Youngstown grassroots organization A.C.T.I.O.N. held an online forum Thursday evening on the effects of COVID-19 in African American communities.
They wanted to address why the virus seems to, statistically, be claiming more black lives than other racial groups.

There was a lot of discussion on the reasons for that. Still, more importantly, there was a discussion on how all of us can help reduce the numbers of coronavirus within the African-American community.

The numbers are staggering.

"Disproportionably black counties only account for 30% of the country, they were the location of 56% of COVID death and even disproportionably black counties with above-average wealth and health care coverage still bore an unequal share," said Congressman Tim Ryan.

Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown says there are a lot of factors that play into those numbers.

"The economy, education, housing, environmental justice, voting, returning citizens. All of these things play a key role in a healthier environment," said Brown.

Then there's the large number of African Americans who work during the pandemic because they have to.

"Many of them haven't been able to stay home. They have to go to work, especially if they are in the medical field, custodial work, transportation, and food services," according to Lashale Pugh, a medical geographer.

So how can the disparity be reduced?

1. More testing that can find out where the hot spots are so those areas can be targeted for care and tracing.
2. More funding for non-profits so they can help with health care and food.
3. Then there's broadband and computer access, so communities can keep up with education and not be left behind.

Mayor Brown is also a member of the governor's minority health strike force, which aims to address these very issues throughout the state.