The response to COVID-19's disparate impact on Black nursing home residents most egregiously illustrates the devaluation of Black life by American systems, institutions, and government, says guest columnist Kee Tobar.

We know that the work of dismantling systemic racism and confronting anti-Blackness is far from over. The words of the nine local folks whose pieces we've excerpted here stand to remind us that there is no more important work to be done.

"I could never take for granted that my three boys would return home each night. They are men now, but I still don’t sleep," says contributor Lynette Hazelton in this personal column.

Lynette Medley started the #BlackGirlsBleed movement to be intentional about creating a space for open dialogue about Black women's period health.

"The unique needs of kinship caregivers require treatment that differs from that of general foster parents to support success and prevent disruption," says guest columnist Karissa Phelps.