Living in America as an immigrant Black woman, I have found myself on the receiving end of innumerable acts of racism, especially at work. I have had to accept this as a norm and grow a "thick skin." I was motivated and inspired by the August editorial, "A Summer to Remember," which called on the nursing community to take action against racism. I couldn't agree more.

Systemic racism has always been alive and well in America, and this year the COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on health care disparities among minority populations, who, as discussed in "COVID-19 Exposes Health Disparities" (In the News, August), have been disproportionately affected by the virus. This underscores why the battle against the pandemic must go hand in hand with the battle against racism.

A well-known fact is that nursing is one of the most trusted professions in the United States. By acting as a unified voice on behalf of others, writing letters to legislators, providing excellent care to patients regardless of their race, calling out racism when we see it, and establishing organizational policies to address racism at work, nurses can participate in the fight against racism in the United States.

Ruth Kathuri-Emory, RN

Haverhill, MA