Black Women On The Front Lines Of The Coronavirus

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Tabitha Jennings is a 49-year-old construction flagger, for the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA).

Black women on the front lines of the coronavirus

Source: Tabitha Jennings / Courtesy of Tabitha Jennings

MN: Over the last few days, government officials have taken drastic, but necessary measures to contain the outbreak. Can you talk about how it has affected you in regards of your workflow? Have your hours been reduced or expanded? 

TJ: [The] MTA sad to say, is REACTIVE NOT PROACTIVE. They always wait for something to happen then try to clean it up. We are all STILL WORKING.  

MN: Are you fearful in any way of being exposed or do you believe your job has issued preventive measures/ precautions?

TJ: We have been told that some people in different departments have been exposed and they are quarantined for 14 days. I am praying for myself, my family and my co-workers.

MN: When it comes to Black families and communities, Black women hold many customer facing positions and are seen as the backbone of the family. What are the concerns you have for Black women in this global health crisis as a collective, and what precautions have you taken to keep yourself safe/healthy?

TJ: We just have to uplift each other. Love and take care of our Families. We must continue to live our lives. We can’t live in FEAR. 

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