This article argues that reopening the economy during COVID-19 will exacerbate racial disparities because Black and Hispanic workers are overrepresented in the industries set to reopen first. This puts them at greater risk of infection and death, exemplifying the “essential-expendable paradox” of Black lives in the US. The author calls for targeted support for essential workers of color, such as readily available testing and “hero pay” programs, to disrupt this paradox and prevent further harm to these communities.