2020 Recap: The Dual Pandemics
As this year of historic challenges draws to a close, the National Urban League mourns the incalculable loss of life to COVID-19 and racially-motivated violence. We give thanks for the dawning hope represented by the vaccine and a new administration in the White House that is committed to diversity, equity and justice. And we reflect on the indomitable spirit and strength that have sustained our Beloved Community.
Join us in reviewing the moments that shaped 2020 + share your own memories with us on social media! Follow us @NatUrbanLeague + tag us in your posts.
COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly been the defining experience of 2020, one that challenged us, forced us to be still, taught us many new + old lessons, and reinvigorated our understanding of what justice and equity should look like.
19 Lessons of COVID-19
1. Racism is the pandemic within the pandemic.
2. Workers need fair unemployment insurance.
3. Americans have enormous capacity for compassion.
4. Too many African Americans still lack health insurance.
5. Mayors are driving recovery.
…and more. Read the full list here!
We’ll feel the impact of COVID-19 for a long time come, especially in these areas:
📚 Education: Virtual classrooms + learning
💸 Economy: massive unemployment + job losses and heavy impact on restaurant and retail industries
🏥 Healthcare: Telemedicine + more virtual appointments
🏡 Housing: housing insecurity due to evictions + difficulty making rent and mortgage payments
☮️ Mental health: heightened levels of stress, fear, anxiety, and social isolation
💼 Work: increased work-from-home options + virtual workspace
RACIAL JUSTICE
Mass protests against police violence and racial injustice swept communities across the nation this year, creating a resounding demand for Black lives to truly matter and institutions to create meaningful change for equity and justice.
“Without comprehensive reform, we are doomed to repeat the nightmarish cycle in which we find ourselves, with police responding with brutality to demonstrations against police brutality.” — Marc Morial
Read up on the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act here
Breonna Taylor Law
This month, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam signed Breonna’s Law, which bans no-knock warrants by law enforcement, becoming the 3rd state to adopt the policy (the first after Taylor’s killing).
“Let us not forget that Breonna Taylor still needs justice. Justice for Breonna Taylor is making sure that these police officers are fired, arrested, charged and convicted.”
— Bianca Austin, an aunt of Breonna Taylor who was present at the signing ceremony.
Catch the replay! Special Facebook Live conversations with civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump + Louisville Urban League President & CEO Sadiqa Reynolds.
🎥: Watch discussion on Breonna Taylor
🎥: Watch discussion on George Floyd’s legacy
IN MEMORIAM
