Washington taps pastors to overcome racial divide on vaccine
Health officials are hoping Black religious leaders will serve as community influencers to overcome a persistent vaccine reluctance in the Black community
Stately and deliberate, with a distinctive white streak in his black hair, the
Rev. Wallace Charles Smith started his Valentine’s Day sermon at Shiloh Baptist Church by talking about love and vaccinations.
“That’s what love’s all about. When you get a vaccination, you are saying to everyone around you that you love them enough that you don’t want any hurt, harm or danger to befall them,” he said. “In the spirit of love, keep at it until you get your vaccination. That’s the only thing that’s going to erase this terrible scourge.”