Black and brown pastors unite to battle COVID-19

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - As we’ve reported extensively on 19 News, there is a significant level of mistrust among black and brown people in our area about the COVID-19 vaccine.

However, there are efforts underway here in Northeast Ohio to bridge that gap of trust with the medical community.

The first place they believe that they can make progress is through the Black Church.

“Vaccines do not save lives. Vaccinations save lives”, says Reverend Dr. Marvin McMickle of Antioch Baptist, who made a plea for people of color to take the case vaccine to combat the COVID-19 Virus.

“And we need more resources in Spanish,” said Bishop Omar Medina of Community of Faith on the westside

He joined both in-person and online by various spiritual leaders and advisors from all over Northeast Ohio. Dr. Reverend Larry Macon, along with his son Larry Jr hosted the event in concert with the United Pastors in Mission.

Their goal: plain and simple: calling for widespread COVID 19 vaccines on church sites.

“It’s something that the Black Church has done. And so what I think is. We are just continuing a tradition that we have; fortunately, we have a lot of people who trust us, and we have a long track record.

We are considered a trusted voice in our community, and as the trusted voice, we have to make sure that people have access if they are more apt to get the vaccine if it comes from the church”, said Dr. Macon.

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