- In an effort to better inform

the African-Americancommunity about the vaccine,

Bishop T.D. Jakes broughtin big name experts

for an online event calledConversations with America:

Understanding the COVID-19 Vaccine.

During the nearly hour-long discussion,

Jakes asked questions, suchas whether these experts

had any angst about thevaccine over the long-term.

Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, the lead scientist

on the coronavirus research team,

didn't hesitate.- Absolutely no angst at all.

You know, one of thethings that I think is

largely forgotten throughout this is that

the first phase one clinical trial

actually started on March the 16th,

which was almost 10 months ago,

and so from those people,they've been followed since then

and there are no outcomes for long-term

adverse outcomes.

Long-term side effects are not something

to be worried about.

- [Charlene] Much ofthe concern among blacks

dates back to the Tuskegeesyphilis experiment,

a 40-year government study

involving hundreds of black men.

The men, mostly poor sharecropperssuffering from syphilis,

were monitored, yet not treated

by government health officials.

Many died, went blind, or experienced

other severe health problems.

Dr. Anthony Fauci admitted theskepticism is understandable.

- It's a shameful history

that we have to just deal with,

so whenever I talk to my African-American

friends and colleaguesabout getting vaccinated,

you always have to showrespect for their skepticism,

and then try to get them to understand

why it is safe, it is effective,

and it is good, not onlyfor your own health,

but for your families and your community.

- [Charlene] Jakes explained,

while hard-hit communities of color

desperately need the vaccine,

access and distribution may be a problem.

He suggested using churchesand other faith-based groups

as a solution.- Is there any thought

about getting medical professionals

to work through faith-based entities

within those local communities,

where they could go tochurches, for instance,

and have medical physicians there

that could administer the vaccine?

Because many of ourcommunities are in food deserts

and places like that, wherethey can't get the vaccine.

- You could do it by community centers,

churches, you mentioned,Bishop, is very important,

faith-based organizationsgetting involved,

but also, mobile units to goout into those communities

which are not readily accessible.

- [Charlene] In the meantime, Jakes says

while his conversationprovides people with education

and knowledge about the shot,

he also wishes to offer hope

to those affected by the pandemic.

Charlene Aaron, CBN News.