Although the African American community makes up only 12% of New Jersey’s population, we also make up 16% of all deaths from COVID-19 over the last year. Now, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, only 4% of New Jersey vaccinations have gone to African Americans. These facts are simply unacceptable. Let’s be clear. This is not because African Americans in our state won’t take the vaccine. For example, Somerset County opened the first community-based vaccination site at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, and more than 3,000 people registered within 28 hours. Nor is this a “supply” issue. New Jersey is getting vaccines, it’s just that only 4% are finding their way to African American communities.