Biden s vaccine push runs into distrust in the Black community
Cleve R. Wootson Jr. and Frances Stead Sellers, The Washington Post
Feb. 13, 2021
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Michelle Chester administers a coronavirus vaccine to Dr. Yves Duroseau at Long Island Jewish Medical Center on Dec. 14.photo for The Washington Post by Sarah Blesener.
Former Tuskegee, Ala., mayor Johnny Ford rolled up his right sleeve and smiled behind his mask as the first dose of coronavirus vaccine entered his arm - a televised display of faith he hoped would save Black families from suffering.
Ford became mayor soon after the disclosure of the infamous Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male in 1972, and he spent years seeking justice for victims of the abominable government-run program. Now he s trying to persuade Black people that vaccines fast-tracked by that same government are not only safe, but vital.
Audio for the story.
“Making It Plain: What Black America Needs to Know About COVID-19 and Vaccines” was moderated by health experts, faith leaders and several organizations. The event was hosted by the Black Coalition Against COVID-19.
Some may ask why a conversation was needed specifically for the Black community.
COVID-19 hospitalizes Blacks 3.7 times the rate of white Non-Hispanics and death rates are 2.8 times greater. This is according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
A recent press release from the Illinois Department of Public Health indicates that the average age of whites dying of COVID-19 in Illinois is 81. For Blacks it’s 72 and 68 for Hispanics.