Portraits of a Pandemic

Across every aspect of daily life, from education, health care and employment to food, faith and housing, women and people of color are being disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus. Inequality is exacerbated in a crisis, a reality on full display in Philadelphia, the poorest big city in America.

To better understand the toll the coronavirus pandemic is taking on women, The 19th and The Philadelphia Inquirer profile women in Philadelphia as they grapple with how to confront—and overcome—this unprecedented challenge.

Photo credit: DAVID MAIALETTI for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

July 31, 2020 | The Philadelphia Inquirer

Portrait of a Pandemic: ‘We Can’t Be Selective on What Black Lives Matter and What Black Lives Don’t,' Says Philly Race and Gender Activist

Errin Haines

Despite Pride month’s coinciding with the pandemic this year, Sharron Cooks still had plenty to celebrate.

June 07, 2020 | The Philadelphia Inquirer

Portrait of a Pandemic: Odunde Leader Says This Year’s Virtual Festival Feels Like a ‘Reboot, Recharge'

Errin Haines

The country’s largest African American street festival, Odunde, will be held virtually this year as it marks its 45th anniversary. The Philadelphia event typically draws half a million people and 100 vendors, spread out across 15 city blocks.

June 04, 2020 | The Philadelphia Inquirer

Portrait of the Pandemic: New Juntos Director Focuses on Building Services to Support Activism

Errin Haines

During the coronavirus pandemic, Erika Guadalupe, executive director of Juntos, has led the immigrant rights organization in providing direct services to vulnerable populations.

June 04, 2020 | The Philadelphia Inquirer

Portraits of a Pandemic: Joining a Broader Movement to Fight for Tenant Rights

Errin Haines

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, paying rent was not just about a protest — it wasn’t an option.

November 09, 2020 | Project news, Awards

Errin Haines Awarded Vernon Jarrett Medal for Journalistic Excellence

Abigail Gipson

Haines was recognized for her Pulitzer Center-supported project that chronicles the lives of women of color during the pandemic.

August 10, 2020 | General news

Pulitzer’s ‘Bringing Stories Home’ Initiative Continues Support of Local Reporting

Libby Moeller and Ethan Ehrenhaft

The "Bringing Stories Home" reporting initiative continues to support and promote local newsrooms, strengthening community voices amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

July 06, 2020 | General news

Behind the Story: Errin Haines on 'Portraits of a Pandemic'

Kayla Edwards

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns in the United States, grantee Errin Haines has spearheaded the Pulitzer Center supported project “Portraits of a Pandemic” a collaboration between The 19th, a non-profit newsroom committed to centering women in reporting, and The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Women and people of color are being disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus. The 19th and The Philadelphia Inquirer profile women as they confront this unprecedented challenge.