The COVID-19 pandemic threw the world into paralysis, exposing weaknesses in public health policies, and revealing large inequalities of class, race, and gender. In the United States the crisis was compounded by nation-wide demonstrations in support of racial justice following the murder of George Floyd. Among those most affected by police violence, Coronavirus infection, and subsequent death are black, brown, and indigenous people who are also overrepresented among the poor and afflicted. Nearly 50 percent of those who have died as a result of COVID-19 contagion are people of color.

In light of such momentous developments, Princeton’s Office of Population Research presents a five-part series of conversations and debate focusing on the state of critical national groups: African Americas, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and Native Americans. The purpose of the series is to illuminate the conditions surrounding vulnerable citizens and residents.

This session will reflect on the relationship between the COVID-19 global pandemic and growing inequities in health, employment, housing, political engagement, and social participation. Focus will be on four minority groups: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and Native Americans. How does population level research help us to understand the distinct experiences of those groups?