Date of Award
Spring 4-15-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Kinesiology (EdD)
Department
Kinesiology
Abstract
The purpose of this dissertation study was to understand the perceived effects of long-term COVID-19 on Black essential workers at the height of the pandemic and overall impact on mental health. The researcher interviewed 19 Black essential workers from Texas, across economic sectors (e.g., healthcare, sanitation), and who experienced long COVID symptoms. Findings centered across four themes: asking for help during the pandemic, COVID symptoms, being Black, and mental health. Using a theoretical approach incorporating critical race theory and social determinants of mental health, findings revealed the ways systemic racism affected these Black essential workers. This research can inform culturally responsive healthcare practices, policies that account for the continuing effects of societal structural racism, and future research on longitudinal impacts of COVID-19 and health disparities in Black communities.