Thread by @sedyst

"Watched and still dying"
"I never imagined I would experience more loved ones dying in similar isolation and uncertainty [as AIDS] in my lifetime."
From the wise @Combsthepoet
odbproject.org/2020/04/26/wat…

"I have spoken with several social justice organizers and survivors who confirmed the stigma that accompanied not only the patients, but family members, friends and anyone who came into contact with someone suspected of having HIV or AIDS."

"We have since discovered much more about HIV and AIDS, but not without failed experiments, constant tracking of people living with the virus, and lots of government mistakes, most prominently from the White House."

"Late President Ronald Reagan would admit after his presidency, that he failed to act in a manner that would have saved many lives."

"HIV and AIDS continue to be stigmatizing. I know people who lost loved ones over 30 years ago and are still afraid to speak publicly about it. Stigma is dehumanizing, and at times as permanent as the disease itself."

"This moment feels eerily similar to the United States’ response to AIDS in the early years. Bans on travel, international surveillance, press conferences that initially downplayed the crisis, blanketed and changing assessments on how the disease could be contracted,"

"Those who test positive for HIV and AIDS, remain among some of the most tracked people in the United States. Their surveillance has not led to a feeling of safety for survivors I have spoken with, nor has it led to a cure."

"As typical with most crises, the impact on the Black community cannot be overstated. In 2018, Blacks/African Americans accounted for 42% of HIV diagnoses and 13% of the population. In 2020, Black Americans represent 13% of the population, but suffered 32% of the COVID-19 deaths"

"In predominantly Black Detroit the numbers are even slightly higher. Although Black people make up less than 14% of Michigan, they account for more than 40% of COVID-19 related deaths. Grief has become synonymous with trying to breathe, something that isn’t a given in the city."

"Detroiters aren’t just suffering poor air quality, further exacerbating the crisis, thousands lack clean and affordable water. "

"For several months, and to pretty much anyone who would listen, including in front of the Board of Police Commissioners (civilian oversight body of police), I would warn about the implications of biometric surveillance in Detroit mirroring the Tuskegee Experiment."

"[however], Detroit’s Project Green Light surveillance program and real-time crime centers were championed as the solution for monitoring compliance to the city’s “stay at home order,” and filling in the shortage for the department."

"In Detroit, and other Black and Brown communities, surveillance and increased militarization tend to be default responses to situations that would actually benefit greater from resources and empathy."

"Over the past month, Black Detroiters have been demonized in the media for the actions of a small percentage of residents, mostly youth who vocalized their frustrations to the quarantine by gathering in large groups. When caught, they are ticketed up to $1,000"

The narrative around the Black Detroit youth, differs drastically from the narrative circulating about the thousands of mostly white Michiganders who have ...behaved equally as irresponsible by not maintaining social distances, or practicing other safety measures."

"If there is any solace to be found in this crisis, its the neighbors who are pulling together in this moment to look out for each other, the hospital workers, delivery drivers, frontline workers who are ..administering aid, responding to emergencies & taking care of the elderly"

"While tech companies chomp at the bit to have their apps considered for tracking Detroiters, while the Mayor commands flyovers to ensure folks are social distancing, and while local hospitals pursue residents for medical experimentation,"

" I hold out faith that the perseverance that has gotten Detroiters through tough times on many occasions, will get us through again...We will rediscover that interactions we most value are the ones that happen away from video and surveillance cameras."
Thank you @Combsthepoet