When we talk about the quality of healthcare in Black communities, think Huffman. Or don’t.
I’m sure y’all already know about Buckeye State lawmaker Steve Huffman’s — um — musings about why African Americans have higher COVID-19 infection rates:
Could it just be that African Americans or the colored population do not wash their hands as well as other groups or wear a mask or do not socially distance themselves? That could be the explanation of the higher incidence?
State Senator Steve Huffman
Huffman, an emergency room physician before becoming an Ohio state legislator, is the reason why you should limit the amount of time you spend around field doctors when a public health crisis rages around us: they think small.
And prejudiced or racist opinions make doctors like Huffman appear even smaller. Still dangerous, but smaller.
On the other hand, public health specialists — people I generally want to hear from at this time — can see the whole board and tell you exactly why COVID-19 has found a more comfortable home around communities of color: racism.
I’ve written about this before.
Doctor Huffman’s statement Ironically presents a reason for why Black folks leave this planet sooner than others.
I even wonder if his intent was to distract African descendants and their allies, who are currently in the streets.
I’ll keep Huffman’s place on the problematic side of our race ledger.
But let’s disqualify his voice from any meaningful discussion about the health of populations and White supremacy.
I respect my readers, so I have no intention of addressing the “colored” part of Huffman’s words …
song currently stuck in my head: “tears for johannesburg” – max roach w/ abbey lincoln
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