Webinar - Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on African Americans and Communities of Color

Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on African Americans and Communities of Color
 

Date: Thursday, April 2, 2020

Time: 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EDT

Register here.

Format: Free non-CLE Webinar

Sponsor: ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice

Co-Sponsors: National Black Law Student Association, ABA Center for Public Interest Law, ABA Criminal Justice Section, ABA Government and Public Sector Lawyers Division,  ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service, ABA Section of State and Local Government Law

DESCRIPTION:

“When White America Catches a Cold, Black America Catches Pneumonia.” Panelists will address the current and foreseeable implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the African American community. It’s important to identify the rights members of vulnerable communities have as it relates to (1) access to health care; (2) economic security; (3) criminal justice and (4) voting. Our panel will discuss the impact of COVID-19 providing insight and commentary on questions such as: will COVID-19 adversely affect more African Americans because of health disparities or common pre-existing conditions? Will testing sites be set up in communities of color? Will individuals without insurance be more at risk if they have to seek health care via emergency rooms and free clinics? Will health care rationing decisions be made on the basis of protected classes? Will minority small businesses receive an equitable distribution of relief funding? What rights do individuals have if they are laid off? Will the pandemic adversely impact access to voting or voter turnout? Panelists will address a variety of issues and the unique implications they have on the African American community. 

Welcome Remarks:

• Judy Perry Martinez – President, American Bar Association; Of Counsel, Simon, Peragine, Smith & Redfearn

Speakers:

• Ashley N. Baker – Chair, Criminal Justice Committee, ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice
• Anthony I. Butler – President & CEO, AIDS Interfaith Residential Services, Inc., Empire Homes of Maryland, Inc., and City Steps 
• Aletha Maybank MD, MPH – Vice President and Chief Health Equity Officer, American Medical Association 
• Juan Thomas – Former National Bar Association President; Of Counsel, Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer Willis Tower

Moderator:

• Angela J. Scott – Chair-Elect, ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice