Ayeisha Gipson, a graduating senior at Gambling State University, has endured an almost unimaginable reality over the last few years. The San Diego, CA. native faced the possibility that her seriously ill mother would not survive – and would never see her graduate from college.
“As bad as I prayed and helped with any medical procedures she went through, she was dying,” she said. “Each semester I came home, it progressed. I struggled to find peace about it while smiling on campus to maintain a front. “
Gipson’s mother passed away in March 2021 leaving her with this advice: “You’re going to have to keep going because time doesn’t stop,” she said. “I lived my life, now you live your own life.”
Gipson took her mother’s words to heart. Even though it feels as if a part of her is missing, she intends to live out her dreams. After graduating from Grambling State with a degree in history, she will pursue a Master of Arts in higher and post-secondary education at Columbia University in New York.
“My mother worked in education for my whole life until she got ill and retired,” she said. “I’ve watched my mother help college students or anyone who needed help, specifically with homework, and/or employment opportunities. I want to be like her.”
Her goal is to begin a career where she can serve students – especially those who are like her. Raised by a single mom, she grew up in a tough neighborhood in San Diego. Gipson started college when she was well into her 20s and needed help to pay for it.
What started as a discussion about scholarships with a GSU alum and fellow San Diego resident turned into a lesson in paying it forward. Virginia business owner Jeff Motem said that, during that conversation, he was struck by Gipson’s honesty, maturity, and determination.
“I know where she’s from,” he said, adding that he decided to regularly help out with some of her college expenses. “If you’re taking care of your business, I’m going to keep investing in you,” he told her.
It came down to the fact that he had help along the way, Moten said, and he wanted to give back.
“We all need help,” he said. “We all need mentors and guidance.”
Gipson did not disappoint. She excelled academically as well as in service.
While at GSU, she was active in Kappa Delta Pi (International Honor Society in Education), vice president of the Grambling chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and associate justice and chief justice of the Student Government Association. She was also a contributing writer for The Gramblinite newspaper.
Gipson said she has mixed emotions as she prepares to graduate.
“I am a bit nervous because I am really going to be on my own, transitioning to NYC. However, I am happy – looking forward to a new chapter “
She said she is looking forward to growth and opportunities at Columbia. “I want to be able to connect Grambling students with Columbia University and introduce them to opportunities applicable to them.”
Gipson compares her college journey to The Wiz or The Wizard of Oz.
“Dorothy was determined to get to Oz. Yes, she faced challenges, learned from them, and met people along her journey,” she explained. “At the end, she made it to Oz. That’s my story. I went through tough times but learned a lesson out of it and made It to my destination. I met amazing people along the way.”
Gipson said she’s thankful to everyone who has helped and supported her along the way to completing her degree.
“I want to thank my professors, cafeteria workers, and even maintenance for being there for me when times were difficult,” she said, explaining that she often spent long hours on classwork at the Tiger Den. “They were so nice to me and allowed me to handle my business because I didn’t have a laptop at the time, so I thank them. “
“I also want to tell students that it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from. It’s about the obstacles you’ve been through and your ability to work through them,” Gipson said. “Remember, the journey is the treasure!”
On Friday, April 9, Earl Simmons, better known as DMX, received his Heavenly wings. The rapper was rushed to the hospital to a hospital in White Plains on Friday, April 2 where he was reported to be in critical condition following a heart attack at his home that may have resulted from a drug overdose.
His family stated, ““We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at 50-years-old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days. Earl was a warrior who fought till the very end. He loved his family with all of his heart and we cherish the times we spent with him. Earl’s music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever. We appreciate all of the love and support during this incredibly difficult time. Please respect our privacy as we grieve the loss of our brother, father, uncle and the man the world knew as DMX. We will share information about his memorial service once details are finalized.”
On April 3, his attorney, Murray Richman, confirmed DMX was on life support. Later that day, Richman stated he was off life support and breathing on his own, but he clarified that evening that DMX remained on life support and he had “been given wrong information”.
That same night, it was reported had suffered oxygen deprivation to his brain as paramedics attempted to resuscitate him for 30 minutes.
On April 4, DMX’s former manager Nakia Walker stated DMX was in a “vegetative state” with “lung and brain failure and no current brain activity”.
On April 7, his manager, Steve Rifkind, stated DMX was comatose and that he was set to undergo tests to determine his brain’s functionality which would allow his family to,
“determine what’s best from there”.
DMX was a rapper, songwriter, and actor. He began rapping in the early 1990s and released his debut album It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot in 1998, to both critical acclaim and commercial success, selling 251,000 copies within its first week of release. He released his best-selling album, … And Then There Was X, in 1999, which included the hit single “Party Up (Up in Here)”.
DMX has been featured in films such as Belly, Romeo Must Die, Exit Wounds, Cradle 2 the Grave, and Last Hour. In 2006, he starred in the reality television series DMX: Soul of a Man, which was primarily aired on the BET cable television network. In 2003, he published a book of his memoirs entitled, E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have grown accustomed to hearing certain occupations described as “essential workers.” With the deadly pandemic combated via quarantines and vaccinations, psychologist could possibly among the most essential occupations.
Dr. Natasha Manning-Gibbs says it’s unfortunate it took the coronavirus for many to address their mental health. Witnessing the closure of businesses, job loss, weight gain and overall anxiety, the spike in people seeking help is at an all-time high.
Even with the reopening of several states and the easing of restrictions, it’s important to take the proper steps to ensure you are prepared physically and mentally to get back into the swing of things. Manning-Gibbs, who has a private practice in New Jersey, also runs a mental-health unit inside a juvenile prison.
She spoke to Zenger News about preventative methods to avoid depression and mental breakdowns and points out the signs of mental deterioration.
Percy Crawford interviewed Dr. Natasha Manning-Gibbs for Zenger News.
Zenger: How are you doing?
Percy Crawford interviewed Dr. Natasha Manning-Gibbs for Zenger News. (Heidi Malone/Zenger)
Dr. Manning-Gibbs: I’m doing well overall. Just looking forward to society getting back to what I’m calling a new normal. I don’t think we will ever get back to normal, but a new normal.
Zenger: Where did you earn your degrees?
Dr. Manning-Gibbs: I have my Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Seton Hall University in New Jersey. My Master’s is in clinical psychology from Columbia University. I am a licensed psychologist in New Jersey, in private practice since 2012.
Zenger: How did COVID affect your practice?
Dr. Manning-Gibbs: Significantly. In talking with colleagues, I’ve found this is one of the first times we have been inundated with many people calling to connect with a psychologist or do therapy. The pandemic, especially with it going on as long as it has, really pushed people … to think outside the box about how they take care of themselves.
People who, prior to the pandemic, would never have considered therapy are doing so now. They know something emotionally is going on with them. They know that they have been dealing with these feelings of stress, anxiety and depression for a long time. I know people who watched a news program or read an article, and they said it helped them identify something emotional that prompted them to reach out to a professional. A large number of people are saying to me: “Hey, I need help.”
Zenger: The silver lining: It made us slow down, get out of go-go mode, and perhaps opened our eyes that something was a little off.
Dr. Manning-Gibbs: A large percentage of people took the time, especially the first couple of months, to say: “Let me reel this in.” Being at work, commuting to work, taking care of kids, are all external things, but in some ways, the silver lining of the pandemic is that a lot of introspection happened. Some of that can be hard, but it’s a beautiful thing to do because a lot of good can come out of it.
Dr. Natasha Manning-Gibbs lives by the mantra: “Get your mind right.” (Bryan Whitely)
Zenger: We’re even seeing professional athletes come out and discuss their mental-health struggles and that’s a great start. It shows that what you do is essential.
Dr. Manning-Gibbs: [Psychologists] are on the front line to a certain extent. Not only is COVID-19 a physical condition, but it definitely triggered a lot of emotional and psychological issues, as well.
I have been labeled an essential worker because in addition my private practice, I also run a mental-health unit in a juvenile prison. If there is a snowstorm, we can’t call out. We are essential workers. We have to go in during a state of emergencies, but outside of the prison, I appreciate the spotlight being put on our profession.
Zenger: How important is it for people to pay attention to the potential signs that maybe they aren’t OK because they contracted COVID? Or lost their job due to the pandemic? What signs should they look for.
Dr. Manning-Gibbs: I work closely with several physicians who refer me patients who never thought about therapy, but have been dealing with high blood pressure for years and their medication isn’t working. So, finally the doctor says: “They may be more psychosomatic, go see, Dr. Manning-Gibbs.”
A far as COVID, people are not just relying on their primary-care physicians to say: “Go see somebody.” They can look at is some of those physical symptoms their PCP has always been concerned about. Taking a look at how you physically feel. The tension in your body. Sometimes, that’s a big indicator. It’s like, “Wow,” something emotionally is going on with me. I’ve been dealing with this tension headache. I’ve been dealing with this migraine; my shoulders are really tight.” Do an internal scan of your body.
On the emotional side, a lot of people are snapping. They are easily annoyed. They are irritable with their spouse or children. That could be another sign that people could be on the lookout for. Also be aware of mood swings. One minute you’re feeling OK, and the next you feel like you’re breaking down emotionally. Fluctuating moods are something to be mindful of — and if it’s not what you think it should be, reach out to a mental-health professional.
Another thing I have been seeing in the past year is a lot of anger. Especially working in a prison, I tell people I have developed an expertise on anger and rage. And often times, what I see in that population is that anger is often a mask for depression. It’s often a mask for sadness, especially among men.
Often, when people are really angry and upset, they don’t make that connection: “Maybe my chronic anger, frustration and rage have more to do with sadness than actual aggression.” If I had to pick the top four things, I would love for people to be on the lookout for physical tension that they might be experiencing in their body; the snapping and feeling easily annoyed; mood swings and anger; and yelling and screaming at loved ones.
Zenger: Before you leave home every morning, you use the mantra: “Get your mind right.” I can’t think of a better time than now for this to be useful. Could you expand on its meaning?
Dr. Manning-Gibbs: I’ve always done that, but I leaned into it purposefully this last year. It’s been this armor for me. We are going out into a world where a lot of people are hurting. A lot of people are angry and upset. They want to cut you off on the road, engage in arguments and become aggressive.
Over the past year, in particular, I have been intentional about putting on that armor every morning. My specific routine is let’s think of something positive. It can be spiritual, like listening to a great message from one of the pastors I follow, or reading something positive. People don’t have to follow what I do in my personal life, but what I suggest to clients is: come up with your own personal self-care routine. Lean into what will help you get through the day.
This can also include getting up and getting your body in motion. I have one client in particular who works for a Fortune 500 company. She’s a high-level executive, and what helps her get through the day is a high-intensity routine. That’s how she gets her mind right in the morning.
Zenger: In the African-American community, in particular, the word, psychologist is like a curse word. Why should anyone, including blacks, be embarrassed to seek help when it’s needed?
Dr. Manning-Gibbs: I love that question. One of the things I say to clients who had that myth, ‘Oh, I can just handle my problems on my own. I’m just going to lean into the church. I don’t want go see a shrink. That’s not for us, that’s for white people.’
One of my responses, within our community is: We will usually see somebody for a physical ailment. If you broke your leg, without hesitation, you would go in and see a professional. So, I compare the way we take care of ourselves physically, and say we should give the same level of care and focus to our mental health.
In order to be a whole being, you have to take care of your mental health. It’s really important for us to start switching gears in our mind. Our well-being doesn’t just have to do with how physically well we’re doing. It is also connected to how emotionally and psychologically well we’re doing. Another thing I lean on is” It’s grounded in research. The research doesn’t lie. Data indicates that therapy is helpful. Give it a try.
One of the things I love about this past year is that therapy is becoming more accessible. As for affordability, if somebody calls and says I’m out of their network and they can’t afford to see me, I’ll still support them and connect them to either Talkspace or BetterHelp. Those platforms allow you to speak to a psychologist or a therapist on a virtual basis. They do payment plans, and it’s more accessible.
Reggie Webb is a man that wears many hats in this entertainment industry. He’s an emcee, ghost writer, media personality, and an author.
Born and raised in Baltimore City, the edginess and grit of his hometown influenced his style of rap and entrepreneurial attitude. A few years ago, he released a project called, “A Mic & A Dream”. This project gained a lot of traction and caught the attention of music executive, Kevin Black. This led to Reggie signing a recording contract with a subsidiary of Universal Music Group. Unfortunately, nothing materialized from this deal because Reggie had to step away from his contractual obligations to attend to the health of his daughter. His daughter has sickle cell anemia and her crisis became so intense she was hospitalized for months at a time.
Recently, Reggie stepped back into the industry and, his buzzed resurfaced when he created a movement called, “Red Cup Nights”. This movement consist of feel good party music, merchandise for men and women, and a signature red cup backpack. He’s also co-owner of Hip Hop on Phonics, a company that creates educational Hip Hop songs and books that teach children a variety of things from different aspects of speech, math, and valuable everyday life lessons.
In today’s industry you must be multi-faceted to stay ahead of the curve and Reggie Webb has his hands in many pots cooking up great content for the masses to enjoy. Make sure you check this talented artist out on all social media platforms. With my RED CUP in hand and waiving it in the air like I just don’t care, I’ll catch you all next week. L’s!
Washington, DC—Following the news that Tishaura Jones, former St. Louis City treasurer and a member of People For’s Young Elected Officials Network, has been elected as next mayor of St. Louis, Missouri, People For the American Way President Ben Jealous released the following statement:
“The news that Tishaura Jones was elected mayor of St. Louis makes this a great and historic day for the city and the nation. With this victory, Jones becomes the first Black woman mayor in the history of the city. As a member of our Young Elected Officials Network for nearly a decade, dating back to her time in the Missouri House of Representatives and as the first woman treasurer of St. Louis, we know firsthand the work she has done and the progress she can make for the people of St. Louis. Jones is exactly the type of leader America needs—bold, compassionate, progressive and ready to lead. We look forward to seeing the advances she makes during her tenure as mayor, especially on issues related to racial justice and criminal justice reform, two issues she has long advocated for. We are so proud to call Jones a member of our People For family and wish her the best.”
Don’t you fall for Satan lies! The Devil is a liar! Telling you that you can wait to get save. Telling you that you can serve God tomorrow. Satan is “a liar and the father of all liars! [John 8:44]. He is deceptive, cunning, crafty, and sneaky. [Genesis 3:1-6].” Don’t you fall for Satan lies! Don’t you do it! “Be sober-minded; be watchful, because your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”[1 Peter 5:8]. Satan’s default mode is deception [2 Corinthians 11:14]. He pretends to have our best interest in mind, but in reality, he comes to seek, kill, and destroy. [John 10:10]. “Oh, I say and I say it again, Ya been had! Ya been took! Ya been hoodwink! Bamboozled! Led astray! Run amok!” [Malcolm X 1992]. Stop believing the Devil lies. The bounty he collects is eternal damnation. Don’t you do it! Don’t you fall for Satan lies. The Devil is a liar!
Biblical descriptions of him include everything from an angel of light to a ravenous beast. Anyone is a welcome challenge to him, from Adam to Jesus himself. Nobody is too good or powerful for his advances. He can provoke, tempt, enter into, transform himself, and vex. He is a cunning trap-setter, and his prey is man. He loves to manipulate and control, and his most dreaded weapon is death. Don’t you do it! Don’t you fall for Satan lies! You must learn to recognize the devil’s lies, reject those lies and replace them with the Truth of God’s Word. Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” [John 8:32]. Satan has been seducing for years and the results have always been the same. He seduced Adam and Eve and the result was the fall of mankind [Genesis 3: 1-6]. He seduced King David and the result was the death of his son and the division of his kingdom [2 Samuel 11-12]. He seduced Judas Iscariot and the result was the betrayal of Jesus and Judas committing suicide [John 13:21-30; Matthew 27:3-5]. He seduced Ananias and Sapphira and the result was that they dropped dead [Acts 5:1-11]. He tried to seduce Jesus and the result was the destruction of the Devil himself. Jesus forever proved that Satan could be defeated and that man did not have to bow down to his seduction. Stop cuddling with the devil, and submit yourself, to God. Because, sooner or later, sin’s consequences will catch up with you. [Luke 8:17; 12:2-3; Numbers 32:23]. Realize that you have an enemy and his number one weapon against you is a lie. Stop believing the Devil lies and REPENT NOW! If you don’t, how shall you escape? [Hebrews 2:3].
Jesus says in [Revelation 3:3] remember then, what you were taught and what you heard, obey it and turn from your sins. If you do not… I will come upon you like a thief, and you will not even know the time when I will come.” Unless you repent, you too will perish. [Luke 13:3]. “Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” [Isaiah 1:18]. My Spirit shall not always strive with man.” [Genesis 6:3].
Realize that we are still living in a time where Grace and Mercy is being extended. Run to His Mercy while there is still time. [Psalms 2:8]. “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found; call ye upon him while he is near” [Isaiah 55:6]. God has conveyed that He is finished with our disobedience and hard hearts. Enough is Enough! And He is ready to judge and punish His people for their rebellious spirit and actions.
I want you to know that God gave Ezekiel three specific prophecies regarding how the people will be punished—one-third will die by plagues or famine; one-third will fall by the sword; one-third will be scatted to every wind. Ezekiel was told to denounce idolatry and tell the people of upcoming famines and diseases. He was obedient although up against calloused people who had no interest in hearing the word of God or prophecies of disaster even though he reminded them that God will leave a remnant of His people. The people could not believe God would punish or hurt them. The people of Judah were so involved in their own pursuits they ignored the prophecies which instructed them to repent. Ezekiel message went in one ear and out the other. Because of it, God’s patience was all used up and the penalty for their disobedience was coming NO MATTER WHAT. He was ready to unleash his anger and judge them for their conduct. [Ezekiel 5:10]. God was not going to spare the people or look at them with pity. God was going to withdraw from them. He was not going to have any more pity on them. [Isaiah 1:11;Ezekiel 23:35; Daniel 5:1-31]. Don’t take the Grace of God in vain. Repent and live. Because I tell you the Devil is a liar!
To you who are believing Satan lies and delaying the time of repentance. To those of you who have backslidden, and those of you who are opposing the gospel, I want you to know that, “The Word of the Lord is against you.” For thus saith the Lord, “I will destroy you, and none will be left.” [Zephaniah 2:5]. There it stands, bearing testimony against you, who, in due time, unless you become partakers of the grace of the Lord, shall be overwhelmed, and destroyed without remedy.
As the Bible record, one day, the Son is going to look over at His Father and say, “Let me have them Father.” The Father will grant the request of His Son. Judgment will be unleashed on the Earth. Sin will be dealt with. [Deuteronomy 32:41; Isaiah 47:3; Ezekiel 25:17; and Micah 5:15]. Stop believing the Devil lies! Repent and live! [James 4:13-15].
Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” [Acts 24:25]. So far as the Bible records and early history go, Felix never called for Paul. Felix is suffering the torments of Hell, not because he wanted to go there, but because he waited for “a convenient season.” Don’t you do it. The times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent. [Acts 17:30].
FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Firefighters from the Franklin Fire department acted swiftly to rescue a kayaker from a flooded river after his kayak capsized. The incident took place at Harpeth River in the city of Franklin, Tennessee.
In a press release shared on March 28 from the City of Franklin, authorities reported that the Franklin Fire department received an emergency call alerting them to a sportsman who was desperately trying to re-enter his overturned kayak.
Emergency crews responded immediately, but it took them around 15 minutes to find the man. In their search assisted by the police, they used a drone and a thermal camera.
“With high water levels, strong currents, trees, and debris, it’s hazardous to enter flooded rivers and water. These individuals were fortunate,” said the fire department’s spokesperson.
They finally spotted the man holding onto a tree, surrounded by floodwaters, close to the Lewisburg Pike canoe launch. Using a boat, the firefighters successfully reached the man, who climbed from the three into the boat on his own.
The man, aged 60, who was not named, did not suffer any severe injuries but was shaken up, cold, and had a few scratches.
Along with this kayaker, there were three others, including a man whose kayak also capsized.
He also took shelter on a tree but somehow managed to get back to shore that emergency services. He then spoke to a local homeowner to raise the alarm.
The man, aged 60, who was not named, did not suffer any severe injuries. (FranklinFire/Zenger News)
None of the other three kayakers were injured, the fire department informed.
Accidents involving a kayak or a canoe are common in the U.S. As per a report by American Canoe Association states that “75 percent of the paddling-related fatalities involved canoeing and 25 percent involved kayaking.”
The report further states that “83 percent of the victims who died while canoeing was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident. Occupant movement/weight shift plays a significant role in approximately half of all canoeing accidents. Roughly 50 percent of the victims in a canoe- and kayak-related fatalities were fishing at the accident.
At least 25 percent of the victims in fatal canoeing accidents are believed to have consumed alcohol immediately before the accident.”
In 2019, a total of 556 fatal recreational boating accidents took place in the U.S. as per recreational boating statistics. There were 3612 non-fatal boating accidents; the total percentage of recreational boating accidents resulting in death is 13 percent, as per data from 2019.
(Edited by Ojaswin Kathuria and Vaibhav Vishwanath Pawar.)
What up I.E., and everybody! I’m a firm believer that without music the world would be blah! Allow me to introduce a good friend of mine, the talented Merrion Morey. I’ve had the honor of working with Mr. Morey in the past on a community music project. I love his work ethic and commitment to his craft.
Music has been part of Mr. Morey’s DNA ever since he learned how to sing in church. He enjoys writing music, composing songs, and to some degree, collaborating with other artists. Having the pleasure of meeting some of the industries poignant artists and composers throughout the years, he has made a well know presence in the music industry. Mr. Morey has shared the stage with notables such as: Stanley Clarke, Jeffrey Osborne, and he has also sung for The Delfonics Review.
Giving back to the community is very important to Mr. Morey. He has a passion for youth. Utilizing his musical gift, he was able to contribute to a youth boxing program by creating an album in which a portion of the proceeds was used to help provide equipment for their gym.
He continues to write and compose songs as an outward expression of his inner thoughts. Mr. Morey’s music can be accessed through all music stream outlets as well as social media. He’s also available for booking! So, the next time you need a smooth R&B singer please think about Merrion Morey. Until next week ya’ll, L’s!
Health care specialists, including several medical doctors, are keeping their eyes on coronavirus variants that some fear could lead to new strains of COVID-19 that could possibly undermine global efforts to vaccinate people and stem the global crisis.
According to the Centers of Disease Control, the B117 variant (first detected in the UK), the most threatening because of its prevalence, is the cause of 20 % of new infections in the United states – and 30 % of new infections in Florida.
Dr. Nirav Shah, senior scholar at Stanford University’s School of Medicine and chief medical officer of Sharecare, a health data services firm, says there are currently four different variants of COVID-19. He said the virus is adapting because “of evolution and natural selection.”
“The more virus particles there are, the more chances that a single virus particle may be a little different than the rest of them,” said Shah. “One or more virus particles is all you need to have a slight change. Maybe these spike protein changes – just a little – and it can attach to cells better than all the other particles.”
Shah said the virus is adapting as it encounters new hosts. But scientists are in a race to get everyone inoculated before the level of the disease in a community gets too high.
The B117 strain, he says, is 50 more % infectious than the original strain of the coronavirus and it could lead to up to a 60 % to 70 % higher rate of deaths, according to a paper published in the journal Nature.
Shah said some of the COVID-19 virus variants could reinfect people who have contracted the disease before. The good news, he says, is that the B117 is susceptible to existing vaccine therapies, although other variants like 1351 (first detected in South Africa) and P1 (first detected in Brazil), could reduce the effectiveness of the COVID shots in patients.
Fortunately, to date, scientists studying COVID-19 have not identified any variants that have been designated “Variants of High Consequence.” Those in that category “cause more disease and more hospitalizations, and they have been shown to defeat medical countermeasures, like vaccines, anti-viral drugs and mono-clonal antibodies,” says Shah.
Shah was speaking at recent news briefing on COVID-19 Virus variants organized by Ethnic Media Services. Other panelists on the Zoom teleconference were: Dr. Daniel Turner-Lloveras, a member of the Latino Coalition Against COVID-19; Dr. Dali Fan, a UC Davis Health Science clinical professor and Dr. Kim Rhoads, an African American physician and Associate Professor, Epidemiology & Biostatistics, at UC San Francisco’s School of Medicine.
Although the average citizen may be surprised at how COVID-19 is changing, Fan, said the virus’ adaption and mutation are much like other diseases.
He also presented some statistics from the Center for Disease Control about the coronavirus vaccines and their development. He said the vaccines were tested before they were released to the public.
“All three vaccines are very effective against symptomatic COVID-19,” said Fan. He said there are differences in the content of the vaccines and how they are stored. Fan said the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which requires one dose, is easier to transport and is perfect for pop-up clinics and rural areas.
“It may be a better option for people who want to get fully vaccinated quickly,” he said.
Turner-Lloveras said that one of the issues overlooked during the coronavirus pandemic is the impact of the digital divide. Black and Latino communities often lag in vaccination rates because they don’t have access to high-speed Internet to discover information and arrange for their vaccination appointments.
“Internet access is a civil rights issue, at this stage,” said Turner-Lloveras. “All of the resources that are provided to people are online.”
He also said more than 20 million seniors don’t have broadband access. “This is a group that needs to be vaccinated, but they don’t have access to the Internet,” he said.
He’s trying to solve this problem with a group called the Digital Companeros, who meet with senior citizens and help them walk through online registration and information. The organization also has a WhatsApp group to target people who access the Internet through their cell phones.
According to Rhoads, some of these reports about Black hesitancy and under-vaccination may not be accurate. She talked about her experiences serving a predominantly African American population in San Francisco through Umoja Health, a coalition of community health organizations that joined their efforts to increase COVID-19 awareness, testing and vaccinations in Black communities in the Bay Area.
The organization held a mass testing event in the Sunnydale and Bayview Hunters Point neighborhoods in San Francisco where they screened about 400 people, taking a community-based approach she calls “service in the name of public health.” No one came back positive for the coronavirus at a time when there was a 2 % positivity rate in all of San Francisco. She said the people, who were tested by community members, were also eager to get the vaccines. However, she attributes their willingness and openness with their confidence in Umoja Health.
“The community developed rapid trust in us. I was very surprised by this and they called out to us when one community member tested positive,” she said. “We saw neighbors going to door to door, knocking telling people to come out and get tested.
“What we recognized from that mass-testing site was that it was not going to work for the African American community,” said Rhoads. “But something more intimate would.”
Rhoads said when African Americans know and trust the health care workers, there is more participation. Because of the organization’s successful testing effort, Alameda County has now entrusted it to provide vaccines in Oakland and areas across Alameda County with African American populations.
“It is based on a pop-up model. We mobilize with local folks who go door-to-door, hand-to-hand, face-to-face, peer-to-peer, asking questions about COVID. As we moved into the vaccination phase, the Alameda Public Health Department recognized that as a major asset. They knew we could reach people, they couldn’t.”
Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
