The recent tornadoes in the Southern part of the US have caused at least 26 fatalities, and have highlighted the harsh realities that poor people face in the country. The tornadoes have left behind a trail of destruction, with entire communities of mobile homes being flattened, and people left homeless and struggling to receive financial assistance due to inadequate insurance rates.

The town of Rolling Fork, Mississippi, with a majority Black population, was one of the hardest hit by the storm. The recovery process is expected to take years, and President Joe Biden has provided emergency funds for the four counties most affected by the storm, which house a significant Black population.

The tornadoes have brought to light the underlying systemic issues that contribute to the disproportionate impact on Black Americans during such natural disasters. Poorer communities of color lack access to resources and are unable to evacuate in times of crisis.

For instance, in Rolling Fork, only 40% of the residents are likely to own a vehicle, which makes it difficult for them to leave during an emergency. Additionally, even if residents have the means to evacuate, finding safe shelter comes with extra expenses that many people cannot afford.

Furthermore, Mississippi is the state with the fourth-largest population of mobile homes, and residents living in mobile homes are 15 to 20 times more likely to be killed in a tornado than those living in permanent structures. This puts communities of color at a much greater risk.

Economic inequality is defined as the unequal distribution of income and opportunity between different groups in society. People who are trapped in poverty with little chance to climb up the social ladder are more vulnerable to the dangers of economic injustice. Communities that face economic inequality are more susceptible to the challenges that come with such inequities, such as increases in crime, decreases in health, food insecurity, increases in political inequality, and more.

It is important to address economic injustice in the country to avoid the challenges that come with such inequities and to save lives. While legislation for reparations is yet to be implemented, more efforts must be made to address economic inequality and improve communities.