Seattle Channel Video

With the number of cases surging, COVID-19 continues to disproportionately affect communities of color. In a special presentation of the podcast "Life on the Margins," Dr. Julian Perez says the trend is especially troubling in the King County clinics where he works, where he's observed 80% of all Latinos tested for COVID-19 come back positive. He also said meat-packing plants in Eastern Washington, which employ many minorities, are a breeding ground for coronavirus. But they've been pressured to remain open by the Trump administration. Also, the pandemic of racism continues on a collision course with those demanding change. Ijeoma Oluo, best-selling author of "So You Want to Talk About Race," says the current movement gives her hope because a much broader cross-section of America is outraged by police violence. Despite the progress, Oluo offers a devastating personal realization following conversations with her 12-year-old son.

Life on the Margins is presented by Town Hall Seattle and the South Seattle Emerald. It's hosted by Marcus Harrison Green, Enrique Cerna, and Jini Palmer. Spoken word artists for this episode include Jessica Rycheal and Naa Akua.