Commentary

Opinion: Challenging a ‘Return to Normal’ After COVID-19 Pandemic Subsides

Published

6 years ago

June 4, 2020

Lately, I have been stunned by the social dialogue around higher rates of COVID-19 diagnoses and deaths among Black people as a “Black people’s problem.”

Old racist myths about Black inferiority and poor choices by Black people have been woven into the discussion.

Do some people actually believe that Black people are more genetically prone to catching COVID-19? Or that the cultural structures of Black communities discourage Black people from practicing physical distancing?

Well, yes, apparently some do. I have heard the most outrageous questions and comments, and I view these questions and comments as stemming from white supremacist indoctrination. This indoctrination presents a patronizing savior response to educate, guide and “help out” Black people.

These questions and comments are also a dangerous blaming technique: A way to excuse wide-scale systematic oppression. A way to insinuate that if only Black people made the easy choice to move out of food deserts and eat the right foods, took time off from work and stayed home, or became “good” citizens and followed the rules then health inequity wouldn’t exist.

These perspectives are indoctrinations that have become unquestioned habit and normalized. They are, in effect, the unconscious white supremacist paving stones for the road back to normal.

Why would I ever want society to return to “normal?”

Normal is a prevailing U.S. culture where health inequity is a Black problem. Where the need for accessible health care is still up for debate. Where health justice and equitable policies languish without action.

I disagree with “returning to normal.”

As long as health inequity and high mortality rates remain a Black people’s problem, then real-world policies and active procedures will be slow in coming.

Returning to normal means returning to a network of systems that are killing people of color. I have every right to be outraged. I have every right to demand something better. Something that goes far beyond “accessibility.” Something that equates with inclusions, usability, and effectiveness. I have every right to be part of creating something that resembles health justice. Every person of color does.

The systems of this country are flailing.

The economic system, justice system, education system, health system and on and on. They are disintegrating. Now is the best time to birth new systems. This is the moment to serve the final blow to systems that are killing people of color.

This is the ideal time to experiment with the policies and procedures of health justice that before now could not find room to grow. No, not homogenized approaches to the multifaceted needs and desires of Black people.

Instead, make room for the Black-prioritized actualizers who have been planning for this moment. Let’s invest our time, our energy, our resources, and our support to the development of many paths that prioritize progressive change over returning to normal.

Preston Vargas, PhD, leads the Black Brothers Esteem program at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Join us at sfaf.org/BBE.

Preston Vargas, PhD

Posts by Preston Vargas, PhD

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Activism

Oakland Post: Week of March 18 – 24, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 18 – 24, 2026

Published

1 week ago

March 22, 2026

Oakland Post

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Oakland Post

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Advice

Financial Wellness and Mental Health: Managing Money Stress in College 

While everyone’s financial situation is unique, several common sources of stress have the potential to strain your financial health. These include financial and economic uncertainty, existing debts, unexpected expenses, and mental or physical health changes. Financial stress may differ from situation to situation, but understanding the factors contributing to yours may help you begin to craft a plan for your unique circumstances.

Published

2 weeks ago

March 17, 2026

Oakland Post

Sponsored by JPMorganChase

As a college student, managing financial responsibilities can be stressful.

If you’ve found yourself staying up late thinking about your finances or just feeling anxious overall about your financial future, you’re not alone. In one survey, 78% of college students who reported financial stress had negative impacts on their mental health, and 59% considered dropping out. While finances can impact overall stress, taking steps to manage your finances can support your mental, emotional and physical well-being.

When it comes to money, the sources of stress may look different for each student, but identifying the underlying causes and setting goals accordingly may help you feel more confident about your financial future.

Consider these strategies to help improve your financial wellness and reduce stress.

Understand what causes financial stress

2. Determine your financial priorities

Start by reflecting on your financial priorities. For students this often includes paying for school or paying off student loans, studying abroad, saving for spring break, building an emergency fund, paying down credit card debt or buying a car. Name the milestones that are most important to you, and plan accordingly.

3. Create a plan and stick to it

While setting actionable goals starts you on the journey to better financial health, it’s essential to craft a plan to follow through. Identifying and committing to a savings plan may give you a greater sense of control over your finances, which may help reduce your stress. Creating and sticking to a budget allows you to better track where your money is going so you may spend less and save more.

4. Pay down debt

Many students have some form of debt and want to make progress toward reducing their debt obligations. One option is the debt avalanche method, which focuses on paying off your debt with the highest interest rate first, then moving on to the debt with the next-highest interest rate. Another is the debt snowball method, which builds momentum by paying off your smallest debt balance, and then working your way up to the largest amounts.

5. Build your financial resilience

Some financial stress may be inevitable, but building financial resilience may allow you to overcome obstacles more easily. The more you learn about managing your money, for instance, the more prepared you’ll feel if the unexpected happens. Growing your emergency savings also may increase resilience since you’ll be more financially prepared to cover unexpected expenses or pay your living expenses.

6. Seek help and support

Many colleges have resources to help students experiencing financial stress, like financial literacy courses or funds that provide some assistance for students in need. Talk to your admissions counselor or advisor about your concerns, and they can direct you to sources of support. Your school’s counseling center can also be a great resource for mental health assistance if you’re struggling with financial stress.

The bottom line

Financial stress can affect college students’ health and wellbeing, but it doesn’t have to derail your dreams. Setting smart financial goals and developing simple plans to achieve them may help ease your stress. Revisit and adjust your plan as needed to ensure it continues to work for you, and seek additional support on campus as needed to help keep you on track.

 JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC