Kimberly Manyanga Submitted to the Billerica Minuteman Amid the heatwave we found ourselves in at the end of July, my privilege was continually brought to my awareness. From my adequately air-conditioned home to my equally air-conditioned workplace, I have the privilege of living comfortably during a heatwave. So much that I rarely have to think about the temperature until I step outside, and when I do I can choose to step right back into my room, my sanctuary. Many across the country don’t have that privilege right now. The disparities in income and race when it comes to air-conditioning access are devastating. Lower-income and minority communities are the most vulnerable right now by the numbers, especially managing this heatwave during a pandemic. Multiple health organizations cite this unequal access to cooling as a threat to public health.