The first event in this three-part COVID-19 reflections series will feature a panel discussion on the local impact of safety nets on communities of color during the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion will be moderated by Mara Ostfeld, associate faculty director of U-M Poverty Solutions. Panelists include:
- William Lopez; clinical assistant professor at U-M School of Public Health;
- Kat Stafford, national investigative reporter at the Associated Press; and
- Charles E. Williams, pastor of the Historic King Solomon Baptist Church in Detroit.

The Center for Racial Justice is partnering with Poverty Solutions and the National Center for Institutional Diversity to co-host a virtual event series that reflects on the local and state-level policies that have been instrumental in responding to the racialized health and economic disparities stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. The series brings together a diverse group of changemakers, including national and local policymakers, journalists, researchers, and community leaders, to (1) meditate on the past and current racial dynamics of COVID-19 in Michigan and Detroit, and to (2) discuss the policies, programs, and practices that have successfully responded to the needs of communities of color disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

Events will be held on April 1, May 6, and June 10.