INTRODUCTION—WHY THIS BOOK? WHY THE WILDER SCHOOL AS THE LAUNCHING POINT? WHY NOW?

ABSTRACT

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of the book. This book focuses on the health, justice, and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on racial equity in the United States. It provides historical context to the issues that rose to the surface in new ways, the existing inequities revealed during COVID-19, and old and new policy responses to them. As the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, daily American life changed dramatically. Most importantly, racial inequities in each of these areas—health, justice, and economics—are very consequential. They impact the well-being and livelihood of children, adults, and the elderly. The book responds to audiences seeking a better understanding of the events that occurred, the conditions that set the stage for their eruption into wider public view, and what might be done to prevent the underlying social and racial inequities in the future. © 2023 selection and editorial matter, Elsie L. Harper-Anderson, Jay S. Albanese and Susan T. Gooden;individual chapters, the contributors.