GuidesArch CityHome & StyleDiningFeaturesWeddingsLegals Warning: Racism is Hazardous to Your Health in Columbus Franklin County and the city of Columbus have declared racism a public health threat for good reason. Just look at the statistics. What’s being done to attack the inequities? Kathy Lynn Gray Talk about a racial divide. Consider this: There’s Bexley, which is 87 percent white. Compare it to the Near East Side of Columbus, which is 59 percent Black. They are essentially next-door neighbors. The average lifespan of residents in the wealthy suburb? A little more than 85 years. In the minority community? Try 67 years. Think about that. A difference of more than 18 years based on where you live.