Date of Award

2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Baram, Uzi

Area of Concentration

Environmental Studies

Abstract

COVID-19 is a global pandemic highlighting historic, systemic inequities. The inequities are demonstrated through raw data of disease risk and severe outcomes of hospitalization or death. This thesis focuses on insights from the Multicultural Health Institute (MHI) during the Summer and Fall of 2020. MHI developed information about the infectious disease COVID-19 and through weekly strategic intervention community meetings. The work emphasized mitigating public health disparities through analysis of social determinants of health. The thesis focuses on Marian Anderson Place, a brownfield in Sarasota, Florida, because of its proximity to the historic Newtown district, the area of Sarasota with the most anticipated disparity in disease risk and severe outcomes due to historic oppression. The valuing and recording of oral histories of the elders of Newtown revitalize memories and heritage of resilience and dignity in a community that continues to experience converging crises of racism, the COVID-19 pandemic, and environmental degradation. This thesis bridges considerations of heritage, toxicology, geography, and a reflection of strategic intervention used to promote community resilience.

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