Today, recording artist/actor/entrepreneur Tip “T.I.” Harris releases expediTIously Special Report – an insightful conversation with former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin that examines the Coronavirus’ disproportionate impact on the African American community. Viewers can watch the special podcast episode on the expediTIously with Tip “T.I”. Harris YouTube channel and have the opportunity to donate to the National Medical Association (NMA) – the collective voice of African American physicians and the leading force for parity and justice in medicine, as well as the elimination of disparities in health. Additionally, an audio-version of the podcast is available via PodcastOne.com on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

With plenty of misconceptions  spreading about the Coronavirus, T.I. sits down with Dr. Benjamin to set the record straight and discuss why African Americans are at an alarmingly higher risk of death, as well as how people can protect themselves and their families. Dr. Benjamin explains underlying health conditions prevalent in African American communities, including “high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and smoking” are significant risk factors that need to be taken seriously and consistently monitored.

In the episode, T.I. also acknowledges how the pandemic is exposing the longstanding issue of institutional racism. “We should use this crisis as an opportunity to overcome some of these barriers,” Dr. Benjamin responds. “Health includes education. Studies show that just by getting a high school diploma, your death rate is 2.5 times less…we need to make sure our kids get educated,” she continues.

Watch and learn