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Dozens of black pastors to pray on Tacoma corners Saturday to draw attention to pandemic
Dozens of black pastors and faith leaders from all denominations in Pierce County plan to gather this weekend and pray along Tacoma’s streets to address the high number of people of color being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event, called 6 Feet in the Street, or 6FITS, is a part of a national movement created by faith leaders in East St. Louis, Illinois during the pandemic.
Bishop Lawrence White with the Church of the Living God in Tacoma is spearheading the event.
“We will stretch the entire corridor of MLK Way — on every corner of every intersection, we will stand together and we will pray. We will be unified,” White told The News Tribune.
So far, 54 faith leaders from 54 different churches across Pierce County plan to participate, White said. They plan to take to the corners along Martin Luther King Jr. Way between South 5th Street and South 27th Street and pray for 15 minutes, starting at noon Saturday.
They then will gather at People’s Park for a rally. White said masks and gloves will be available and that they are encouraging people who attend to social distance.
Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards said she plans to show her support.
“Anytime that our community can show solidarity in a safe way, that abides by all of the (governor’s) current restrictions, it’s important that we do that,” Woodards said. “I’m grateful that we have a faith community that believes in showing up for our city.”
White said the virus has highlighted issues causing populations of color to be exposed to COVID-19 at higher rates, such as lower access to health care services, and that by coming together they can help to systematically address those issues.
“We’re going to stand together — having one voice, having one agenda, and that’s holding local government and state government accountable,” White said.
In Pierce County, native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, Hispanics and blacks are suffering from COVID-19 at rates far above their percentages of the county population, according to data from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.
“When you look at the data that has been reported, African Americans are dying at an alarming rate,” White told The News Tribune.
Hispanic and black residents account for 11 percent and 7 percent of Pierce County’s population, while the health department reports they make up 23 and 11 percent of confirmed cases, according to data as of May 27.
Statewide, Hispanic and black residents account for 13 percent and 4 percent of the population, while the state Department of Health reports they make up 38 percent and 7 percent of confirmed cases.
By Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, in-person meetings with people outside your household are currently prohibited.
“Physical distancing of at least six feet is required when outside the home. Use of a cloth face covering is strongly recommended,” according to the state website.
A previous version of the story inaccurately attributed a quote from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. The guidance about gatherings is from the state, not the health department.
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