The WFTA joined the global celebration of women earlier this month, and whilst sharing their stories, it was clear that Covid-19 had touched them all in some way. They also recognised that it was time for families to be reunited. Many Black families in Britain have tragically lost their loved ones in this global pandemic compared to any other group. This sombre statistic inspired the women of the WFTA to share a call to action encouraging the Black British community to VERIFY information about Covid-19 before AMPLIFYING unverified misinformation
because we CAN beat this virus TOGETHER.
The London Borough of Waltham Forest; Tuesday 30th March 2021; It has been widely reported that while doing a great job supporting the whole community behind the scenes in healthcare services, a disproportionate number of Black frontline workers have lost their lives to Covid-19. The women of the WFTA believe that it is time to reverse this trend by sharing less misinformation via social media networks online. We should be fact-checking with official sources. The WFTA wants more positive action like this across communities to protect each other, resulting in positive outcomes. So the women are sending the message loud and clear in the video by using the slogan:
VERIFY before you AMPLIFY: Together we CAN beat this virus
The video speaks concisely and directly to the audience addressing the misinformation and encouraging the take up of the Covid-19 vaccine and signposts the audience to seek further details via:
Mayo Clinic: COVID-19 vaccine myths debunked – Mayo Clinic News Network
WHO: https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/the-race-for-a-covid-19-vaccine-explained
NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
WFTA Patron, Mayor of Waltham Forest, Cllr Christopher Robbins CBE: “Here at Waltham Forest Council, we are passionate about tackling misinformation and making sure every resident feels informed and confident in taking the Covid-19 vaccine when it’s their turn. In fact, the Mayoress and I have just had our second jabs. We’re proud to work in partnership with WFTA to tackle misinformation within our black communities and their video ‘Together we CAN beat this virus’ is a vital part of this work, which we’ll be sharing across our channels and networks. Thank you to WFTA for this important piece of work; together we will beat this virus.”
WFTA member and retired nurse Bernice Burton MBE commented, “There is a lot of good information about the Covid-19 virus and vaccines on the internet, but some are not always written in straightforward language that ordinary folk can decipher; we saw the need for some facts to be shared to dispel lots of the nonsense.”
WFTA Chairperson Mervin Caesar-John stated that “…the Association saw it as a necessity to assist in this vital work. So many of us have lost loved ones and are supporting our families in just surviving these unprecedented times. We saw the data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), which states that Black people are more likely to die from Covid than the rest of our community. So we had to spread a positive message because we believe that together we can beat the virus.”
WFTA Vice-Chairperson and artist Sharon Foster stated that “This video is an opportunity to change the narrative for people within our community here and abroad. The bold colours in the artwork embodies the vibrancy of the Caribbean and was integral to the message because art is a form of communication that crosses many barriers.”
Where can I watch the video?
https://youtu.be/OuTHaIOSyUk
Who is in the video?
Bernice Burton MBE is joined by other women members and supporters of the WFTA. In order of appearance: Danielle Gilbert (supporter), Mervin Caesar-John (Chair), Jennifer Gregoire (Welfare Officer), Kathleen Hudson (member), Hilma Alfred (Membership Officer).
Media Contact: Mervin Caesar-John 07732 332814
Website: https://www.wftwinningassociation.org/
Social media pages:
https://www.facebook.com/wftwinningassociation
https://twitter.com/wftassociation
Video directed and edited by WFTA member Annette Henry www.ah-marketing.co.uk
Artwork by WFTA Vice-Chairperson and artist Sharon Foster https://www.aliciadean-artworks.co.uk/
The video was supported by: WFTA Patron, Mayor of Waltham Forest; High Commissions of Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica
#Hashtags: #VerifyBeforeYouAmplify #TakeTheVaccine #CovidVaccine #COVID19Vaccine #COVID19Vaccination #StaySafeWF
Note: Waltham Forest, Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica Twinning Association is a voluntary community group of both men and women of all ages you can join here: https://www.wftwinningassociation.org/ready-to-sign-up1.html
