As a native Minnesotan, I am heartbroken by the horrendous death of Mr. Floyd at the hands of police in my old neighborhood. And I recognize that, with the evolution of smartphones, we are often witnessing the extrajudicial violence against African Americans and other people of color that has been an epidemic in the U.S. for hundreds of years.

 

In the span of a couple of weeks we have seen the same pattern repeated in Brunswick, Georgia, with the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, and the outrageous and telling attack on Christian Cooper in NYC by a white woman whom he simply asked to follow the rules so he could peacefully pursue his bird-watching passion. All this while protesters in Louisville, Ky., are demanding answers to the March killing of Breonna Taylor — who was shot by police conducting a raid on her home.

 

[Image: John Lansing. Credit: Deveny Williams/NPR]

 

I recognize that these events, coupled with the disproportionate death toll of the coronavirus on communities of color, is heaping extraordinary stress on all communities of color — including our awesome workforce.

 

This is a call to action that forces us to confront our own shortfalls in the NPR culture. That, we are doing and will continue to do, and I know we have miles to go. But let me be clear: this is not the lone responsibility of our colleagues of color, it is everyone's responsibility. Anything that stresses any of us, stresses all of us. We must meet this moment of three potentially world-changing events: a global pandemic that has killed more than 100,000 and counting; an economic collapse that may lead to years of joblessness; and an imperative to finally face up to the racism and racial inequities that are America's original sin. I reiterate that our top priority is to serve younger and more diverse audiences.

 

 

And read this response from the public media journal Current.

 

 

We provide daily coronavirus updates on KRCB radio 91. Tune in at 9 a.m. and 6:44 p.m. for the latest local news. Here's our update for Friday, May 8.

On May 7, Dr. Mark Ghaly, the Secretary of California’s Health and Human Services Agency talked about opening up some businesses in the state – with rules that will allow you to buy Mother’s Day flowers this weekend.

He also talked about something called “regional variance.” This takes into account that California communities differ considerably in their degree of density. The state is backing away from one-size-fits-all social-distancing and business-opening policies.

Dr. Ghaly began his address by praising the hard work done by the state’s public health officers to save lives.

 

(Mark Ghaly MD, MPH. Photo Courtesy of Health and Human Services Agency)

 

We provide daily coronavirus updates on KRCB radio 91. Tune in at 9 a.m. and 6:44 p.m. for the latest local news. Here's our update for Thursday, March 7.

Sonoma County continues to expand its coronavirus testing, adding new groups eligible for drive-thru testing on Chanate Road.

Individuals who can sign up for tests there include first responders, health workers and essential workers – with or without symptoms.

Those over 65, or at risk because of underlying health issues can also sign up – but only if they have symptoms. The phone number to schedule an appointment at this county testing site is 707-565-4667

Also, today Dr. Mark Ghaly (pictured at right), secretary of California’s Health and Human Services Agency, provided details of how the state is easing restrictions on businesses. Listen to what he had to say here:

You can contribute questions for next week’s KRCB Virtual Town Hall at norcalpublicmedia.org/coronavirus.