Black Health Experts and the Black Community Come Together for Truth, Trust, and Action

(Black PR Wire) In a time when vaccine misinformation is spreading faster than the diseases themselves, trusted Black voices across medicine, faith, and community leadership came together for a powerful town hall: “Vaccine Talk: What Parents Want to Know”. Hosted by the Black Coalition for Health in partnership with BlackDoctor.org, the event delivered clarity, compassion, and truth about childhood vaccines — straight from experts who know, care, and look like the communities they serve.

Why This Matters

Childhood immunization rates are declining across the U.S., especially in marginalized communities, and preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough are making a comeback. This town hall tackled vaccine concerns head-on and provided answers grounded in science, history, and heart.

This conversation cut through misinformation and fear to deliver clear guidance about childhood vaccines—and the power of protecting Black families and communities.

Panel at a Glance: Who’s Leading This Change?

Moderator:

• Dr. Reed Tuckson – Co-Founder, Black Coalition for Health

Speakers & Leaders:

• Chris V. Rey, J.D. – Chair of The Council of Presidents, The National Pan-Hellenic Council
• Bishop Leah D. Daughtry – Co-Chair, Choose Healthy Life Clergy Council
• Darlene Whittington – Senior Vice President, Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated
• Kaye Noel Klein – National President, Mocha Moms, Inc.
• Reverend Al Sharpton – Co-Chair, Choose Healthy Life Clergy Council
• Oliver Brooks, M.D. – Chief Medical Officer, Watts Healthcare Corporation
• Patricia Whitley Williams, M.D. – Former Chief, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Rutgers RWJ Medical School
• Yolanda Hancock, M.D., M.P.H. – Pediatrician & Public Health Advocate
• Danielle Hall – Autism Society of America
• Katherine Tucker, DNP – Nurse Leader & City Council Member
• Jerome Adams, M.D. – Former U.S. Surgeon General
• Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D. – FDA Vaccine Safety Specialist
• James Hildreth, Ph.D., M.D. – President, Meharry Medical College
• Virginia W. Harris, MBA, CPA, CGFM – National President, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.

Together, this powerhouse group brought science, faith, policy, and personal experience to one purpose: saving lives through vaccination.

Key Themes and Takeaways

1. Vaccines Save Lives—Period

Decades of research prove it. Childhood vaccines are safe, effective, and necessary. 

“No child should die of measles in this country because we have a highly effective vaccine,” Dr. Adams said.

Recent measles and whooping cough outbreaks—especially among unvaccinated kids—are reminders that these diseases are not relics of the past. They’re here now, and they’re deadly.

2. Misinformation Is a Public Health Crisis

From false claims about autism to microchips to fertility harm, experts broke down the myths:

• Vaccines don’t cause autism.
• They don’t contain tracking devices.
• They don’t damage fertility.

“Fear is natural. But don’t let fear stop you from protecting your child,” Dr. Hancock added.

3. Trusted Relationships Matter

The best defense against doubt isn’t a viral infographic. It’s a trusted, human conversation.

• Pediatricians, nurses, and community leaders urged parents: Ask questions. Keep asking.
• Good providers won’t judge—they’ll listen.
• Your child’s health is too important to leave to Facebook and TikTok.

“These decisions are made by the heart, not the head. And you get to the heart through relationship,” Dr. Brooks said.

4. Our Communities Are at Greater Risk

Lower vaccination rates mean more outbreaks, especially in marginalized Black and Brown neighborhoods where insurance coverage gaps are growing.

“When you get measles or whooping cough and you don’t have insurance, you’re more likely to die—and more likely to go bankrupt,” Dr. Adams warned.

5. Schools Are a Crucial Battleground

With states rolling back mandatory school vaccine requirements, Black health leaders are sounding the alarm.

• Idaho has already banned all school vaccine mandates.
• Over 15 states are considering similar bills.
• When herd immunity drops below 95%, outbreaks surge.

Protecting access to immunizations is a fight that will be won locally—in school boards, city councils, and state legislatures.

6. Our Legacy Is Collective Action

During COVID-19, Black communities closed the vaccination gap for the first time in U.S. history.

We saved our own lives. Now, we must protect our children.

“When parents are empowered, children are protected. That’s how we build stronger, healthier communities,” Harris shared.