Some of the same people from the Black community who've encouraged me to have a career as a scientist will also refuse the COVID-19 vaccine, made by scientists. Even Black scientists. This is problematic but I understand the history behind the reason why. This must change. 1/
There is huge mistrust in science and healthcare within the Black community that is a result of America's generational abuse and trauma inflicted on Black people, from horrific experimental surgeries on slaves, through the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, and so many more examples. 2/
The amount of Black people that I see that are refusing any opportunity to receive a COVID-19 vaccine is terrifying. I remind people in my community that there are Black scientists at the lead of these vaccine studies such as Dr. @KizzyPhD, and they turn on us and shame us. 3/
I spoke about this numerous times in my community and also to @TheBuffaloNews buffalonews.com/2020/05/10/cov…
I personally feel a deep responsibility to my community to make myself as accessible and approachable as possible. My friend Dr. Shenell Tolson @G_Protein taught me about "iatrophobia", the intense fear of doctors when confronted with the medical necessity to see a physician. 5/
On top of receiving unfair treatment due to discrimination in healthcare, some Black people will not go to the doctor until it's the last possible chance due to mistrust in healthcare and science. I've been told some wouldn't go unless they were dying. It shows in the numbers. 6/
And on top of ALL of that, overall lack of basic scientific literacy in our country also impacts health outcomes for Black Americans.
Yes, I'm aware that these issues occur in many communities, but I'm speaking on the Black community in this thread. 7/
Yes, I'm aware that these issues occur in many communities, but I'm speaking on the Black community in this thread. 7/
