Photo by Jan O'Connell
White supremacy has been on full display in Michigan, as armed militias marched on the state capitol and a virus worsened by environmental racism ravages our communities. Environmental injustice, driven by racism, is just one of the systemic factors at play in the higher fatality rate from COVID-19 among communities of color. White supremacy is the backbone of the systems that condemn communities of color to poor air quality, and lack of access to clean drinking water, health care, and healthy food. These are just some of the deadly factors killing African Americans at disproportionate rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. The link between white supremacy and COVID-19 mortality rates is undeniable
White supremacy, with an undeniable undercurrent of misogyny, was also the driving force behind the protests last month in Lansing, Michigan. The message sent by a small group of heavily armed individuals that descended on the Michigan state capitol was not one of concern about the health of their fellow Michiganders. It was not a message of concern for the communities of color on the frontlines of this pandemic, but rather one of disregard and devaluation of vulnerable members of our communities.
The protestors misrepresented Governor Whitmer’s science-guided work to slow the spread of the fatal coronavirus in one of the nation’s hardest-hit states. They continue to underestimate the disastrous impacts of undoing the temporary protections Governor Whitmer put in place. These important protections ensure that workers are supported while safely sheltering in place, and include efforts to restore running water to thousands of Michiganders so that they can wash their hands.
The pandemic is laying bare the false choice between public health and our economy. The truth is that we need both. Concerns about the economic fallout from the coronavirus are certainly warranted. We all want this crisis to be over, but we also need to have a shared understanding of what exacerbated this economic disaster: the gross incompetence of the Trump administration.
Leaders from both parties have cut funding for public health at all levels of government for decades, but only Trump recently argued for drastic cuts to the CDC for pandemic response. The Trump administration squandered precious months by denying the threat of coronavirus in January. When it was no longer possible to deny how COVID-19 was ripping through the US, his administration descended into a bidding war with state governors for personal protective equipment. While Governor Whitmer was asking for help for needed testing, equipment, and support, Trump took to Twitter to stoke his base into threatening state lawmakers with physical violence and hate.
In contrast, Governor Whitmer has remained calm and steadfast in her work to protect all Michiganders. Even facing armed protests by people who have called openly for her death, Governor Whitmer continues to be a force of stability and reason in these challenging times. We support the call by the governor and Attorney General Dana Nessel to ban firearms from the Capitol building. No one should have to go to work every day fearing for their life.
Despite the threats of violence, as Governor Whitmer repeatedly stated: These armed protestors are not the enemy. The coronavirus is the enemy. We know racism is a tool to divide Americans for the benefit of the few, and we will continue to fight for humane policy solutions that benefit all communities.
The Sierra Club supports science, and science should not have a political affiliation. The Sierra Club also supports worker safety and public health protections. We will continue to fight the structures that fuel environmental injustice and racial disparities. The Sierra Club has a deep history of building grassroots power to challenge injustice at all levels of government.
Because of our commitment to these principles, we are committed to curb the environmental and economic toll of the coronavirus. This means supporting Governor Whitmer’s efforts, and the efforts of all responsible public servants regardless of party affiliation.