Community

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Black Americans and COVID-19 Clinical Trials

By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., President and CEO,

National Newspaper Publishers Association

The unrelenting because of the presspread of the ence of melanin.” Of novel coronacourse, that assertion is virus (COVID-19) not true. Yet, unfortuthroughout the Unitnately, too many peoed States of America ple in our communities in 2020, continues to began to risk infection pose an unprecedentto COVID-19 because ed public health crisis for all Americans, but in particular for Black Americans and other people of color who are disproportionately negatively impacted by COVID-19.

As the trusted voice of Black America, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) in March of 2020 established the NNPA Coronavirus Task Force as a means of increasing public awareness about the overall preexisting health disparities in Black America and the disproportionately fatal consequences of COVID-19 for Black Americans and other people of color.

In fact, the NNPA of falsehoods and misand our Coronavirus information. Task Force were the The media has a first to issue a national responsibility to re“State of Emergency” search and report the declaration on April truth. 3, 2020 to warn Black This year marks Americans and others the 193rd year of the about the evolving danBlack Press of Amergers and public health ica. Since Freedom’s risks of COVID-19. Journal was first pub

Earlier this year, lished in March of there were just too 1827, the Black Press many myths and othhas remained on the er misinformation cirfront lines of publishculating primarily via ing and speaking truth social media falsely to power by demandasserting that “Black ing freedom, justice people and people of and equality. African descent were All of this brings immune to COVID-19 me to state categorically, “Black Americans have to be involved at all levels of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. We cannot afford to be silent, detached, denied, or prevented from being at the decision-making tables in terms of

COVID-19-based public health policies, research, clinical trials, remedies, and vaccine development. Our lives and future are at stake.”

The good news is that today there are many Black American physicians, infectious disease scholars, clinicians, medical researchers, nurses and others on the front lines as first responders and as leaders inside the major pharmaceutical companies that are striving to develop a safe and effective vaccine for COVID-19.

We are profoundly aware that within our communities there has been a historical and contemporary distrust of medical research. However, the challenge today is for more Black Americans to be involved at every point of the development of a COVID-19 vaccine to ensure that the medical rights and interests of Black Americans are thoroughly protected, respected, and addressed effectively and truthfully.

In other words, Black American engagement is crucial and critical in the development of a COVID-19 vaccine — including participation in clinical trials — to make sure that the new vaccine is effective to prevent Blacks and others from COVID-19 infections.

Three years ago, the NNPA, Howard University and Pfizer collaborated to do a national landmark poll and study of awareness of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) among Black Amer

icans. This was im

portant because Black Americans are disproportionately impacted by SCD across the nation.

Included in that NNPA-Howard University-Pfizer poll was the issue of Black Americans’ willingness to participate in clinical trials with respect to SCD. We were pleased to learn and to document that 76% of the Black American poll respondents had positive or neutral attitudes toward SCD clinical trials, and a majority indicated a willingness to participate in future clinical trials for SCD, given appropriate knowledge and recommendations from health care professionals.

It is urgent that in the strategic rush to develop an effective

COVID-19 vaccine for all people, that Black Americans are not left out of the process. The health of our families and communities necessitates our involvement to raise all the questions that need to be raised, and at the same time to participate responsibly in the COVID-19 clinical trials.

Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is the President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and can be reached at dr.bchavis@nnpa.org

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

She Will Answer

By Amelia Ashley-Ward, Publisher,

San Francisco Sun Reporter Newspaper

Ireached out to congratascended magnificently ulate my friend Kamainto history, standing on la Harris shortly after the shoulders of Shirley she accepted the nominaChisholm, Mary McLeod tion to become the DemoBethune, Fannie Lou cratic Party’s candidate for Hamer, Harriet Tubman Vice President of the Unitand other Sheroes. She ed States of America. She must have been nostalgic. is, in fact, the first African CNN and other major American woman to be senetworks were busy analected to be Vice President lyzing her speech. They by any major political parwere comparing her to ty. I had planned on simply the politically iconic Kenleaving a message for her nedys. One analyst even because it’s been our habit suggested that Harris is for some 20 years to have the Democratic party’s each other’s back and to new leader. They talked celebrate milestones. of her defining speech,

I didn’t expect her to its content, and the praise answer. After all, she had she heaped upon her late just given the speech of Mother, Dr. Shyamala Goher life. It was searing, palan Harris, her inspirawell-reasoned and at times tion. emotional. She had just I was still crying and

celebrating, while talking with my right hand, Rosalyn Gillis. I could hardly see through my tears, when a few minutes later Kamala Devi Harris, my freedom fighting friend, answered me back. I was blownaway. I just thought that since you’re about to finally kick in that glass ceiling – and we know it had to be you – that you didn’t have time to answer. But you did.

I was thinking to myself: Hey Madame Vice-President, what’s up with you? Why are you taking a pause from celebrating to answer me with such a kind and loving message?

My thoughts about my friend Kamala continued to flow. This is your night, your time, and your turn. Enjoy it and get every ounce of pleasure out of it. You are now finally reaping what you have sowed. You weren’t given any free passes, you never asked for favors, handouts, or hand me downs. You earned all that you have achieved and climbed every stair to get there. You answered the bell for every round, and you refuse to ever back down.

I should not have been surprised by your answering the call. You have always made yourself available and answered the call to service. And I am so proud of you for answering the call to serve with President Joe Biden to help turn this country around. That’s simply your way and how youoperate.

Our future VP is who she is and where she is because she is driven in her quest for freedom, justice and equality and she is loyal. Senator Harris at times will stop what’s she’s doing to answer a call. I have known California’s first African American woman District Attorney and first African American Attorney General Harris to be this way for her 18-year political career. To make it plain: She is “Kamala Harris For the People.”

Kamala listens and she’s an independent thinker. And she’ll do the same as VP. Kamala has been characterized as being too ambitious. What a great compliment and aren’t we glad. Someone lacking ambition would never have run for such valuable political offices to perfect social change and, in doing so, made the cover of Time Magazine. And, she certainly would not be the talk of the world as an exemplary woman who has marched into the history books again and again and again. Well done!

Thank you, Kamala, for always answering and being there for all of us.

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QUEENS UPCOMING EVENTS

Now Until November 20 8:30-4:00pm

Down to Earth Farmers Market

Get your fresh produce from local farmers and area food makers who source locally! Hosted by Down to Earth Market. Adherence to social distance guidelines is required to shop. SNAP EBT welcome. Health Bucks available. Farmers Market Nutrition Program WIC and Seniors checks can be used for fruits and vegetables from June through November. Outside the Garden on Dahlia, near Main Street.

September 10, 12 1:00-4:00pm

Get Covered, Get Counted

Need FREE masks or hand sanitizer? Haven’t filled out your 2020 Census? Visit one of their pop-up stations on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 1pm-4pm and help the borough stay safe while securing their fair. visit www. queensbp.org/2020census for locations and more information.

September 10 12:00pm

Sanitizer and Feminine Hygiene Products Giveaway

New York State Senator Leroy Comrie is commit

ted to providing access to sanitary and disinfectant supplies for anyone who may be in need. All are invited to this FREE sanitizer refill and feminine hygiene product giveaway. For more information, please call (718) 765-6359. 162-04 Tuskegee Airmen Way.

September 12 11:00-2:00pm

Back to School Drive-Thru Giveaway

One book bag with supplies will be given to each child. Child must be present. For questions please email dbcoutreach227@ gmail.com or call (718) 527-8233. Deliverance Baptist Church. 227-11 Linden Blvd. FREE, registration required.

September 12 2:30-3:30pm

It’s Electric!: The History of Computers

This Digital Visit program will talk about the history of computers and how we got to where we are through the many contributions from people across generations. See pictures of room-sized devices, and watch a nearly 100-yearold computer calculate. Join online at queenshistoricalsociety.org FREE with RSVP.

September 12 4:00-7:00pm

Southeast Queens Jam Fest

Southeast Queens Jam Fest will feature a lineup of seven of the brightest musicians in the community, in mediums ranging from Hip Hop to Jazz, R&B and Afro Diasporic Percussion. Along with the seven musican’s sets, the FREE socially distanced event will feature a Census station to inspire residents of Jamaica, South Jamaica and greater Southeast Queens to fill out the 2020 Census and prevent a community undercounting. Visit jcal. org to join.

September 13 12:00-6:00pm

Carnaval of Latin Culture

The Carnaval’s goal is to promote the art, music, dance, and great food from Latino cultures, as well as a day of fun for the whole family. Junction Boulevard Between Roosevelt Avenue and 37th Avenue. 37-05 Junction Boulevard. FREE.

September 14-19 7:00pm

The FADE Movement: Virtual Walkathon Week Week 2020

The FADE Movement is a walkathon event that aims to illustrate the father-daughter relationship and bring families in New York City together through fitness goals and bonding activities. Sign up at abalsports.com FREE.

September 14 3:00pm

Community Economic Development Training: Navigating the Beauty Industry

Join NYS Senator Sanders and Guest Trainer Amy Penzabene as they explore how entrepreneurs can position themselves to take advantage of the multi-billion dollar beauty industry which includes everything from hair and skin care to make-up. You will get expert advice from the NYS Department of Licensing Services which oversees the licensure, registration and regulations of all beauty enhancement occupations. Go to jamaica311.org to join for FREE.

September 16 9:00-10:30am

LIC Real Estate Breakfast

Please join the 15th Annual Real Estate Breakfast virtual event featuring a panel discussion and Q&A highlighting a mix of residential, commercial, retail and industrial projects, reflecting LIC’s unique blend of uses. Register online at licqns.com/REB2020. FREE.

September 16 8:00pm

FREE Wednesday Movie Night: “The Farewell”

Head to this FREE family friendly drive-in movie night in the parking lot of the New York Hall of Science to watch the movie The Farewell. Food and beverages will be available for contactless purchase.Space is limited with a capacity of approximately 200 vehicles. Pre-registration is required. 47-01 111th St. Visit www.queensdrivein.com to register.