Here Are Black Celebrities Who Have Volunteered to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine

To boost the African-American community's trust in the country's healthcare system, many famous Black public figures have volunteered to get COVID-19 vaccines.

While other people are rejoicing that there is a cure to the deadly COVID-19 virus, there are still those who feel unenthusiastic about the news, especially in the Black community.

The Black community, in the past, was long deprived of the opportunity to have an all-access to healthcare systems. Amid their deep mistrust, here are the celebrities who are out to prove that the vaccines are safe.

KAMALA HARRIS

Kamala Harris, the first Black-Southeast Asian to become US Vice President, was recently vaccinated along with First Gentleman Douglas Emhoff. She encourages everyone to do the same saying:

"It is relatively painless. It happens really quickly. It is safe."

HANK AARON

The late Major League Baseball superstar Hank Aaron, a long time supporter of civil rights organizations, was vaccinated in public at the Morehouse School of Medicine.

Aaron, a legendary home-run king, said that he was proud to get the COVID-19 shot. Like Harris, he also wanted to inspire the Black Americans to do the same as it will help millions of people in the country.

KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR

Basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar revealed on CNBC that he was vaccinated last January. He called on professional athletes to promote vaccine awareness in their respective platforms.

He saw the importance of vaccines for the community. The Black community's skepticism was rooted in the 1932 Tuskegee Experiment, where Black men were given placebos to treat syphilis. Abdul-Jabbar said they have "to overcome" it.

SAMUEL JACKSON

Actor Samuel Jackson took the vaccine on January 24. While at the given venue, Jackson wore a facemask with Marvel superheroes' cartooned images, including Thor and Captain America.

The 72-year-old actor was qualified for the vaccine after Governor Gavin Newsom moved California into Phase 1B of vaccine rollout on January 13. This allows people aged 65 and older to get the shots.

AL ROKER

"Today" show's weather reporter Al Roker took the COVID-19 vaccine on a live report. He received his first dose as part of the show's ongoing series, "Vaccinating America."

Dr. Daniel Baker, the assigned physician who vaccinated Roker, assured the latter that the vaccine is safe. He emphasized the continuous wearing of facemasks after getting vaccinated.

Baker also told Roker that there are side effects from the vaccine but they are just minimal and similar to those from a regular flu shot. Soreness on the arm is expected but only temporary.

More public figures expressed support for the vaccines, including Tyler Perry, Damon Kimes, and journalist Stephanie Elam. Meanwhile, Shemar Moore was the latest Black actor who contracted the virus but assures fans he will be fine soon.