Pandemic Exposes Disparities Dr. King Fought Against

1 min read

4 years ago

Resiliency has become the watchword of the COVID-19 era. The pandemic reinforced the need to build more resilient institutions and societies that can withstand shocks like a global public health crisis. But resiliency begins with understanding how racial inequities perpetuate social and economic vulnerabilities that affect all of us and weaken the foundation of our society. Resiliency is strengthened by resolving the inequities we know exist.

By Ronald O’Hanley

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at State Street

This year’s Martin Luther King Day carries special weight, as we reflect on the disproportionately high cost the pandemic has imposed on Black Americans. This disparity of outcomes highlights the racial inequities Dr. King fought against his entire life.

But the day also provides an opportunity to consider what we have learned in the last year about the connections between resiliency and equity. Resiliency has become the watchword of the COVID-19 era. The pandemic reinforced the need to build more resilient institutions and societies that can withstand shocks like a global public health crisis. But resiliency begins with understanding how racial inequities perpetuate social and economic vulnerabilities that affect all of us and weaken the foundation of our society. Resiliency is strengthened by resolving the inequities we know exist.

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