The USA has struggled with #racism for centuries, and the Hillsborough County Commission made a good decision when they committed to continue battling racial disparities. In the second half of the 20th century, significant progress has been made to narrow down the gap between races and limit racial discrimination, but this process has just begun in many regards. 

There is still plenty of work that needs to be done in terms of providing very basic rights for the black community. So it was very encouraging when Hillsborough declared that racism was a public health crisis in 2020. The full extent of their suffering has not yet been recognized. Only when the gravity of this issue is realized, and far-reaching consequences of this bias are identified, will we progress on the path to eradicating it.

One of the most belittled aspects in this regard is how racial discrimination has adversely impacted the health of the citizens. Hillsborough county determined that racism is a public health crisis. This decision should be praised for many reasons. 

First of all, it serves to highlight racism and its effects on the health of the suffering community; an aspect altogether ignored before. Speaking in favor of the resolution, Gerald White Sr. stated, "racism is a key factor in making us sick as Black people." He highlighted how racism makes minorities experience stress that leads to chronic diseases like diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure, and also reduces their lifespan. Medical science has proven how stress is a leading factor in inciting chronic disease and further worsening its condition.

Another valuable purpose served by this resolution is that it stirs debate about the issues that affect minorities in particular. It draws attention to the very many essential details and devastating aspects of this issue that remain unacknowledged. The fact that the racial challenges of the Black community have been acknowledged on the Municipal level is highly encouraging.

Racism is definitely a public health emergency and we need to work to contain its effects. It proves the commitment of the city administration to make the lives of the black community better, and it is also a representative action on behalf of the city that All Lives Matter.