Young people of color need California to take action on structural racism and inequity

In the midst of a pandemic that is devastating California’s communities, particularly Black and brown communities, 23-year-old Tanness Walker of South Los Angeles is working two jobs to pay school fees and help her mom.

Due to COVID-19, Tanness’ work hours were cut. So, she took a second job at McDonald’s while trying to stay on track to graduate with a degree in psychology. She dreams of becoming a psychiatrist and working with children, but she is worried about the toll the crisis has had on her family, her community and her future.

Tanness is one of millions of Black youth and other young people of color across California who are currently fighting for their economic and physical lives while shouldering responsibilities to help their families and getting very few resources and support, according to a new poll released by Power California with Latino Decisions.

Our poll shows that young people are suffering tremendously under the burden of COVID-19, a severe budget crisis and the legacy of structural racism, which puts them on the frontline as essential workers. And in the face of a weak and haphazard federal response, young people like Tanness are looking to state and local leaders to take action now to undo inequalities this crisis has laid bare.

Nearly half of young Californians of color (ages 18-29) surveyed said they have had difficulties buying food, household supplies or medicine because of the COVID-19 crisis. Nearly 4 out of 10 are struggling to make rent or mortgage payments, and nearly half have had their work hours cut. Like Tanness, 54% of young people polled did not receive any federal stimulus dollars — not one cent.

Their future — and California’s, too — is at stake. The massive economic inequity that existed before the pandemic is only getting worse and will last generations given what is happening to young people right now.

When the legislative session ends in a few weeks, Californians in nearly every legislative district will have no unemployment benefits, no protection from being evicted, and no way to pay medical bills during a pandemic. Meanwhile, California is home to roughly 154 billionaires who, collectively, have increased their wealth by over $175 billion since the start of the pandemic in March.

California’s young people have never needed decisive action from our leaders more than they do right now. And more young people of color like Tanness seem ready to demand that California leaders take steps now — not later — to fund their futures.

Three out of four (74%) said the government should find new sources of revenue instead of cutting spending to address budget shortfalls, with 80% supporting an increase in commercial property taxes on large corporations. Young people also are deeply concerned about police violence, with 77% supporting efforts to defund police and redirect funds to community programs.

Our poll also shows young people are willing to take action for their beliefs. Catalyzed by the national uprisings against police violence and for racial justice, young people of color we polled are expressing their views and organizing for change in significant ways.

Nearly 40% of California youth of color have taken part in a march, rally or protest in the past year, especially Black (49%) and Latino (42%) youth. And 80% consider themselves members, followers or supporters of progressive causes, including Black Lives Matter.

Even more importantly, young people of color are determined to demonstrate their power at the ballot box, with 64% saying they plan to vote. Overall, 80% of young people think it’s more important to vote in this election compared to the previous presidential election. The poll also showed that the pandemic and recent protests over police brutality have shaped their political outlook, with more than 60% saying that voting is a powerful way to make positive change.

Between the streets and the ballot box, young Californians of color are choosing to fight for their lives, their families and their futures. The question is, will California leaders do the same? Will they choose to fight for a recovery plan that actually tackles the structural inequities that have made this pandemic so much worse for people like Tanness and her family?

Young people are clear that they and their families deserve a recovery plan that asks more of wealthy corporations instead of placing heavier burdens on the backs of working Californians. It’s time that California’s leaders follow their lead.

This story was originally published August 22, 2020 at 5:00 AM.