The Delaware NAACP wants the state to monitor and address areas that coronavirus pandemic seems disportionately affect to minority and disenfranchised Delawareans
In a letter to Governor Carney, Delaware NAACP State Conference President Richard Smith calls for equitable access COVID-19 testing, care and treatment for minorities who have been hit hardest during the pandemic.
The letter also seeks increased safety measures for the incarcerated including sentences or arrests for misdemeanor convictions be eliminated, parole hearings be expedited, and increased access to mental health services for the incarcerated.
Freeman Williams is the Vice President of the Delaware NAACP Conference, and he says providing protection for essential workers like grocery and custodial workers is also important.
"If they don't perform their role and their task then it leads to some of the other essential workers not being able to do their work in a safe environment," said Williams. "So it's imperative that all individuals out in the workforce now that they have the appropriate safety equipment at their disposal."
Williams adds providing economic stability for small, minority owned businesses through equal access to relief funding is also important.
"We just believe that there should be a fairness standard established for small minority businesses should be able to receive the help and assistance that they need so that they can rebound and become vibrant members of our business community and contribute in ways they like to contribute," Williams said.
Williams says the state also needs to recognize the differing needs of a small business with 300-to-400 employees and a sole proprietor.
And he notes some businesses haven’t been around long enough to establish relationships with banks, and shouldn’t be penalized for not knowing what paperwork to fill out.
The NAACP also wants the state to ensure all students learning from home have the tools needed to do so.
Delaware NAACP COVID-19 Letter to Governor John Carney by Delaware Public Media on Scribd
