state in the U.S. has experienced an important historical event that has shaped it’s history — for better or worse. Right now, Michigan is in a history defining moment. How this happened, whether we responded soon enough or why are African Americans disproportionately impacted are all issues that warrant observation and correction; but they don’t warrant the same consideration as to how to save our lives.
social media posts sometimes have us on information overload. It is important to use critical thinking and research credible source such as the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) to decipher what information is relevant and accurate as we work to abate this pandemic. Many cities, towns, and municipalities are experiencing the effects of COVID-19 in a way that is very different from other parts of the country. Now is the time to trust our The medical experts all state leadership to proagree this virus is so danvide more targeted solugerous because any of us can be carrying it before Rev. Horace L. Sheffield III tions that impact our local economy and community. we experience symptoms. I know because I had the coronavirus. Michiganders are doing a great job in I went to New York when I was warned following Governor Whitmer’s guidenot to and a few weeks after my return lines. We need to stay the course. While I was diagnosed with COVID-19. I never the federal government is searching far really experienced any symptoms and and wide for a remedy to the virus, the yet I potentially exposed my wife, family, one universally agreed upon remedy to friends, and colleagues some that have stop the spread is to stay home and save since tested positive. Had I considered lives. Rev. Horace L. Sheffield III is the Pasthe advice I was given, I could have at least saved myself and my family the tor of New Destiny Christian Fellowship harsh recovery of the last several weeks. Church and the Executive Director of The Detroit Association of Black OrgaThe press briefings, news outlets and nizations
What’s Going On? Mother, mother There’s too many of you crying Brother, brother, brother There’s far too many of you dying You know we’ve got to find a way To bring some lovin’ here today, eh eh Marvin Gaye (1971) “What’s Going On” Once again, Marvin Gaye’s soulful words resonate through the heart of Black America. Our survival depends on each of us staying home and staying safe. COVID-19, also known as the novel Coronavirus, is spreading through communities across the country and taking the lives of cherished family members and friends. This highly contagious and deadly disease has changed our way of life -shutting down businesses, schools, religious institutions, and Dorian Tyus entertainment venues. The entire world, regardless of nationality, race, or creed, has come to an abrupt halt. Today, scientists are trying to develop a vaccination and it is unclear if a cure is near. But one thing is clear -African Americans are being hit hardest by this disease. Nationwide data shows that African Americans are more likely to die from the Coronavirus than Caucasian Americans. The significant disparity in African American COVID-19 related deaths not only requires that we assess whether we are all practicing safe social habits, but also demands that we address systematic socioeconomic inequality, lack of access to affordable health care and preventative health services, and whether we are being proactive in understanding our family medical histories. The staggering amount of African American deaths due to COVID-19 is heartbreaking. As of April 9th, the Associated Press reported that African Americans accounted for approximately 42 percent of COVID-19 related deaths: a significant number considering that African Americans make up roughly 13 percent of the United States population. In Michigan, African Americans make up around 40 percent of the coronavirus deaths but count for 14 percent of the population. Other states such as Mississippi and Louisiana have reported similar trends, with African Americans accounting for over 65 percent of known COVID-19 related deaths. Regardless of geography, the disparity in outcomes gives us a compelling reason to think that someone has failed to do their job.
The African American community is extremely resilient, and we will get through this pandemic.
Contrary to mistruths that have been floating around on social media, African Americans are not genetically more or less predisposed to get COVID-19. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the novel coronavirus spreads by close person-to-person contact in respiratory droplets through talking or touching a surface or object, such as a gas pump or door handle, which has the virus on it and then touching our mouth, nose, or eyes. The virus is colorless and odorless, and some people can transmit the virus without even knowing or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms such a cough or fever. We are all susceptible to either falling ill to this disease or transmitting the virus to others. Therefore, we must stop holding large gatherings that contribute to the spread in our community. Moreover, practicing social distancing (at least 6 ft apart), washing our hands with soap and water, wearing a face covering or mask, disinfecting surfaces, and staying home
are additional ways to combat this deadly disease; our lives depend on it! Contrary to President Donald Trump’s rhetoric, countries around the world are witnessing how America is far from “GREAT.” Specifically, the African American community, which has been historically disadvantaged and oppressed for over 400 years, continues to suffer the effects of economic inequality, inadequate access to affordable healthcare, and a lack of access to resources for preventative health services and proper nutrition. In practical terms, these systemic problems contribute to the increasing number of Africans American deaths. The danger is clear, these socioeconomic issues are not novel, and its effects must no longer be tolerated. The COVID – 19 pandemic demands that we create a more equitable environment for all Americans, and especially for the disadvantaged in the African American community. After we overcome this horrific pandemic, action must be taken. To turn the corner, we must: • increase the number of economic empowerment centers offering oneon-one financial counseling services related to personal finance, best business practices, and wealth building;
Stay Home. Stay Safe
By Eric Sabree
tourist attractions.
By issuing strict Executive Orders, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has been aggressive and persistent in order to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The State of Michigan has seen a constant rise in the number of new COVID-19 cases and deaths. Over the past two weeks, Michigan has had the third or fourth highest number of COVID -19 cases in the nation. The greatest impact of Eric Sabree COVID-19 in Michigan is in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.
We’ll be able to do all these things again, but we must be careful.
The Governor’s recent order (Executive Order No. 2020-42) was enacted to further protect the health and safety of all Michigan residents. People are instructed to suspend activities that are not necessary to sustain or protect life. Most residents have complied with the previous stay at home order, while some have been slow to take the coronavirus threat seriously. People are still becoming sick because of interaction with others, and they are putting first responders, health care workers, and the rest of us at risk. The latest Executive Order is temporary and how temporary depends on our level of cooperation. Over one thousand health care providers at the Henry Ford Health System have tested positive for COVID-19. This virus has put a strain on our health care system like never before. Our first responders are putting their lives on the line to save others. They deserve our respect and support. The least we can do is protect ourselves and those with whom we come in contact from becoming victims, to do otherwise is to be completely selfish. We all want things to get back to normal. We want to return to work, see a Tigers game, attend religious services, visit with family and friends, play golf, or take a trip to one of Michigan’s many
The decision to end the State’s ‘stay home’ order should be based on several factors. One of them is the availability and implementation of widespread COVID-19 testing. We should know who is positive. We have learned that many who are asymptomatic (show no signs of being infected) could still test positive and thus could spread the virus to others. We also need to know who has truly recovered from the coronavirus and if they have the antibodies that can help others. The data has to indicate that the new COVID-19 cases and deaths are continuing to decline. This will give some real relief to our health care workers and protect our communities from a second wave of COVID-19 cases. This will allow the residents of this great state to feel confident that they can return to some form of normalcy. There must be a plan that involves the state and local governments and the private sector to gradually open the economy. It will take time for everything to become fully operational. This is nothing new as we have heard this information from several credible sources over the last month. Governor Whitmer has had to make difficult and timely decisions. Since there was such a slow initial response from the Federal government, Michigan needed strong and decisive action, and that’s what we received. In the heat of the battle, and we are in a battle, mistakes are made. If the Governor errs at all, she errs on the side of caution. Lives are literally at stake here. We seek assistance through prayer and patience but we have to do our part. Social distancing is working. If we do this right the first time, we won’t have to go back and do it again. Governor Whitmer is right by issuing Executive Order No. 2020-42 Stay Home and Stay Safe.
• educate our family and friends, in schools, churches and community centers, on essential preventative health measures such as regularly visiting our primary doctor, practicing proper nutrition, and engaging in regular exercise; • increase dialogue related to our respective family health history as to know whether we are genetically predisposed to common health disorders such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, certain cancers, and other diseases; • develop neighborhood-specific community plans for sharing basic needs such as food, clothing, and transportation during times of crisis; • encourage our family, friends, and community members to exercise their civic duty to vote and educate one another on the social policies effecting our community; • lastly, getting back to loving one another by supporting the best interests of the African American community even if it means temporarily disregarding our views, goals, and personal aspirations. The African American community is extremely resilient, and we will get through this pandemic. We are not looking for any favors but rather are building a stronger sense of community. To that end, under the leadership of Chairman Keith William and the Executive Board, the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus (MDPBC) is working toward: creating pathways to capital so that we can own our own business, local grocery stores, and pharmacies; advocating for social policies that specifically address historical gaps in generational wealth, education, healthcare, urban development, etc; and encouraging and educating our people to live healthier lives by practicing proper nutrition and exercise. If anything, COVID-19 has shown everyone that there are needs in our communities which must be addressed. Therefore, we are encouraging all of you to #LEAD as we navigate during this uncertain time. We need all hands-on deck because it’s time for us to save a black life! Until we meet again, may the Lord bless you and protect; may the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you; may the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace. For more information, please visit our website at www.mdpbc.org and our Facebook Page. Dorian Tyus, Esq. is a spokesperson for the MDP Black Caucus. He is a commentator who writes often about politics, culture, religion and vulnerable communities.
Stay Home, Stay Safe, Save Lives. By N. Charles Anderson President/Ceo Urban League Of Detroit & Southeastern Michigan
The Detroit Urban League is a non-partisan organization that does not endorse candidates; however, we are an organization that cares about the wellbeing of the community we serve. With that being said, it’s important to say that we will and do advocate, endorse and support decisions made by political leaders when we believe these decisions have been made in the best interest of those on the N. Charles Anderson lower end of the economic spectrum. The COVID-19, Corona Virus pandemic has swept into our state and the metro Detroit community wreaking havoc of illnesses and death all along the way. Something had to be done to slow down the great harm facing our state. So, we applaud Governor Gretchen Whitmer for her leadership and making the tough decision to keep Michigan safe, save lives and slow down and, hopefully, stop the troubling impact this pandemic is having in Michigan, particularly in Detroit and Southeastern Michigan. Closing schools, shutting down major events and ordering the closing of non-essential businesses was an inevitable decision that had to be made. Our
state’s pushing of social distancing and urging us to stay home, stay safe and saves lives has been critical to protecting lives. Doing nothing or not taking sweeping actions would have had a far more devastating impact on our state. We want to go back to normalcy as soon as possible. We want to see restaurants and bars reopen. We want to have more Detroit Pistons basketball and see the Tigers and Red Wings play. We absolutely would love to see schools reopen, but more importantly, see the high school and college graduates receive the pomp and circumstance and grand celebrations every graduate deserves. It’s hard to imagine for God’s sake, that high school juniors and seniors are missing their proms. But COVID-19 has no respect for any of these things when it comes to sustaining and protecting lives. More than 30,000 Michiganders have tested positive for the coronavirus, and over 2000 of our beloved citizens have died as a result of this insidious virus. Sadly, a disproportionate number of those affected have been African Americans. We mourn those teachers who won’t return to the classroom, or men and women that will never be able to go with family and friends to a restaurant or bar. And, if we do see sports played again and concerts and theater return, and church services resume, there will be too many empty seats because the coronavirus has taken the lives of beloved grandparents, mothers and fathers, children, siblings and dear friends. There’s no doubt that Governor Whitmer’s stong actions have saved many, many lives. So, we urge you to Stay Home, Stay Safe, Save Lives.
