San Bernardino County declared racism a public health crisis Tuesday. At the Board of Supervisors meeting, passionate testimony came from members of the African American community calling racism in the county a major crisis. They pleaded with county supervisors for change and the supervisors quickly and unanimously voted to declare racism in the county a public health crisis. This means an equity group will now be formed consisting of Black community leaders and experts from all over the county. Their job will be to examine the effects of racism, including healthcare, housing, education, and workforce development.
The declaration comes on the heels of the recent George Floyd police brutality protests which highlighted disparities in justice and quality of life in communities of color.
County supervisors say acknowledging the problem is important but doing something about it is key, and their goal is to find ways to stop systemic racism. Supervisor Josie Gonzales said, “I am so proud that we have an opportunity to bring about institutional change rethinking revamping revitalizing the entire San Bernardino County community,”
