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We are in the midst of two interrelated Pandemics that are creating death and devastation across the United States. The Covid-19 Virus has generated a worldwide Pandemic causing more than 423,000 deaths worldwide and 118,000 in the U.S The handling of this public health crisis in the US has been guided by the dictates of the capitalist, the 1%, and their administrators in government in Washington and in the states.

This is an a presentation made as an introduction to the Southern Workers Assembly’s Webinar on Meatpacking held on June 14.

The Pandemic has pulled backed the covers on capitalism and racism. What many of us know from our lived experiences is being viewed by the world and reinforcing the need for system change. Inequality, poverty, unstable employment, low wages, and lack of health care are in the spotlight as Black and Brown people experience the disproportionate impact of the disease, the layoffs and being forced to work in dangerous situations to protect the profits of the corporations. They still refuse to be transparent with data about the impact on Black and Brown communities, driving communities to struggle against them for this information.

As we celebrate what would have been the 95^th birthday of Malcolm X or El Hajj Malik El Shabazz we are in the midst of a global pandemic and an even more intensified War on Black America. Malcolm, as a leader further blazing our path to liberation and self-determination, left us with many political lessons. Today as we honor him, we consider three to assist us in this moment.

In reference to the economic and political system in the U.S. he made these observations: “You can’t have capitalism without racism.” And, “You can’t operate a capitalistic system unless you are vulturistic (…) You show me a capitalist, I’ll show you a bloodsucker.”

The response of US government to the Covid-19 crisis pulls back the covers on the system of exploitation that is willing to sacrifice thousands of people by exposing them to the virus in order to maintain profits for the corporations. Those in the cross-hairs of this attack are primarily Black people who occupy the ranks of the so-called essential workers in transportation, sanitation collection, delivery, grocery, healthcare and meatpacking to name a few. So, our struggle is to resist going to work in unsafe conditions without proper equipment and hazard pay.

Friends of Black Workers For Justice,

Due to emergency conditions that have arisen in the US and NC because of the corona virus, the Black Workers For Justice Executive Committee is taking the unprecedented measure to recommend the postponement of our annual Salute to Martin Luther King’s Support for Labor Banquet. 

Due to the unknown nature of the virus and it’s spread, the state of emergency called by the governor of NC, on top of the known health care disparities in the Black community, we believe it is in the best interest of BWFJ, friends and allies for us not to travel and gather at this time. 

We will continue to monitor conditions, consult with members and allies and notify you of future banquet and other fundraising plans. 

Executive Committee
Black Workers For Justice