Rep. Brenda Lawrence Spearheads ‘Mass Vaccination Week’ with Congressional Black Caucus

The 14th Michigan Congressional District is holding Mass Vaccination Week, which started Saturday, May 1 and runs until Saturday, May 8. Led by Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), the Congressional Black Caucus is aiming to address lagging vaccinations by holding walk-up clinics and partnering with organizations to raise awareness

“Think about the brilliant people we’ve lost … the mothers and the fathers and the sisters … those voices in our community cannot be replaced. We have an opportunity to make a difference to keep our community strong.” –Representative Brenda Lawrence (MI-14)

Lawrence is especially focused on encouraging Black Michiganders to get vaccinated, establishing several accessible vaccination sites throughout Detroit. These walk-up clinics will be located at churches, schools, hospitals and other sites throughout the 14th District. 

Listen: Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence on Mass Vaccination Week and the importance of getting more shots in arms.

Guest

Rep. Brenda Lawrence is a Democrat representing Michigan’s 14th District. She is leading the Congressional Black Caucus’ Mass Vaccination Week, encouraging Michiganders to get the COVID-19 vaccine. 

“We know that only 30% of the African American community have gotten their vaccine. And we know that COVID has not gone away,” she says. Lawrence says the key to fighting vaccine hesitancy among African Americans is through education, accessibility and awareness. “That’s what this week is about, getting into the neighborhood. You just walk up and you can get your shot.”

Lawrence says because Black Americans have been heavily affected by the pandemic, it’s especially important that they get vaccinated as soon as possible. “African Americans across this country disproportionately have attended more funerals due to COVID.” 

Lawrence says it’s the duty of Michiganders to listen to the science and get the shot. “Think about the brilliant people we’ve lost … the mothers and the fathers and the sisters … those voices in our community can not be replaced. We have an opportunity to make a difference to keep our community strong.”