Breaking News

More () »

Coronavirus

In Detroit, grief runs deep as city grapples with COVID-19

In Detroit more than 8,500 cases and 912 deaths have been reported.

Credit: AP

Jamon Jordan poses with a photo of his mother, Jacquelynne Jordan, in Detroit, Friday, April 24, 2020. Jamon Jordan could not mourn his mother in the traditional way. At Jacquelynne Jordan's memorial in early April, there were just seven people. No hugs. No traditional dinner where family members could gather to honor the 66-year-old matriarch's memory after she died from the new coronavirus. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

DETROIT — In Detroit, the nation’s largest black city, grief runs deep. Community pillars, first responders, public servants and a 5-year-old girl are among those who have died of COVID-19, and their loved ones are able to safely hold only stripped-down funerals.

The coronavirus has disproportionately impacted black Americans across the country — especially in Detroit, where more than 8,500 cases and 912 deaths have been reported.

All that is compounded by economic pain.

The city has made some strides toward recovery since filing for municipal bankruptcy in 2013, but city leaders say the pandemic has created a projected $348 million budget deficit.

In Detroit, grief runs deep as city grapples with COVID-19

1 / 5

AP

In this undated photo provided by Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, Michigan State Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, right, stands with her sister Julena Gay, left. Julena, 66, died April 14, 2020 of COVID-19 complications. Gay-Dagnogo said Detroit is experiencing a "collective loss" amid the pandemic. (Photo provided by Sherry Gay-Dagnogo via AP)

More stories on 13 ON YOUR SIDE:

►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.

Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.