Our Mission
Our mission is to create safe, diverse spaces for Black Americans to share Long Covid stories through film, virtual learning, and writing. We aim to empower Black families to advocate for equitable medical care, and to train those with Long Covid to engage with media, public health, and policy. We also support Black communities affected by Long Covid in accessing disability benefits, housing, and other resources.
Why Does the
The Black Long Covid Experience Exist?
“Free Blacks faced the twin challenges of securing healthy living conditions and medical care for themselves and their communities while at the same combating claims that any illness they displayed was proof that their bodes were ill-suited for North Amerca...
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We examine the history of historical, cultural, and sociological aspect of the fear and hesitation that plagues Black Americans who are seeking and receiving equitable halthcare. Trauma-informed, skeptical perceptions of medical care is a direct reflection of the lack of autonomy Blacks were given over their bodies, during slavery until now.
BLCE is committed to introducing patients to a welcoming, educational, and safe environment that acknowledges their feelings, symptoms, and conditions, through foundational education, health outcomes, and treatment.
Black bodies and mind with Long Covid must be evaluated and studied — not to elevate bias or speculations unsupported by research or patient voice. But to assure that they, in the right doctor’s care, are able to partner with their medical teams to curate the best result, just as their white counterparts.
Socially, Blacks living with Long Covid are also worthy of friendships, camraderies, and associations with each other and others that will perpetuate tribalism and aid that isn’t muted by Anti-Blackness.
There is a chance to live a manageable life with Long Covid. BLCE provides the space and validation to make this happen as often as possible.