LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As civil unrest erupts across the country we are faced with the reality in racial disparity through the lens of this worldwide pandemic.
African Americans are dying at a much higher rate when compared to other racial groups due to the coronavirus.
Out of the total coronavirus related deaths in both Kentucky and Indiana deaths of Black and African Americans are nearly double the percent of the population for the state.
In other words, Kentucky’s population is about 8.4% Black and African American according to U.S. Census 2019 estimates, yet account for nearly 18% out of the total deaths in the commonwealth, according to the state data.
In comparison, the population of white people in Kentucky is about 88%, but only 79% of the deaths in the state.
In Indiana, Black and African American are about 9% of the population according to U.S. Census 2019 estimates, yet account for 15% of the total deaths in the state, according to state data.
In contrast, about 85% of Hoosiers are white, but only 66% of the state’s deaths.
It is important to note that the collection of racial data is often not complete and there could be more discoveries as we continue to examine the data.
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