As African-Americans continue to be infected with, and die from, the coronavirus at an alarming rate, Oprah Winfrey is addressing the situation in a special presentation on Apple TV+ and OWN.
In “Oprah Talks COVID-19 — The Deadly Impact on Black America,” the media mogul looks to bring attention to the devastating impact the pandemic is having on African-Americans across the country.
“This coronavirus is shaking up the world,” Winfrey wrote in a Twitter post. “I hope you’ll join me to understand why COVID-19 is having such a deadly impact on black America as I speak to leaders in our community and family members who are having to bury their dead alone.”
The episode is available now, for free, on Apple TV+ (no subscription needed). It will also air tonight (April 14) on OWN at 8 p.m. PT (11 p.m. ET).
COVID-19 is having a deadly impact on the African-American community. I’ll be talking with leaders, doctors, journalists, & REAL people suffering in this pandemic. Hope y’all can join me for this discussion tomorrow 4/14 at 11 PM EST on @OWNTV & streaming for free on @AppleTV. pic.twitter.com/L2nSJQ782x
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) April 13, 2020
In the special, Winfrey speaks with Van Jones, CNN host and CEO of Reform Alliance; Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot; Dr. Aletha Maybank, chief health equity officer at the American Medical Association; and Nikole Hannah-Jones, New York Times staff writer and founder of 1619 Project, a civil rights-themed series as part of the New York Times Magazine.
Additional guests join the conversation from their respective remote locations around the country to share how COVID-19 is impacting certain regions, how citizens can support those most in need and hear personal experiences from those on the frontline fighting this pandemic.
Also featured: A musical performance by Jennifer Hudson.
On Tuesday morning, Winfrey appeared on NBC’s “Today,” where she spoke to Hoda Kotb about how the coronavirus is “ravaging” the black community.
“Not only is it serious, but people that you don’t know, but probably will know, are losing their loved ones,” she said.
Winfrey went on to note that, among the reasons the black community has been so devastated, is the occupational obligations its citizens are facing.
“We as a people, as African-Americans, have jobs that require us to be at work,” she said. “For so many African Americans, there isn’t this ability to telecommute.”
“We certainly understand that the responsibilities and dynamics of some people’s lives, particularly African-American and brown people, do not allow you to be able to stay at home,” she continued. “Therefore, they need masks … For now everybody needs to look out for themselves and for their neighbors.”
Winfrey went on to emphasize the need for more — and faster — testing and stressed that it’s vitally important that African-Americans understand the urgency of the situation.
“It’s taking us out,” she said. “It’s killing your cousins and your friends and your neighbors. And you need to do whatever you can to protect yourself.”
Winfrey is backing up her potentially life-saving message with money. Last week she announced that she is donating $10 million to coronavirus relief efforts.
