Getting political: racism and urban health.

Abstract

Reducing inequalities in health is now a major focus of urban health initiatives. Arline Geronimus has focused attention on the continuing excess mortality among African Americans and other peoples of color.1 In a related article in this issue, she further examines the reasons for this persistent inequality. 2 It is impossible to have a frank discussion of inequality, let alone devote an entire issue of the Journal to urban health, without confronting the continuing blight of racism head on.