Steelers legends Franco Harris, Mel Blount want African Americans to get COVID-19 vaccine

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers legends Franco Harris and Mel Blount, along with city leaders, are urging members of the African American community to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

The former Steelers joined forced with faith leaders and community organizations such as the Black Political Empowerment Project.

Together, they shined light on growing concerns over the COVID-19 vaccine and fear among community members of accepting the shot.

“We know that there has been some history in the past, but there’s a lot of new challenges that we are facing today and we will continue to face if we don’t get vaccinated,” Harris said.

Stressing that the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are proven to be safe, well-tested and effective, they said there is no need to worry or have mistrust.

Harris and Blount said they’ve been vaccinated and are encouraging others to do the same.

“I think it’s important that we take the vaccine because, first of all, you’re protecting your own health and then you’re protecting the health of others,” Blount said.

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