chevron-down Created with Sketch Beta.
March 31, 2020

ABA webinar explores COVID-19 implications on the African-American community

WASHINGTON, March 31, 2020 —The American Bar Association will conduct a free webinar, “Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on African Americans and Communities of Color,” on Thursday, April 2 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. The webinar is sponsored by the ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice.

Insight and commentary will be discussed about the following questions:

  • Will COVID-19 adversely affect more African-Americans because of health disparities or common pre-existing conditions?
  • Will testing sites be set up in communities of color?
  • Are individuals without insurance more at risk if they have to seek health care via emergency rooms and free clinics?
  • Will health-care rationing decisions be made on the basis of protected classes?
  • Will minority small businesses receive an equitable distribution of relief funding?
  • What rights do individuals have if they are laid off?
  • Will the pandemic adversely impact access to voting or voter turnout?                                                                                  

Speakers include:

  • Welcome remarks by ABA President Judy Perry Martinez, who is also of counsel with Simon, Peragine, Smith & Redfearn in New Orleans, La.
  • Ashley N. Baker, chair, criminal justice committee, ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice
  • Anthony I. Butler, president & CEO, AIDS Interfaith Residential Services, Inc., Empire Homes of Maryland, Inc., and City Steps 
  • Aletha Maybank, MD, MPH, vice president and chief health equity officer, American Medical Association in Chicago
  • Juan Thomas, former National Bar Association president; of counsel, Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer Willis Tower in Chicago
  • Angela J. Scott – chair-elect, ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice 

To register for the program, click here.

The program will be recorded, and the link will be shared with all registrants. There is no charge for media covering this event. To register, please contact Betsy Adeboyejo at 202-662-1039 or [email protected].

Additional reporter resources on the ABA’s COVID-19 response and outreach are available here

The ABA is largest voluntary association of lawyers in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law. View our privacy statement on line. Follow the latest ABA news at www.americanbar.org/news and on Twitter @ABANews.