Civil rights icon says vestiges of Jim Crow hang-out the COVID-19 vaccination course of

NORFOLK, Virginia (WAVY) – “What’s the matter with me?” That was the question teenage Patricia Turner asked herself when she was ridiculed, spat at, and urged when she incorporated Norfolk Public Schools in 1959 following the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education case.

More than 60 years later, Turner, a member of the norfolk 17He asked this question again after several failed attempts to get an appointment for the coronavirus vaccine. Turner called 10 On Your Side, a Virginia Beach woman volunteered to help, and the next day the civil rights icon received the vaccine. 10 On Your was there to record another historic event in Turner’s life.

(WAVY photo: Regina Mobley)

Today Turner says she is “finally free … finally free”.

“I’ve noticed that I can visit more places; I can do more and speak to people directly, ”said Turner.

(WAVY photo: Regina Mobley)

Speaking face to face is exactly what Turner is up to on Friday, June 18, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. when she and Turner Church, supervised by Dr. Earl James Eaddy, Sr., will support a mobile vaccination clinic in the parking lot of the historic church in the Oakwood area of ​​Norfolk.

“They need a place where they can walk, where they’re comfortable, where they know someone who’s already received it and is fine,” said Turner, the 76-year-old and feels better than ever.

(WAVY photo: Regina Mobley)

Oakwood, with less than 35% vaccination, is one of several areas classified as underserved by the state.

Turner says Jim Crow’s remains continue to haunt the vaccination process.

“The black community was treated so horribly and with a negative reaction to us that it scared us of everything. We don’t feel like we’re getting the same vaccine as a white man sitting next to us, ”Turner said in the front yard of the Oakwood Chapel Disciples of Christ.

(WAVY photo: Regina Mobley)

Annie Allbritton, the co-director of the nearby Oakwood Academy & Daycare, agrees.

A lot of people are still skeptical that they are not getting in the way they should, ”said Allbritton.

(WAVY photo: Regina Mobley)

The mobile clinic, jointly sponsored by Turner and the Church, is one of several clinics that will visit underserved communities in the coming weeks. Three mass vaccination sites in the area will close next week as less than 15% of black residents across the state received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine. Turner is committed to helping others with this process.

“So I want you to know it’s okay; please come. I’ll be there holding your hand when you need it, ”Turner said.

The June 18 clinic will take place in the Oakwood Chapel Church parking lot at 982 Avenue E.
It’s free and no appointments are required. Call for more information 877-829-4682.