ABSTRACT
Racism experienced by African Americans has been linked to several chronic illnesses. The COVID-19 pandemic has cast a light on the reality of long denied or ignored racism, including in healthcare, and a historical review of racism in medicine is important. A critical historical review helps reveal potential resources by which African Americans have endured, resisted, and thrived despite racism's unrelenting pernicious effects on black communities. This essay documents the Black Church as a spiritual and healing resource since slavery.
