Rep. G.A. Hardaway (D-93) said it needs to be a primary focus for African Americans, who are more likely to have underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and asthma that can contribute to the mortality rate of COVID-19.
Of COVID-19 related deaths, 75 percent were African American, according to data released by the Shelby County Health Department in April.
“I know many people are going through tough times, but if you have to buy, buy local and support those who look like us and will actually put the money back into our community.”
State Rep. Lamar London (D-91), a strong advocate for universal absentee voting, took the time to push for the measure that will allow anyone in Tennessee who wants to vote via absentee ballot to request the opportunity to do so.
“Elections are one of the fairest ways people of color can have a say about what goes on in our communities,” Lamar said.
