Syracuse, NY (NCC News) – A local radio host said that not wearing a mask is a license to kill in a viral Facebook video.
George Kilpatrick, Inspiration for the Nation host, lost his mother to COVID-19 in early April. His mother tested positive April 6th and after showing signs of recovery, her condition quickly worsened. She died on April 10th.
Since then, Kilpatrick says he has seen people entering gas stations unmasked on multiple occasions despite signs posted that masks are required for entry.
He says he was inspired by those instances and by his friend and local artist Carrie Mae Weems, who created a campaign that encourages Black Americans to wear masks, to post his video.
“The black community is disproportionally impacted by COVID. I’ve spent a whole lifetime providing inspirational messages and programming to this community.” Kilpatrick said.
Kilpatrick recognizes the importance of efforts like Mayor Ben Walsh’s #TakeCareChallenge and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Mask Up America initiatives but fears the issue is too politicized. He thinks if people don’t align with an official’s views, they may not want to follow masking regulations.
“People just have so many misconceptions about why we’re wearing a mask. It’s not a political statement it’s a life-saving statement.” Kilpatrick said.
He believes that the key to depoliticizing the issue and stop the spread of COVID-19 is getting everyday people to speak up about masking up. He urges everyone to do their part to protect themselves and others.
